Overview
Description
Own a piece of Canadian music history with this expansive 5.7-acre waterfront estate, famously known as the former residence of legendary songstress Rita MacNeil. Built specifically for Rita between 1991 and 1992, the home has been meticulously preserved and features many of her original high-end touches. Located on the shores of Sydney River, this multi-unit property is far more than a home; it is a high-performance, turnkey hospitality property with a proven track record as a very successful short-term rental. The estate offers approximately 5,500 square feet of finished living space across three distinct units, providing unparalleled flexibility for an owner-occupier or investor. The main house is a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom masterpiece featuring a massive chef’s kitchen and a sun-drenched solarium, while the lower level, once Rita’s personal recording studio, now serves as a premier entertainment hub with a games room and bar. Connected by a breezeway is the private "Rita’s Suite," which contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, alongside a chic, open-concept upper-level bachelor unit equipped with its own full kitchen and bath. Lifestyle and amenities abound as you experience ultimate relaxation in the 1,500 square foot indoor saltwater pool complex, featuring soaring cedar ceilings and lake views. The grounds are a masterpiece of landscaping, ranging from "Rita’s Garden" by the babbling brook—where she composed much of her music—to the private dock on Sydney River for boating and swimming. The property is engineered for modern sustainability with a full solar array and heat pumps to minimize operational costs. With an established management team and cleaning staff willing to stay on board, this destination stands as the most unique and high-yielding waterfront offering in Cape Breton today. The house is irregularly shaped. Square footage was determined by adding up all rooms in the house. MLA: approx 4330sqft + approx 1500sqft interior, finished pool. BLA: approx 1500sqft. TLA: 7300sqft. Additional measurements: Bachelor Unit dimensions: Bedroom: 20’7” x 10’4” 4 Piece Bath: 13’ 3” x 5’6” Eat-in kitchen: 13’3” x 7’7” Indoor Pool Room: 58’5” x 25’00” Pool dimensions: 50’x15’ Pool deck: 4’10” deck around the pool Garage: 25’ x 25’
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Neighborhood Information
Coxheath, NS
Coxheath, Nova Scotia, Canada is a charming city surrounded by natural beauty. Located near the Atlantic Ocean, the city provides picturesque views and a quiet, peaceful environment for its residents.
Living in Coxheath brings the advantage of being close to nature but also within reach of the amenities of nearby larger cities. The city's close proximity to the ocean offers endless possibilities for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
However, Coxheath is not without its downsides. As a smaller city, it may lack some of the amenities and services found in larger urban areas. Furthermore, the city's location on the Atlantic coast can bring harsh weather during the winter months.
70
Coxheath offers a peaceful and serene living environment, scoring 70 out of 100 in terms of livability when compared to other Canadian cities, due to its natural beauty but limited amenities.
Search Nearby Activities75
The schools in Coxheath offer quality education, but there are fewer choices compared to larger cities. The city's schools score a 75 out of 100.
Search Nearby Schools65
Entertainment options in Coxheath are somewhat limited, with a focus on outdoor and nature-based activities. The city's entertainment score is 65.
Search Nearby Restaurants85
With its proximity to the ocean and abundance of natural green spaces, Coxheath scores an 85 out of 100 for outdoor activities.
Walk Score - 0%Map
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Property Details
| On Market Date | 2026-03-30T13:33:25.5 |
| Status | ACTIVE |
| Price | $1,595,000.00 |
| Year Built | 1991 |
| Neighborhood | Cape Breton |
| Location | Lat: 46.096667, Lng: -60.259079 |
| Bedrooms | 6 |
| Bathrooms (Full) | 6 |
| Bathrooms (Half) | 1 |
| Bathrooms (Total) | 7 |
| Square Feet | 7,300.00 |
| Lot Size | 248,292.00 248292 |
| Appliances | Cooktop - Electric,Oven - Electric,Dishwasher,Dryer,Refrigerator,Water Softener |
| Heating | Baseboard,Heat Pump -Ducted |
| Water Source | Drilled Well |
| Sewer | Septic |
| Interior Features | Inground Pool,Balcony,Ensuite Bath,Secondary Suite,Walk In Closet,Solar Equipment |
| Roof | Asphalt Shingle |
| Flooring | Hardwood,Tile |
| Lot Features | Cleared,Landscaped,Stream/Pond |
| View | Access: Lake,View: Lake |
| Community Features | Golf Course,School Bus Service,Shopping,Ski Hill,Place of Worship |
| Association Fee | 0.00 |
| Listing Office Name | Engel & Volkers |
| Listing Agent | Lucy Dykhuis |
| MLS® | 202605783 |
No representation is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate and all information should be confirmed by customer.


