This VRBO rental was perfect for our extended family of 9, from teenagers to 80-plus. It is a beautifully decorated new house with tremendous sunset views and a mile of mostly unused beautiful white sand beach and warm water.

The home is split with the master, kitchen and large living area on the upper level and 4 bedrooms and another large living room on the bottom level with a walkout basement. Both living areas have large flat screen TVs. 4 of the 5 bedrooms had ocean views, and with the windows open, we slept to the sound of the ocean waves. There is a screened porch area on the second level which made it great for sitting out in the evenings without needing to worry about bugs. There is a regular breeze off the ocean so even though the house is air conditioned, we only needed to use it a couple of times during a week of 25 degree highs. The kitchen has all the equipment needed for an extended stay and the kitchen island enabled a few of us to participate in some big meal prep without running over each other.

The house is well equipped with beach toys including stand up paddle boards and sit on top kayaks and chairs for use on the beach where we had a fire one night using driftwood we found on the surrounding shoreline. There are bikes and the road is great for walking with a lighthouse on the point about 2 km away. We saw some people digging clams a couple of miles away on the Pictou side of the point.

The beach is also fantastic for swimming, sunbathing and beach-combing. Our group came home with a lovely collection of beach glass.

About 20 minutes away by car in Pictou, there is a large Sobey's and liquor store, the Hector ship museum (a must see) as well as a few restaurants, tourist shops and a periodic farmers market. The Pictou Lodge was a great recommendation for a family dinner out.

A little farther afield there is the Sunrise Trail, the coastal road along the Northumberland strait with many quaint villages and beaches. The Shubenacedie River Runners southwest of Truro is a great day trip if you don't mind getting wet! And the Halifax airport is an easy 1 3/4 hour drive.

The owners were quick to reply to our questions over email and made us feel comfortable as their first VRBO guests. They provided lots of recommendations for activities and instructions on the recycling program.