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June 20, 2023
Here are two stories from the Nova Scotia luxury real estate market that give you a view of what less-than-you’ll-pay-elsewhere buys in a high-end home.
“Although prices are the highest they’ve ever been in our province, they are still cheap by comparison to most other areas in Canada,” said Chris Perkins, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty.
“It remains appealing because people are able to cash in on high real estate prices where they live to relocate to Nova Scotia.”
Exhibit #1:
The Kutcher Residence, 11 Glencairn Lane, Herring Cove, NS
“I love the story of this home,” said Perkins.
When the homeowners were choosing where to build, they walked up a hill and through the trees to find a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean—from an enormous granite boulder. They sat on the rock. They took it all in. “They would incorporate the boulder into the design of the property,” said Perkins. “This is where they would build their home.”
Not everyone shared their vision. A first architect suggested they simply blast the rock out and build something conventional. A second architect—the now world-renowned Bryan MacKay-Lyons—saw what they were seeing. The boulder would stay and be incorporated into the structure.
“The house now hovers atop the boulder, just as they dreamed it would,” said Perkins. “The result is a serene retreat with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the supertankers and ships that pass by.”
Through COVID, especially, people were dreaming of space and privacy, Perkins said.
The listing: $1,979,900
The Kutcher Residence is 15 minutes from Halifax.
The design harmonizes with the natural surroundings. A roof made of standing-seam Galvalume metal folds down towards the forested northern side, while the southern facade is entirely glazed, providing unobstructed panoramic views.
Approaching the property, you are invited through a portal to a protected courtyard—a transition from the natural landscape to the sea. The residence follows the principles of Feng Shui, employing an indirect entry sequence that gradually immerses visitors in the architectural experience.
“They would incorporate the boulder into the design of the property,” said Perkins. “This is where they would build their home.”
The passive solar approach maximizes natural light and warmth through expansive glazing and hydronic heating in the concrete flooring. The open plan stretches across the main living, dining and kitchen areas, bookended by two large fireplaces that create balance and focal points for gathering. The curtain glass windows enhance the connection to the water, seamlessly merging the horizon line with the interior environment.
Luxury at a fraction of the price of other locations in Canada, Perkins said.
Exhibit #2:
The Penthouses at The Roy, 2303-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS
“No other building showcases sweeping, panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour from the 23rd floor,” said Perkins.
“We hosted our brokerage launch event in the suite and more than 75 people easily fit into the grand living area,” he said. “It was a really amazing evening, with everyone at one point standing on the enormous balcony, watching the boats in the harbour as the sun set over the city. It was magic.”
The soaring view of The Roy at 1650 Granville Street, Halifax.
The listing: $3,584,900
At 3259 square feet and with breathtaking, panoramic views of the harbour, Suite 2303 is the pinnacle offering in the building. The suite boasts a designer kitchen with pure white quartz counters, Calacatta marble backsplash and hand-crafted Gaggeneau appliances. The great room is awash with natural light courtesy of 10-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing white oak hardwood floors and a natural gas fireplace.
“No other building showcases sweeping, panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour from the 23rd floor,” said Perkins.
The primary bedroom has a large, walk-in closet and luxurious ensuite bathroom with a floating tub and heated floors. Two guest bedrooms, two additional bathrooms and a media room complete the suite.
“In Nova Scotia, you are never more than 60 km from the ocean,” Perkins said.
The building has secure indoor parking above street level, a car elevator and offers 10,000 square feet of amenities, including an indoor pool, sauna and steam room as well as a fully equipped gym and yoga studio. Residents may book social events in the expansive party room or attend business meetings in the conference centre. There is a library, a billiards table and a movie theatre.
Interest in Nova Scotia luxury
Perkins said the average price of a home in Nova Scotia has risen by 64% since 2020, an increase felt across all segments of the market, including luxury properties.
“Through COVID, especially, people were dreaming of space and privacy,” Perkins said. “Demand surged for waterfront properties and homes with amenities like a pool or gym. Those desires still exist today.”
Luxury buyers are coming mostly from Ontario and Quebec. With significant funds available to a majority of them, interest rates have not played a big factor in their calculations.
The soaring view from the 23rd floor of The Roy at 1650 Granville Street, Halifax.
“A fraction of the price”
While migration from Ontario has slowed down recently, immigration has increased significantly, said Perkins, adding that Nova Scotia is a destination.
“Here you are never more than 60 kilometres from the ocean,” he said. “People here get to enjoy nature on their doorstep, whether that’s hiking, a sandy beach, a visit to a vineyard or excursions like whale watching in the Bay of Fundy.”
The Nova Scotia luxury market is buttressed by everything that makes Nova Scotia special “at a fraction of the price of other locations in Canada,” Perkins said.
Editor’s note: the pic below celebrates the foresight and skill of the decision to build on the rock at The Kutcher Residence. Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty Broker/Owner Chris Perkins is your contact for more info about either luxury listing.
