Nestled into a quiet, private valley on the side of a mountain halfway between Inverness and Margaree Forks is the Flatroof House. Built in 1886, this classic Cape Breton farmhouse has been lovingly updated by the current owners, who have made extensive improvements and modernized the space while maintaining its period charm.
The home has three bedrooms, upstairs bathroom with a lovely tiled shower and heated floors, and a powder room on main. Heat is electric plus a wood stove that can heat the entire house.
All this on 15 acres of rolling land with nice views - primarily south - over the pastoral surroundings.
Originally a working farm, the owners have cleared much of the land surrounding the house, reclaiming a tranquil, peaceful meadow, which has been landscaped to include dozens of perennial shrubs and flowers, high bush blueberries, currants, and several fruit trees, including cherry, pear, plum and Cortland apple. The stone perimeter of the old cattle barn has been uncovered, and now surrounds a thriving raised bed vegetable garden. The remainder of the 15 acre property consists of mixed hardwood and softwood forest.
Restoration and renovation of this heritage home have involved many recent projects:
2018
Lifted the house to install a full height basement. Full electrical and plumbing upgrades. Septic upgrade. New bathroom. Downstairs space opened up. High efficiency Pacific Energy wood stove.
2021
New windows throughout. Clapboard siding and cellulose insulation on three sides.
2022
Metal roof
2023
Custom kitchen (using original wood from the house) Powder room on main. Extensive landscaping including regrading, driveway and parking improvements and french drain at back of house.
Helical piles have been installed at the front and back of the house in anticipation of an eventual covered veranda in front and walk-out deck at the back of the house.
After completion the owners planned to live in this beautifully rebuilt and refurbished house long term (one does not drag rocks to make vegetable gardens, plant fruit trees… to flip a property!) But life changes mean they now need to live elsewhere, and a buyer will have one or two things to complete.
Specifically the front veranda and back deck, and finishing the back wall like the other three. Materials to complete the siding and insulation on the back wall are included in the sale.
Survey
Location
This is a special house in a peaceful, magical location. It would make a wonderful full-time home, or a country retreat to be enjoyed through all four seasons. Surrounded by nature, it feels private and secluded while having quick access to Route 19.
This property is close to all the many amenities Inverness, the Margarees and the west coast of Cape Breton have to offer.
Inverness - with its shops, restaurant, hospital, famous beach and world class golf at Cabot - is only a 12 minute drive. Fly fishing on the beautiful Margaree river is just around the corner, and some of Cape Breton’s most beautiful beaches and trails are within easy reach.
