Property snoop: What $350,000 buys across Canada this week

1. A 100-year-old historical retreat in Ontario

Address: 26 Apple Street
Where: Brockville, Ont. Price: $340,000 Specs: 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths Just an hour’s drive from Ottawa and two from Montreal is this five-bedroom home whose vintage charm and size means opportunity. Steps from the St. Lawrence River in downtown Brockville, the property could be transformed into an inn, bed-and-breakfast or boutique hotel with some creative imagination. Out back, a carriage house could double as shop, yoga centre or art studio.

2. Island in the stream on the West Coast

Address: 142 Lovers Lane
Where:  Galiano Island, B.C. Price: $344,000 Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths This hobby farm is found on a small Gulf Island wedged between mainland B.C. and Vancouver Island, with just over 1,000 residents. The property seems designed for city dwellers dreaming of laid-back living: the 1,300-square-foot circa-1985 home — replete with workshop and a sauna — is set on a rambling 1.7-acres. Two greenhouses would work well for growing vegetables and flowers year-round. Ornamental gardens, fruit trees and a chicken coop round out its features.

3. East Coast acres

Address: 306/308 Whitehead Road
Where:  Whitehead, Nova Scotia Price: $349,000 Specs: 5 bedrooms/2 baths On the East Coast, your money goes far with 300-plus feet of waterfront and more than five acres of bucolic land. This sprawling property includes two houses (a century-old home plus a chalet), a barn, four outbuildings, paddocks and a sheltered harbour for water sports.

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