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Ever daydream about leaving city life behind? Take a moment to imagine it: busy highways turning to open roads, and then to peaceful country lanes. The perpetual rush of the city fading to audibly running water and wind soughing in the trees, punctuated by occasional birdsong. This vision of tranquillity doesn’t have to be fantasy—you can live the dream at any of these remote escapes in Canada.
Rural Jewel of Knee Hill County
Surrounded by 160-acres of prestine rural land and wilderness, this exceptional Knee Hill County estate is a crown jewel oozing luxurious details and design. The expansive land is paired perfectly with extravagant living space nearly 14,000 square feet in size, offering an unparalleled lifestyle experience.
With captivating prairie views as a backdrop, this sophisticated estate comprises of two stunning homes built with meticulous craftsmanship. The main residence enjoys lavish cherry oak mouldings, doors, and cabinetry, exquisite chandeliers, and Cheryl Wagner gold taps, sinks, and hardware. It’s also a Crestron smart home boasting soaring ceilings, seven gas-lighting wood-burning fireplaces, two theaters, an elevator, multiple kitchens, a fully equipped fitness facility, and more, elevating the level of luxury to new heights.
True to the idea of remote, this estate is equipped with off-grid capabilities, ensuring self-sufficiency and preparedness. With 22,000 gallons of water storage from multiple wells, a helicopter landing pad, cold storage space, and an automatic backup generator, you’re capable of living a truely remote lifestyle in luxury.
Hillhead Farm Estate
In a world where trends come and go, and real estate properties change hands with remarkable frequency, the Hillhead Farm Estate stands as an exceptional testament to enduring architectural grandeur and timeless elegance. Nestled within the greater Montreal area, this sprawling private estate spanning thirty hectares has captured the imaginations of many, and for the first time in sixty-five years, it awaits a new steward.
The Hillhead Farm Estate, built by renowned architect Harold Edgar Shorey (1886-1971), is an ode to precision, sensitivity to context, and European architectural splendour. With its own private road leading to an impressive estate of seventy-six acres, the main residence is complemented by an independent guest wing, perched above garages, and a unique arched pool and tennis pavilion nestled in a secluded corner. Unique woodwork and abundant natural light permeate the interior spaces, creating an ambiance of unrivalled sophistication.
While the estate is strategically located near major highways, the Hillhead Farm Estate offers both seclusion and accessibility, offering the best of remote living to the modern city dweller.
Nokomis: A Beacon of Architectural Opulence
On the pristine shores of Howe Island, Nokomis emerges as an architectural masterpiece that redefines luxury living. With its completion in 2022, Nokomis stands as a tribute to the former landmark lodge, showcasing the zenith of craftsmanship.
While distant from major cities, the moder world of smart home technology is at your fingertips, along with a dream kitchen equipped with top-tier appliances, and a multitude of bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. With soaring ceilings, intricate millwork, and geothermal climate control, every detail has been carefully considered. Nokomis also offers a whole-home automatic generator, two grand primary suites, two impressive home offices, and three grand fireplaces.
Boasting over 2,700 feet of breathtaking waterfront, Nokomis commands sweeping views of the tranquil Bateau Channel. Private dock facilities accommodate multiple vessels, including space for a stately 125-foot yacht. Enthusiasts of the water will appreciate the custom double-slip boathouse with lifts and a double boat port. With a secure, gated 24+ acre expanse, charming caretaker gatehouse, wooded trails, and various outbuildings, Nokomis offers safety and exclusivity in equal measure. This hidden gem on Howe Island strikes a harmonious balance between seclusion and accessibility.
Historic Grandeur
Regally situated at the end of a picturesque tree-lined drive and on more than 383 acres, is 3746 Highway 1. Located in Annapolis Royal, one of Nova Scotia’s most historically significant towns, this private estate was constructed with meticulous care by American industrialist Edwin Stanton Fickes in a six-year labor of love commencing in 1929. Fickes insisted on employing only local artisans for its construction. Recently, the current owners undertook a monumental seven-year restoration, meticulously reviving the compound to its original design while seamlessly integrating modern conveniences. Spanning an expansive 380 acres, this estate is a dream come true for equestrians, with lush meadows, woodlands, and a vintage apple orchard. The manicured grounds surrounding the residence feature a charming kitchen garden and a serene stone courtyard, enhancing the property’s overall allure.
The regal 20-room, nearly 8,000-square-foot main residence showcases striking details and period craftsmanship, from its substantial stone walls and original slate and oak floors to its soapstone window sills and meticulously preserved hardware and trim. The welcoming foyer sets the tone for the main level’s common areas, while an exquisite staircase leads to generously appointed bedrooms and versatile spaces on the second floor. The modernized gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry blend convenience with classic charm, making meal preparation a joy.
Nestled within the renowned Annapolis Valley, celebrated for its fertile soils, ideal vineyard climate, and the world-famous Bay of Fundy tides, this historic estate is now poised to continue its legacy in the hands of a new owner. With its rich history, meticulous restoration, and unparalleled setting, this landmark property in Annapolis Royal beckons to those who appreciate timeless beauty, heritage, and modern comforts.
The Point House Estate
An exquisite self-sustaining waterfront home on a 105-acre estate, the Point House includes the original, sustainable, and operational farm that was established in 1874; a 1-km-long shoreline; a 50-foot commercial-grade dock that supports seaplanes and most power and sailboats; an idyllic pond; a vineyard; a sawmill; a water treatment plant; a generator; and acres of untouched old-growth forest.
The farm includes the original farmhouse, gazebo, guest accommodation, barn, caretaker’s cabin, and beach house. The 7,000-square-foot Point House overlooks water and mountains. The roof is Douglas Fir, curved to direct rainwater in streams to capture points in the ground. Floors are finished with European White Oak and Pietra Piasentina stone tiles. All bathrooms have Pietra Piasentina stone and all doors are custom made from European White Oak.
On land, deer, eagles, geese, ravens, and crows make the property home, while orcas, humpback whales, otters, seals, sea lions, and porpoises can be spotted on the water. Pender Island is actually two Islands – North Pender Island and South Pender Island which are connected by a bridge. With only 2,200 full-time residents, Pender Island is 20 minutes away from Vancouver and Victoria by Seaplane charter or private boat, has sufficient space to land a helicopter and is can be accessed by ferry.
Taking time for yourself at your own remote getaway gives you space to think, recharge, and pursue your own projects—and leaving the city behind doesn’t have to mean giving up the conveniences of modern living. With luxury homes perched on tiny islands, above picturesque lakes, and among rolling hills, the expansive Canadian wilderness is dotted with quiet havens to relax and get away from it all.
Looking for a vacation property? Browse our collection of West Coast waterfront homes or getaways in cottage country. This article was initially published May 22, 2018 and updated September 13, 2023.
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