Notes from the host
Oceanview Retreat on the Baccalieu Trail
Hand build over a hundred years ago, this "Biscuit Box" house sits atop an old stone wall with a spectacular view of the cove and across the bay. If your main criteria is tranquility, an ocean view and scenic day trips or hiking while visiting this area of Newfoundland - then this is the spot! This house was tastefully renovated in 2010 and has old world charm with all the modern conveniences. Located in Trinity Bay on the Baccalieu Trail in a 400 year old quaint fishing village rimmed with fishing stages and lots of history. Whalewatching from shore, berrypicking and over 60 km of shoreline hiking trails. A 1.5 hr drive from St . John's, this house is located close enough to the city but far enough out to really feel like you're "Out Around the Bay", as we say.
DETAILS | will rent out to a maximum of six people. One bedroom with queen bed, 1 bedroom with double bed, and 1 small room that just fits the double bed, ideal for 1 person, snug for two. Large kitchen, cozy living room, sunroom with beachview, table for 6, updated bathroom with shower, comfy lawn chairs overlooking cove, washer/dryer, wifi, TV with cable, DVD, BBQ, quality mattresses and linens. Owner/caretaker is nearby to assist with any issues or questions you may have during your stay. Amazing ocean view from every window!
In 2010, the Avalon Peninsula was rated as the TOP SHORELINE in the world by National Geographic, based on it's "stunning and natural Integrity, a shoreline in excellent shape ecologically, relatively unspoiled, and likely to remain so".
THINGS TO DO | Relax on the lawn and watch the activities in the cove: whales, caplin, lobster fisherman, seals, bald eagles, loons... hike the trail to Hearts Content or the the quaint fishing village of New Perlican, visit the Heritage Landing in New Perlican Harbour, the Heart's Content Cable Station Museum and the Wooden Boat Museum, or visit the beach at Salmon Cove, drive the loop around scenic Baccalieu, drive up to Grates cove for a decadent NFLD/CAJUN fusion meal at Grates Cove Cafe and see many more fishing villages along the way. A week will pass quickly exploring all there is to see and do in this spectacular area.
HIKING AND WHALEWATCHING | Over 7 species of whales frequent these water in June, July and some years well into August. Feeding on schools of caplin close to shore, you can walks the 60 km of groomed trails along the shores and whalewatch as you go, with occasional orca and seal sightings. I can also recommend a local whalewatch boat tour in area. I love all the trails, the friendly people, and especially the view from the house across to Trinity Bay. Icebergs that drift down with the Labrador current often come into the bay and can be seen as late as October. In August the blueberries and wild raspberries are out in abundance, September and October - delicious partridge berries and bakeapple berries are ripe for the picking. There's trouting in nearby ponds, lots of inwoods trails, and the recreational “food fishery" is on each summer weekend, July and August. Get out on the water and jig yourself some of what was once referred to as Newfoundland's currency: COD!
The D'Iberville hiking trail system is maintained and has boardwalks and stairs in all the right places. You can literally walk the 50 km from Heart's Content up to New Melbourne, all along the coastline which is dramatic and varies in elevation and terrain. I can provide trails maps to all trails along this route and help you organize a 1 way hike with car drop-off/pickup on 1 end of trail. Hike out to Garlop Point after supper (15 minute walk from the house down a easy trail) with your glass of wine, and watch the sunset over Trinity Bay at the lookoff there - Bring the binoculars, eagles nest nearby and the whales feed there!
GETTING AROUND | Come by car or book a rental car well in advance, they can be in short supply in summer. The house is 1.5 hours drive from St. John's and airport, 1.5 Hour drive from Argentia Ferry and 9.5 hour drive from Port aux Basque Ferry.
I have assembled 10 day trip recommendations and trail maps, and can also help plan your trip to NFLD, should you rent my house. My family settled in this area over 250 years ago. I am passionate about Newfoundland, a member of numerous local heritage organizations and an avid hiker and whale-watcher, I would love to share my Newfoundland knowledge with you! I can share many links to places of interest in advance. NFLD is a big island - Plan your trip well!
NOTE: This house is on municipal town water and sewer system, therefore you can be assured the water is very safe to drink, it is delicious actually, best cup of tea EVER!
CONSIDERATIONS | 4 day minimum. No large parties or family reunions, or overnight guests beyond the booked amount of people. Maximum people is 6. If you bring a dog, they must be well behaved, stay off furniture and remain leashed when outside - municipal bylaw. Municipal Noise bylaw in effect 11pm - 7am. There is a large dog bed provided and a 20 foot cable leash attached to house. No smoking inside. This house sits atop an old stone wall, 8 feet high - see photos, a great view but no railing, therefore children should not play on front lawn, and be supervised around the outside of house. Nearest hospital and larger grocery stores are 20 minutes away in Carbonear. Be sure to leave clean dishes before you depart and lock up! Check in at 3pm, check out by noon. If I do not have back to back bookings before/after your stay, I can be more flexible with check-in and out. Just ask!
