Listing agent: Susan Diamond, Engel & Völkers Chester
The backstory
The central premise of the 1989 Kevin Costner baseball movie Field of Dreams was, “If you build it, they will come.”
In real life, sometimes they still don’t come.
That’s part of the story of couple Robynne Moncur and Chris Dineley’s 6,000-square-foot seaside house on Nova Scotia’s south shore (about two hours from Halifax): They built it planning to retire there, but as it turns out, if they move in full-time it could be a lonely outpost for the family.
“Our three daughters have absolutely no interest in ever going there again. … They won’t come to Nova Scotia – they made that very clear,” said Ms. Moncur, an interior designer with a long career of shaping spaces in the hotel and restaurant business.
Over the years there were summers and some Christmases spent on the ocean, but the daughters (fully grown with families of their own in Ontario and California) made it clear the rugged Atlantic coastline is just a little too far out of the way to make it a habit.
“My mother was born and raised in Nova Scotia. We would go every summer until I was a teenager and didn’t want to do it any more,” Ms. Moncur said. In some ways, perhaps she should have seen it coming.
But the pull of the Maritimes was strong enough that when she stumbled across an online listing for the undeveloped land in 2008 she almost bought it sight-unseen. “I had such an affinity to it, and I didn’t know why,” she said.
It was in 2010, when they were building the home and she was speaking to her mother about the location when the final piece fell into place. “She gasped on the phone,” and when Ms. Moncur pressed, her mother explained that bay was very special indeed. “My father was in the Canadian Navy, and as an honorarium you can choose to be buried at sea,” she said. When he died in 2000 the site he chose for his eternal rest was Port Mouton Bay. The X that marks the spot on her mother’s map is right across from Ms. Moncur’s Hunt’s Point home.
The house today
Home of the Week: 6999 Highway 3, Hunt’s Point, NSConcept Measures
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Home of the Week: 6999 Highway 3, Hunts Point, NSConcept Measures
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Home of the Week: 6999 Highway 3, Hunt’s Point, NSConcept Measures
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Home of the Week: 6999 Highway 3, Hunt’s Point, NSConcept Measures
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Everything about this home is designed to respond to the ocean. Down a steep grade from the highway the wooded lot gives way to a rocky shore where the house sits.
The house was designed by Ms. Moncur and is built around three “pods” that are the main living spaces connected to each other by walkways that hold ancillary spaces. From the outside, it looks a bit like three smaller cottages connected by lantern-shaped structures, that echo the “widow’s walks” and lighthouse turrets of the Atlantic Coast. “There’s lighting in those coffers, so at night it is really a beacon,” said Ms. Moncur.
Inside and out the couple focused on natural materials: Nova Scotia cedar planks and shake on the exterior and on the interior a mix of black basalt stone and wide-plank oak floors. The walls are mainly white, allowing the few accent colour walls to jump out, and the trim and doors are mainly black.
Ms. Moncur had never done the architectural drawings for a whole house before this (though she is back at it again for her next home, located more centrally for the daughters). Her firm does a lot of design for big hotel chains, and some of her favourite work was for Toronto’s venerable King Edward Hotel, including the refurbishment of the long-mothballed 17th-floor Crystal Ballroom. Like that ballroom, her home was also designed to be unique.
“The last thing I ever wanted it to do was look like a hotel interior,” she said. Her background shows up in the home in elements such as indirect lighting and elevated material choices.
“We didn’t cheap out on anything,” said Mr. Dineley. “We had access to quality supplies, as opposed to Home Depot.” That shows up in things like stainless-steel prep areas in the kitchen with integrally welded sinks, commercial kitchen quality appliances, and the custom-built black-framed windows that dominate all the water-facing walls of the house.
“They are designed to almost disappear because of that small mullion on the steel window,” said Ms. Moncur.
The entry foyer is in the “lantern” on the right, between the pod on the end that holds the primary living suite and the large central pod with living and dining space with a kitchen on the forested side. Passing through the second lantern (where laundry and powder room are tucked away) you get to the guest pod with three bedrooms and a large shared bathroom. All across the back of the home is a connected walkout patio, with defined spaces for outdoor cooking and swimming in the long narrow lap pool.
The home away from home inside the home
Some primary suites are just a bedroom with a closet, but in this house, it’s truly a self-contained retreat. On the right of the door into the suite is an office space that could be converted to a bedroom, but to the left is a long bedroom with ocean views. The space loops around a central chamber that contains a large ensuite bathroom/dressing room, and culminates in a library/private media room on the forest side of the house.
Almost every room has excellent views of the ocean, but to be sitting in bed looking at a raging storm is perhaps the best way to witness it.
“It is truly phenomenal when the waves hit the big rocks, when the tide goes out you can see they are massive,” said Ms. Moncur. “The show is just incredible. It’s spectacular.”
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
