One of those rare places that's even better in person.

Welcome to "St. Cecilia by the Sea", a beautifully restored former church overlooking Purcells Cove, just 15 minutes from downtown Halifax.

Our guests have described St. Cecilia as magical, a treasure, a sanctuary, and the best VRBO they've ever stayed in.

With 160 exceptional guest reviews, a 10/10 rating, and recognition among the Top 1% of guest-reviewed properties in the area, St. Cecilia has become one of Nova Scotia's most loved vacation stays.

We think the reason is simple.

There really isn't another place quite like it.

A little church with a lot of stories

St. Cecilia was once a Catholic church. Today it is a warm, comfortable two-bedroom home filled with the character of its past.

Soaring ceilings, spectacular stained glass, beautiful oak woodwork and original architectural details remain throughout the building. They share the space with art, antiques and unusual treasures we've collected over the years.

Guests tell us they continue discovering new details throughout their stay.

The result isn't a museum or a themed vacation rental.

It's a home with a soul.

Extraordinary — but wonderfully comfortable

One of the things we're proudest of is how often guests tell us that St. Cecilia is not only one of the most unique places they've stayed, but also one of the most comfortable.

The Great Room is the heart of the church — a dramatic but welcoming space for reading, relaxing, sharing a bottle of wine or settling in for a movie on a rainy Nova Scotia evening.

There are two bedrooms, each with a queen bed and quality linens.

The primary bedroom occupies what was once the church choir loft and includes a walk-in closet and private half bath. The second is an open loft bedroom reached by the spiral staircase from the Great Room.

The fully equipped kitchen has everything you'll need to feel at home, including cookware, dishes, wine glasses, coffee maker and even a lobster pot.

You'll also have a full bathroom, washer and dryer, high-speed internet, heating and air conditioning, and a large-screen TV with popular streaming services.

And we clean St. Cecilia to exceptionally high standards — something our guests mention again and again.

Your own place by the sea

Then there is Purcells Cove.

Step onto the deck in the morning with your coffee and watch the cove come to life. Sailboats and fishing boats move through the water below, and the southern exposure lets you enjoy the changing light throughout the day.

In the evening, pour a glass of wine, settle into an Adirondack chair and watch the boats come home.

It's quiet. It's peaceful.

And it's remarkably close to the city.

The best of Halifax and coastal Nova Scotia

St. Cecilia feels tucked away, but downtown Halifax and the Halifax waterfront are only about 15 minutes away.

Beautiful walking and hiking trails are nearby, including Shaw Wilderness Park. York Redoubt National Historic Site — with spectacular views over Halifax Harbour — is only minutes away.

Crystal Crescent Beach is approximately 20 minutes away, while groceries, pharmacy, NSLC and other everyday necessities are about five minutes from the house.

That makes St. Cecilia an ideal home base for exploring Halifax, Peggy's Cove, the South Shore and beyond — and a pretty wonderful place to come home to at the end of the day.

Hosted by Lara & Brett

We live right next door.

We're here if you need us and happy to share recommendations, tell you a little about the history of St. Cecilia or help with anything that comes up.

Otherwise, we'll leave you entirely to yourselves.

That balance seems to work. Guests regularly tell us they appreciate knowing we're nearby while still feeling that St. Cecilia is completely their own.

Don't take our word for it

After more than 160 guest reviews, St. Cecilia maintains a 10/10 rating and is recognized by VRBO as Loved by Guests and among the Top 1% of guest-reviewed properties in the area.

Guests have called it a magical place, a special sanctuary, a treasure and the best VRBO they've stayed in.

One guest perhaps said it best:

“We'll be talking about our stay for years to come.”

We hope you will too.

Welcome to St. Cecilia by the Sea - The right amount of bliss.