Own a piece of Canadian music history with this expansive 5.7-acre waterfront estate, famously known as the former residence of legendary songstress Rita MacNeil. Built specifically for Rita between 1991 and 1992, the home has been preserved and features many of her original high-end touches. Located on the shores of Sydney River, this multi-unit property is far more than a home; it is a high-performance, turnkey hospitality property with a proven track record as a very successful short-term rental. The estate offers approximately 5,500 square feet of finished living space across three distinct units, providing unparalleled flexibility for an owner-occupier or investor. The main house is a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom masterpiece featuring a massive chef’s kitchen and a sun-drenched solarium, while the lower level, once Rita’s personal recording studio, now serves as a premier entertainment hub with a games room and bar. Connected by a breezeway is the private "Rita’s Suite," which contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, alongside a chic, open-concept upper-level bachelor unit equipped with its own full kitchen and bath. Lifestyle and amenities abound as you experience ultimate relaxation in the 1,500 square foot indoor saltwater pool complex, featuring soaring cedar ceilings and lake views. The grounds are a masterpiece of landscaping, ranging from "Rita’s Garden" by the babbling brook—where she composed much of her music—to the private dock on Sydney River for boating and swimming. The property is engineered for modern sustainability with a full solar array and heat pumps to minimize operational costs. A new septic will be installed in September 2026 alongside many other upgrades like painting and sealing the roof. With an established management team and cleaning staff willing to stay on board, this destination stands as the most unique and high-yielding waterfront offering in Cape Breton today.
For sale
C$1,299,900
815 Coxheath Rd, Coxheath, NS B1L 1E1
6beds
7,300sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1991
5.7 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
C$178/sqft
C$-- HOA
What's special
Sun-drenched solariumSoaring cedar ceilingsLake viewsMasterpiece of landscaping
- 41 days
- 303
- 5
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Lucy Dykhuis,
Engel & Volkers Brokerage,
Tom French,
Engel & Volkers
Source: NSAR,MLS®#: 202621993
Originating MLS®#: Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®
Originating MLS®#: Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 7
- Full bathrooms: 6
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 3
- Main level bedrooms: 1
Bedroom
- Level: Second
- Area: 161.36
- Dimensions: 13.08 x 12.33
Bedroom 1
- Level: Second
- Area: 204.17
- Dimensions: 16.67 x 12.25
Bedroom 2
- Level: Basement
- Area: 174.67
- Dimensions: 16 x 10.92
Bedroom 3
- Level: Second
- Area: 222
- Dimensions: 18 x 12.33
Bedroom 4
- Level: Second
- Area: 271.06
- Dimensions: 23.92 x 11.33
Bathroom
- Level: Main
- Area: 117.5
- Dimensions: 11.75 x 10
Bathroom 1
- Level: Main
- Area: 52.88
- Dimensions: 7.83 x 6.75
Bathroom 2
- Level: Second
- Area: 110.44
- Dimensions: 14.25 x 7.75
Bathroom 3
- Level: Basement
- Area: 68.46
- Dimensions: 8.83 x 7.75
Bathroom 4
- Level: Main
- Area: 74.94
- Dimensions: 12.67 x 5.92
Bathroom 5
- Level: Second
- Area: 38.4
- Dimensions: 6.58 x 5.83
Kitchen
- Level: Main
- Area: 190.19
- Dimensions: 14.92 x 12.75
Living room
- Level: Main
- Area: 310.75
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 18.83
Heating
- Baseboard, Heat Pump
Appliances
- Included: Electric Cooktop, Electric Oven, Dishwasher, Dryer, Refrigerator, Water Softener
Features
- Ensuite Bath, Secondary Suite, High Speed Internet, Master Downstairs
- Flooring: Hardwood, Tile
- Basement: Full,Finished,Walk-Out Access
Interior area
- Total structure area: 7,300
- Total interior livable area: 7,300 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 5,800
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Attached, Double, Wired, Gravel, Parking Spaces(s)
- Attached garage spaces: 2
- Details: Garage Details(Attached Two Car Garage, Insulated And Wired. 25' X 25')
Features
- Levels: 2 Storey
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Porch
- Exterior features: Balcony, Dock
- Pool features: In Ground
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Lake
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Lake
- Waterfront features: Lake, Lake Privileges, Stream/Pond, Fresh Water
- Body of water: Blacketts Lake
- Frontage length: Water Frontage(400 Feet)
Lot
- Size: 5.7 Acres
- Features: Cleared, Landscaped, 3 to 9.99 Acres
Details
- Parcel number: 15214943
- Zoning: RR5
- Other equipment: No Rental Equipment
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Wood Siding
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1991
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Drilled Well
- Utilities for property: Electricity Connected, Electric
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Golf, School Bus Service, Shopping, Ski Hill, Place of Worship
Location
- Region: Coxheath
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: C$178/sqft
- Tax assessed value: C$749,100
- Price range: C$1.3M - C$1.3M
- Date on market: 8/31/2026
- Inclusions: All Furniture And Appliances As Is. Lawn Mower And Tractor Remain.
- Exclusions: Tv In Rita’s Suite (Will Put A Smaller One In There), China Cabinet From Rita’s Suite, Hand Tools In Garage, Leaf Blower, Whipper Snipper, Hedge Trimmer.
- Ownership: Freehold
- Electric utility on property: Yes
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/31/2026 | Listed for sale | C$1,299,900-18.5%C$178/sqft |
Source:  NSAR #202621993 Report a problem | ||
| 7/20/2026 | Listing removed | C$1,595,000C$218/sqft |
Source:  Engel & Volkers #202605783 Report a problem | ||
| 5/7/2026 | Price change | C$1,595,000-5.9%C$218/sqft |
Source: Engel & Volkers #202605783 Report a problem | ||
| 3/30/2026 | Listed for sale | C$1,695,000+99.6%C$232/sqft |
Source: Engel & Volkers #202605783 Report a problem | ||
| 1/14/2021 | Listing removed | -- |
Source: NSAR Report a problem | ||
| 1/12/2021 | Listed for sale | C$849,000+54.4%C$116/sqft |
Source: Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney) #202003396 Report a problem | ||
| 8/31/2011 | Sold | C$550,000C$75/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | -- | C$654,400 |
Climate risks
Neighborhood: B1L
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
No schools nearby
We couldn't find any schools near this home.
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Coxheath Elementary School
- Middle: Malcolm Munroe Memorial Junior High School
- High: Riverview High School
Source: NSAR. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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