The most famous town on Nova Scotia’s South Shore lends its name to a prized Maritime architectural feature: the “Lunenburg bump,” a protruding dormer over a house’s main entrance. It’s not exclusive to Lunenburg but is seen as a mark of historical authenticity. Chester, closer to Halifax, is known as a summer playground for the well-heeled. Gatsby-esque waterfront places here are priced accordingly, so many people settle for a cottage on a side street, within walking distance of pubs and restaurants, the yacht club, and the theatre. From Chester, the ferry goes to Tancook Island, with its isolated, less expensive waterfront properties. Just west of Lunenburg, Bridgewater is the area’s commercial centre. Downstream, on both sides of the LaHave River, are some lovely shoreline properties with boating opportunities on the tidal estuary.
Along the South Shore, an affordable waterfront home may require some work and renovations to retain its historical character. Drive toward Liverpool and Shelburne and there are spectacular white-sand beaches.
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