$3,295,000 CAD; +/- $2,416,300 USD; +/- €2,039,200 EUR

Welcome to Annapolis Royal’s most iconic mansion, where a majestic, tree-lined, canopied driveway leads to a local landmark, as private as it is historic.

Built of granite and employing almost 50 local artisans in its 6-year construction from 1929, this marathon commission was built for an American industrialist, using premium materials, such as 18-inch-thick walls, Pittsburgh steel, and a solid copper roof. With 380 bucolic acres, both meadow and woodland; over 6400 square feet of finished living area; a full basement; and a two-bay, built-in garage, space is both comfortable and lavish, thanks to a 7-year programme of restoration and modernization by the current owners, in keeping with the original design.

The main foyer sets the tone, with an elegant circular staircase at one end. A warm and welcoming great room anchors the west wing, with bespoke cabinetry and a Belgian, wood-burning fireplace. French doors open to a stand of rhododendrons, while bay windows illumine the space at either end. The east wing features a country kitchen, butler’s pantry, and dining room, while both bathrooms have been modernised.

The second-floor landing splits the bedrooms into two wings, each with a specific layout and attributes. The primary bedroom features access to the media room, carved out of the former servants’ quarters, a dressing room and an ensuite bathroom with whirlpool, along with two additional full bathrooms and several walk-in closets for additional comfort and space. The top floor has an additional fifth bedroom, with a bunk bed, large closet, and plentiful storage space.

Period details abound, with original slate and oak flooring, panelled oak walls, soapstone windowsills, Perrin and Rowe hardware, detailed trim, and a genuine Thomas Crapper toilet. 

Important components include completely rewired electrical infrastructure (LED lighting throughout), a commercial propane tank, high-end generator, high-speed Internet, a Russound built-in sound system, new twin furnaces, and a security system.

This estate could be an entrepreneur’s opportunity and a dreamer’s paradise, as an equestrian centre, apple orchard, vineyard (the soil rich enough to have been designated suitable for Riesling grapes by the province), or an event venue and Inn, especially with an18-hole golf course adjoining it.

The first European Settlement in North America north of Florida, peaceful Annapolis Royal’s 420-year-old history is evident in the town’s architectural gems, Historic Gardens, Fort Anne National Historic Site, restaurants, cafes, shops, year-round farmers market, theatre, and the world-famous Fundy tides, all within walking distance from the property.

About the Property

Built by an American for Americans, this distinguished stone house adjoins an 18-hole golf course in the historic town of Annapolis Royal.

Commissioned in 1929 by a far-sighted Pittsburgh industrialist as a standby against another possible World War, it took 6 years to build, using first-class materials, 50 craftsmen and a dozen masons.

The result is a one-off landmark. The present owners - only the third - recently undertook a marathon, 7-year modernisation from the ground up, not merely respecting, but enhancing the original owner's design.

With low taxes and limitless fresh water, it is strategically positioned on 380 manageable acres of both arable and woodland. Sporting a handsome, canopied driveway, the house includes 17 rooms, 18" thick walls, an 8-foot-high basement (untouched) and a massive copper roof.

It is literally rock-solid.

Designated by the Province of Nova Scotia as ideal for the growing of champagne-style grapes; zoned both residential and agricultural (taxes are under $10,000 US and "capped"); and with ready access to Halifax International as well as 3 private airports, the property is eminently suited to a discreet and comfortable family compound, summer retreat, equestrian farm or vineyard.

Significantly, it is also exempt from Canada's "foreign buyers ban," which applies to urban areas only; and with zoning permission readily obtainable, it could also become a health centre, retreat, or luxury retirement home.

Address: 3746 Highway 1, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

MLS®: 202602992

PID: 05094198, 05099510, 05284559, 05284567, 05284575, 05284591, 05284583

Directions: From Halifax take Highway 102. Veer left until it merges with Highway 101 to Windsor. At Highway 8, exit and make a right. At Highway 1 make a left. Property is on the left just past the golf course.

Lot Sizes Combined: 382.5 acres

House Dimensions: 60 x 24 + 57 x 31.5

Home Square Footage: 6,411

Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 5 above ground bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 half bathroom

Home Features: Stuv wood fireplace, Generac generator which will keep the house running for up to two weeks, Russound multiple room in-ceiling speaker system, heat-pump, electric fireplace, gas stove, alarm system, ensuite bath with air jet tub, shed

Garage/Parking: Attached 2 car, wired, several parking spaces

Exterior Cladding on House: Stone, brick, concrete

Roofing: Copper

Flooring: Hardwood, slate, carpet, engineered hardwood, vinyl plank

Water Source: Drilled well

Sewage Disposal: Septic

Heating: Fireplace, radiant in floor, furnace, ductless heat pump, hot water

Fuel Type: Electric, oil, propane, wood

Utilities: Electricity, high speed internet

Basement: Full

Foundation: Stone, poured concrete

Driveway: Circular, paved

Land Features: Landscaped, level, rolling, wood/treed, year round road, parkland/golf course

Rental Equipment: Propane tank

HST: Exempt

Please Contact Listing Broker: Piers Baker – Cellphone Number: 902-980-0522 or Email: piers@tfts.ca