Balmoral Mills · Nova Scotia
Cottages Near Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia
Two cozy cottages by a brook, 12 minutes from Tatamagouche.
Why Stay Just Outside Tatamagouche?
Tatamagouche is one of the nicest small villages on Nova Scotia's North Shore, with a Saturday farmers' market, a much-loved craft brewery, good places to eat and warm beaches along the Northumberland Strait. You'll be in the village most days of your trip. At night, it's nice to come back somewhere quieter.
Field & Fern is 11 km south of the village in Balmoral Mills, on the countryside side of town. The two rustic cottages sit in a field beside a babbling brook. Each has a covered veranda, a BBQ, a fire pit and a hammock, and there's a covered hot tub you can use all year. You're 12 minutes from groceries and dinner in town, but it's quiet enough at night to hear the brook and see the stars.
Being south of town also puts you closer to the Cobequid Hills: Drysdale Falls, Sugar Moon Farm and Ski Wentworth are all nearer to us than to the village.
Still weighing your options? Our local guide to where to stay in Tatamagouche compares staying in the village, in a countryside cottage, near Ski Wentworth and along the shore.
How Far Is Field & Fern from Tatamagouche?
About 11 km, or 12 minutes. Take Highway 311 south from Tatamagouche. Look for the big barn on the left and turn onto Gil Sutherland Road. Cross the bridge, pass Dan Mackay Road, and we're about 200 m up the hill on the left.
| From the cottages to… | Drive |
|---|---|
| Tatamagouche village Groceries, restaurants, brewery, Saturday market | 12 min |
| Drysdale Falls Waterfall hike & swimming hole | 5 min |
| Sugar Moon Farm Maple pancake breakfast in Earltown | 15 min |
| Jost Winery Malagash, on the Northumberland Strait | 15 min |
| River John & Caldera Distillery Coastal village & craft spirits | 20 min |
| Ski Wentworth / Bike Wentworth Skiing in winter, lift-access biking in summer | 25 min |
| Truro Victoria Park & big-box shopping | 30 min |
| Melmerby Beach One of the province's best-known beaches | 45 min |
| Caribou ferry to PEI Day trips to Prince Edward Island | 50 min |
Restaurants in Tatamagouche
Our favourite places to eat, all within about 12 minutes of the cottages. Each cottage also has a kitchenette and BBQ for nights when you'd rather cook.
The Train Station Inn & Railway Dining Car
Dinner inside a restored railway dining car at Tatamagouche's heritage train station. The most memorable meal in town.
The Chowder House
Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Consistently good food at fair prices, and a favourite with locals.
Big Al's
Casual and hearty. All-you-can-eat wings on Thursdays and fish and chips on Fridays.
Derado's Pizza
The easy answer after a long day outside, when the campfire can wait a little longer.
Elsie's Corner Store
Lobster rolls worth the detour, on Route 256 in Central New Annan just past Drysdale Falls.
Appleton Chocolates
Small-batch handmade chocolates. Pick up a box for the cottage.
Tatamagouche Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The market is the heart of the community on a Saturday morning, with local produce, baked goods, preserves, meat and crafts.
Tip: arrive early for the best selection. Plan your BBQ dinner around what you find, then cook it back at the cottage.
tatafarmersmarket.com →Tatamagouche Brewing Company
A craft brewery in the middle of the village, pouring everything from crisp lagers and bold IPAs to seasonal beers. The taproom is a good place to stop after a hike or a beach day.
Tip: take a growler or two back to enjoy by the fire pit.
Visit the brewery →Things to Do Near Tatamagouche
Waterfalls, maple pancakes, wine on the Strait and paddling the coast. Drive times are from the cottages.
5 min
Drysdale Falls
An easy 3 km return hike to a waterfall with a cold, clear swimming hole. Best in July and August.
Our Drysdale Falls guide →Right in Balmoral Mills
Balmoral Grist Mill
A restored 1874 water-powered grist mill and provincial heritage site, just down the road.
15 min
Sugar Moon Farm
Pancakes with their own maple syrup, plus trails through the sugar bush. Reservations required.
sugarmoon.ca →Tatamagouche
Kayak or paddleboard the North Shore
North Shore Adventure Outfitters rents kayaks and paddleboards and runs guided tours.
North Shore Adventure Outfitters →15 min
Jost Winery
Nova Scotia's oldest and largest farm winery, with a patio overlooking the Strait. Try the Tidal Bay.
jostwine.ca →20 min
Caldera Distillery
Gin, vodka and whisky with a real sense of place, in the coastal village of River John.
caldera.ca →Tatamagouche
Creamery Square Heritage Centre
Local history and culture in the heart of the village.
From Tatamagouche
Cycle the Butter Trail & Sunrise Trail
Quiet countryside roads around Tatamagouche, or a section of the coastal Sunrise Trail past beaches and fishing villages.
Beaches Near Tatamagouche
Tatamagouche is on the Northumberland Strait, which has some of the warmest salt water north of the Carolinas. Pack a cooler and you can be on the sand within half an hour of leaving the cottage.
Rushton's Beach
A quieter beach on the Sunrise Trail just outside Tatamagouche, with warm water and sandy shores. Great for families.
Melmerby Beach
About 45 minutes east. Long white sand, supervised swimming, and a classic Nova Scotia beach day.
Caribou / Munroes Island Provincial Park
Near the PEI ferry terminal. Sandy beaches plus coastal hiking trails.
Ski Wentworth (and Bike Wentworth)
Ski Wentworth is about 25 minutes from the cottages. It has 20+ downhill runs, groomed cross-country trails, snow tubing and fat biking. In summer the same hill becomes Bike Wentworth, Nova Scotia's only lift-access downhill mountain bike park.
The cottages are open all winter. Each has its own heat pump, and the hot tub runs year-round, so after a day on the hill you can soak while the snow falls.
Our winter guide →“Needed a couple nights away to clear our minds, and relax. This space was just right. With little cell service (exactly what I needed) and a quiet, peaceful spot.The hammock by the fire, and the inclosed hot tub, listening to the rain hit the roof was peaceful in itself.”
“This was our 2nd stay at Stuart and Melinda's place this summer and once again it was simply perfect! Such a wonderful, quiet and beautiful place to stay!!”
“Really enjoyed the stay. My husband and I stopped by for one night and the place is so adorable but still has everything you need. Definitely feels like we got a chance to unplug and connect with nature and surroundings.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Field & Fern Cottages from Tatamagouche?
About 11 km, or 12 minutes by car. Take Highway 311 south from Tatamagouche, turn left on Gil Sutherland Road at the big barn, cross the bridge and head up the hill. We're about 200 m up on the left.
Where exactly are the cottages?
At 71 Gil Sutherland Road in Balmoral Mills, Nova Scotia. We're on the countryside side of Tatamagouche, between the village and Earltown, and about 30 minutes north of Truro.
How many people does each cottage sleep?
Each cottage sleeps two in a queen bed. There are two cottages, Sunrise and Sunset, so friends or two couples can book both.
Is there a hot tub?
Yes. A covered hot tub on the property is shared by the two cottages and runs year-round.
Are the cottages open in winter?
Yes. Each cottage has its own heat pump for heat and air conditioning, so they're comfortable any time of year. Ski Wentworth is about 25 minutes away.
What are the washroom facilities like?
Each cottage has its own private detached 3-piece washroom with a compostable toilet in the centrally located shower house.
Where can I buy groceries and firewood?
Foodland in Tatamagouche is a full grocery store. The Needs convenience store in town carries firewood and water jugs. On Saturday mornings, the Tatamagouche Farmers' Market is the best place to stock the cottage kitchen.
Is Field & Fern a good base for visiting PEI?
Yes. The Caribou ferry to Wood Islands, PEI is about 50 minutes away, which makes the cottages an easy night's stop before an early sailing or a base for a day trip.
Can I book directly?
Yes. You can book either cottage directly on our website. We're also listed on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and Hipcamp.
Book Your Tatamagouche Cottage
Two cottages for two, by the brook, 12 minutes from Tatamagouche. Pick your cottage and check dates.
Questions? Send us a message.