It’s a once in a lifetime event for this house to come on the market! Situated on Central Avenue in Inverness it overlooks the ocean, harbour and part of Cabot Links golf course. Sunsets from this house are spectacular. Inside, high ceilings, large rooms and beautiful design and finishes are unequalled. The house has a heritage designation. The elegantly landscaped property has numerous well maintained gardens, trees and shrubs.
House details
The house was built between 1908 and 1912, two and a half storeys. The main floor is 1,500 sq ft, the second floor 1,400. There is a full (poured concrete!) basement and a high-ceilinged attic.
Floor plan (ground floor)
The first floor has nine-and-a-half foot ceilings, 3 fireplaces and 6-foot-tall windows (12 altogether). Rooms include the large eat-in kitchen, with a period cook-stove and handsome brick chimney; family room, living room, formal dining room that can seat 12, and a sunroom and deck on front of house, with another deck at the back.
Large pocket doors separate the parlour and living room. The front entrance has a transom and sidelights, with a lovely stained glass design in the inner door.
Second floor has 8-and-a-half-foot ceilings. Four large bedrooms (the principal one with a cedar-lined walk in closet). One smaller sewing room. Bathroom with beautiful 5ft cast iron claw foot tub and pedestal sink, both original to the house, and updated fixtures.
The house features impeccable finishes throughout: original hardwood floors, three fireplaces with large overmantels and mirrors, freestanding Greek columns and tiles, plaster mouldings on the first floor. The trim throughout – none of it painted - is cypress, imported from Florida.
Lot size is 19,250 sq ft, or .44 acres.
Some history
The building's style is known as Queen Anne Revival, and the house retains most of its original architectural details.
The house was originally built to be a gentlemans club in Inverness!
As defined in 1910: “A gentlemen’s club is a private social club where men go to relax, mix with like minded friends, play parlour games, get a meal and get away from female relations (!)." Clubs were regarded as a central part of elite men’s lives. They had separate entrances for tradesman and servants, which would explain the design of the back of the house: a three storey section with hipped roof and back stairs that runs from the basement to the attic (56 steps), so the servants could access the kitchen, second floor and attic without encountering a guest.
But the house was never completed as a club. The original owner ran into financial difficulties before the house was completed and it was taken over by his partner Dr. Charles MacMillan, who occupied the house as a private dwelling with doctor’s office. He was an MLA representing Inverness in the NS House of Assembly, and in this home he entertained a number of prominent political guests, including prime ministers Robert Borden and Richard B. Bennett.
A curious note: When the house was built (1910) it was wired for electricity. But power was not provided to this part of town until 1939. Power was reserved for the mines and company buildings.
In 1986 Betty Ann and Doug Cameron, grandson of Dr. MacMillan became the owners of the property. At this time it was known as The Seaview Inn (more history!).
They restored it to being a private dwelling, and worked to bring the house back to its original beauty. They updated the wiring, plumbing, heating system; added insulation, storm windows and a new roof. Further renovations included installing weeping tile around the foundation and pouring a concrete floor in the basement. The plaster mouldings and archways were painstakingly restored.
The building has a heritage designation: it is on the Historic Registry of homes in Nova Scotia as the MacMillan-Cameron house, and can be found on the Canadian Register here: https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8846&pid=0
Location
Situated on the western side of Cape Breton Island (aka “ the sunset side”) this house on Central Avenue Inverness overlooks the ocean, MacIsaac’s Pond and part of the ninth hole of Cabot Links, one of two world class golf courses in Inverness. Amazing summer sunsets over the ocean can be seen from every front window.
Within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, hiking trails, one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia, Cabot Golf, horse racing in summer, school, churches and hospital.