what to bring to the cottage
what to bring to your nova scotia cottage


Sandy Lane
Vacation Rentals
135 Water St
Shelburne, Nova Scotia
B0T 1W0 Canada

tel: 1 902 875 2729
toll-free: 1 800 646 1577
[email protected]
www.sandylanevacations.com


Guest Testimonials

We fell in love with the ocean and the family of seals. This is a perfect spot to get away and relax. Despite the lengthy drive, we highly recommend going whale watching on Brier Island in the Zodiacs. Francis Louis House is a very cozy and comfortable cottage. We would love to retire here. Thank you for letting us stay here!
B., A. and R. Eckensuiller
Germany, Sept 2010
We had a fantastic time. Such a relaxing atmosphere and inspiring architecture.  Sand Hills Park was a great beach... Nice warm water.   Thank you for sharing your cottage!
C. MacLennan
Ottawa, ON, 2005
Perfect getaway location for relaxation
My husband and I had a wonderful week at Red Head Retreat. it was completely peaceful with only the sounds of gulls, waves on stone at the foot of the bluff and intermittent bird song. The house is spacious, comfortably furnished and open and airy with lots of natural light. The back deck is perfect for enjoying a quiet coffee in the mornings with dawn over the trees and In August it gets full shade in the afternoon, which makes it perfect for lolling in the Adirondack chairs with books and a cold drink. And there always seemed to be a refreshing breeze off the ocean. This was most welcome because we were there during a hot, humid week. But even the foggy mornings seemed special in that house. Alerted by the management company and a previous guest's post, we limited our time on the large back lawn and on woodland trails in the region due to ticks. We took extra medication precautions for our dog and checked her and each other after each excursion. Happy to report that we didn't see a tick all week! But we did see lots of deer. The back lawn area seemed to be an early morning and evening gathering place. At dusk on one day we counted 12 does and fawns of assorted sizes (see photo). We also saw plenty of rabbits, and pheasants, plus a beaver or muskrat by the causeway on the approach road. We are familiar with Nova Scotia's south shore and like to choose a base from which to explore by car and at times by bike or foot. Red Head Retreat is our favourite rental so far. There is no direct beach access from the house but many beautiful beaches - usually very sparsely peopled - within a short driving distance. We also treated ourselves to a final night dinner out at the Charlotte Lane in Shelburne. it was our fourth visit to the restaurant over the past decade and it never disappoints. But a note to other guests who might be inclined to give it a try - do make a reservation. We saw several tourists walk in and be disappointed the evening we were there. Altogether, a lovely week. Thank you!
msmoggs
 Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada, 2015
 My husband and I take a vacation every year on our anniversary!! I had suggested going to Nova Scotia because neither of us have ever been there before and we both have always wanted to go!! I found Castaway Ocean Lodge on Home away website. My husband and I love log cabin homes and try to rent them when we have vacations!! The pictures of the cabin looked beautiful and we were not disappointed. We found it very easy to find. We came upon the cabin, we both said WOW at the same time!! The cabin was beautiful inside and out! This vacation was about relaxing, no agenda!! Each day, I awoke early in the morning, made coffee, and sat outside on the deck, reading, drinking coffee and enjoying the beautiful ocean views!! I took pictures every day of the sunset looking over the ocean!! It was absolutely breathtaking! The cabin had everything you needed for amenities. We travelled to surrounding communities of Shelburne, Liverpool, Barrington and Halifax! I would recommend this cabin for anyone who wants tranquility, serenity and a peaceful vacation!!
483betsy
 Nashua, NH, US, 2015

What to Bring

For me, packing for our vacations is both a pleasure and a curse.  I love the thought of leaving, but hate the activity of getting ready.  Suitcases line my bedroom floor for days ahead of time.  I put things in and then take them out.  It’s hard to plan the perfect “go-with-everything wardrobe”.  There is so much to think about, especially when you have children!  The new airline rules for the number of suitcases and carry-on-bags you can take with you just add another frustrating dimension to this task!  

All our Sandy Lane cottages are privately owned and are fully furnished and decorated to the homeowner's personal taste.  Kitchens are well equipped with dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots & pans, cookware and linens.  All the beds have mattress pads, pillows, sheet sets, blankets, bed spreads or comforters.   Most of the cottages have BBQs and patio furniture.

Basically all you have to bring is your food and your clothes.  To help with the packing, here is a list of some of the personal things that you might want to bring with you.



Groceries

All the cottages are stocked with basic condiments at the beginning of the season.  All food in the fridge was purchased this season.  You are welcome to use the food that is in the fridge and cupboards.

There are grocery stores in all the major towns: Liverpool, Lockeport, Shelburne and Barrington.    The Sobey’s in Shelburne stays open until 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and is also open on Sundays.  The Atlantic Superstore is a good grocery shop and can be found close by in Yarmouth, Barrington, and Liverpool.  There are also independent fish markets - Mr. Fish in Shelburne has a good supply.  If you see someone selling seafood from the back of their pick up truck, it is safe to buy.  It is most likely a fisherman or his family.  The seafood will be fresh.


Wine, Beer and Spirits

NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation) stores can be found in all major towns close by – Barrington, Yarmouth, Liverpool and Shelburne.  Stores usually stay open until 9 p.m in the summer.


Towels and Bed Linens

Hand, face and bath towels are provided.  The homeowners would prefer that bath towels were not taken to the beach, so please bring a beach towel with you. Bed linens are provided in all cottages.  If you require a special pillow in order to sleep, please bring that with you.


Toiletries and Medications

Bring all personal toiletries and all prescriptions with you.  Pharmacies are usually open quite late during the week and on Sundays if you need over the counter medications. 

Clothing

Nova Scotia’s summer weather pattern is typically warm days with cool nights.  Being on the coast, you should plan for some rain.  Bring comfortable walking shoes, a windbreaker/raincoat, and a warm sweater for the evenings and sun hats, shorts, sundresses and bathing suits for the days.  There can be some cool days in the spring and fall.  Warmer sweaters and coats are advised.  


Sports Equipment and Games

Kayaks and canoes can be rented locally.  Most of the cottages have some games on hand – cards, backgammon, cribbage, etc.


Camera Equipment

Film and regular batteries can be purchased locally.  It is not always easy to find the right battery for your camera.  So, to avoid the disappointment of a dead camera, it might be a good idea to bring an extra camera battery with you.  Hint: If you are leaving the country, proof of purchase of expensive camera equipment can avoid customs problems.


Sun Screen and Bug Repellant

Both can be purchased locally.  An insect repellant with the active ingredient DEET is the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.  While West Nile Disease is not widespread in Nova Scotia, Heath Canada advises that to be on the safe side one should minimize outdoor activities where mosquitoes are likely to be encountered, especially at dawn, at dusk and at night.
 

Paper Products

Paper products such as paper towel, napkins and toilet paper are supplied. 


Wood

If the cottage has a wood-burning fireplace, wood is supplied.  Wood is not supplied for fire pits or beach bonfires.  Most often wood for these fires can be found on the beach or in the woods around the cottage.  All outside fires must not be left unattended and have to be fully extinguished before going to bed.

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