Grand Queen Anne–Style Victorian Home in Digby, Nova Scotia For $428,060

161 Queen Street, Digby, Nova Scotia B0V 1A0

$428,060 | 1898 | 4,215 Sq. Ft. | 4 Beds | 2 Bath

Rising proudly on 161 Queen Street in Digby, Nova Scotia, this grand Queen Anne–style Victorian home, listed for $428,060, stands as one of the most magnificent historical residences in Atlantic Canada. Built in 1898, this 4,215-square-foot estate offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a breathtaking array of original architectural details that reflect a bygone era of craftsmanship and artistry. Every inch of this extraordinary home is a celebration of historic real estate—an irreplaceable gem that has been lovingly preserved and enhanced for over a century.

Designed by Israel Letting, the master architect responsible for three other iconic mansions on Queen Street, this house embodies the height of late Victorian grandeur. It is a true monument to the ambition and artistry of its age—an era when homes were not simply built, but sculpted. Every element of this estate, from its ornate woodwork to its stained-glass windows, speaks of a time when attention to detail was a matter of pride and status. It is no exaggeration to say that this property represents one of the most impressive examples of Queen Anne architecture still standing in Nova Scotia today.

Set against the charming backdrop of Digby, a coastal town famous for its fishing heritage and picturesque harbor, the home offers commanding views of the Annapolis Basin and the rising Fundy tides. The connection between land and sea, so integral to the region’s identity, plays out beautifully here: from the upper balcony and the expansive verandas, one can watch the water ebb and flow while the town’s historic fishing fleet goes about its daily rhythm. It is this fusion of natural beauty and architectural splendor that gives the estate its rare, almost cinematic quality.

From the moment you step onto the freshly repainted verandas—revamped in 2024 to restore their original luster—you are met with a sense of grandeur that defines every aspect of this home. The wraparound porches are quintessential features of the Queen Anne style, designed for both leisure and spectacle. In their day, they symbolized prosperity and hospitality; today, they provide the perfect vantage point to take in the breeze, the gardens, and the rich architectural textures that define Queen Street’s heritage.

Inside, the house reveals its full majesty. Entering through the grand foyer, you are immediately struck by the ornate wood trims, carved balusters, and embossed tin ceilings, which add texture and brilliance to the light-filled rooms. Three of these intricate ceilings grace the home—one carefully restored to its original 19th-century finish, and two others added to maintain visual harmony throughout. Such details reflect the dedication to preservation that has guided this property’s current owners and make the home a model of how historical restoration can coexist beautifully with modern comfort.

The home’s layout is both expansive and intimate. It features two living rooms, a large formal dining room, a casual dining area, and a massive chef’s kitchen that would impress even the most discerning cook. The kitchen, designed for both functionality and style, offers abundant storage and space—an elegant blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience. The formal dining room retains its period character with tall windows, intricate moldings, and woodwork that glows with a century’s patina. It is a room made for conversation, for music, and for gatherings that echo the spirit of the late 19th century, when the house was a symbol of refinement and success.

The four bedrooms on the upper floors are spacious sanctuaries, each with its own sense of character. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light, while the intricate details—original trims, hardware, and decorative motifs—create a sense of history you can feel in every corner. The two full bathrooms combine period elegance with thoughtful updates, offering the best of both worlds: charm and practicality.

One of the most captivating features of this home is its collection of nine restored stained-glass windows, each a priceless work of art. These luminous panels transform sunlight into vibrant color, filling the interiors with a living, breathing atmosphere of beauty. The artistry of these windows, rare even in grand estates, is part of what makes this home so exceptional. They are tangible reminders of an age when homes were built to inspire awe—each element hand-crafted, every material selected for its beauty and durability.

Beyond its interiors, the estate’s grounds are equally impressive. The botanical yard, curated with care, complements the home’s historic character with mature trees, flowering plants, and manicured pathways. The garden feels both cultivated and natural, creating a serene environment ideal for quiet reflection or entertaining guests. A detached garage offers practical space without compromising the landscape’s aesthetic harmony, rounding out the property’s thoughtful design.

Built in the waning years of the 19th century, this residence is more than a home—it is a time capsule of craftsmanship, a living testament to what “no expenses spared” truly meant in the era of Queen Anne architecture. The woodwork alone tells the story: hand-carved balusters, intricate ceiling moldings, and gracefully turned posts reflect the dedication of artisans whose work was meant to endure centuries. The balance between opulence and warmth is precisely what makes this style so beloved by historians and realtors alike.

This property holds particular historical significance not only because of its architecture but also because of its connection to Israel Letting, whose work helped shape the architectural identity of Queen Street and, by extension, Digby itself. Each of the homes he designed along this stretch has its own distinct personality, yet together they create a visual dialogue of craftsmanship and civic pride. 161 Queen Street, the grandest among them, remains the crowning jewel—a showcase of Letting’s vision, where beauty, scale, and artistry converge.

As an offering in today’s real estate market, this home represents a rare fusion of historical authenticity and livability. While many heritage properties require significant intervention, this one has been meticulously preserved and updated with care. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with period elements, ensuring that the next owner can enjoy the home as both a piece of history and a comfortable, functional residence. It stands ready to serve as a primary home, heritage estate, or even a boutique inn, thanks to its grand proportions and enviable location within Digby’s historic district.

Digby itself adds another layer of charm. Known as the Scallop Capital of the World, this coastal town offers a vibrant blend of maritime history, community spirit, and natural beauty. The harbor’s rhythm defines local life, and 161 Queen Street sits perfectly positioned to enjoy that connection. From its upper balcony, you can watch the light shift over the Basin and hear the hum of the waterfront below—a reminder that while the world outside has changed, the essence of Digby remains timeless.

The year 1898 marked a moment of transition in architecture—when Victorian exuberance began to give way to Edwardian restraint—but this home stands as a triumphant final note of the Queen Anne era. Every curve, cornice, and window tells a story of confidence, craftsmanship, and prosperity. For enthusiasts of historic homes and collectors of architectural beauty, this property offers not only a residence but a legacy. It is a home that embodies history while still offering the potential for modern life.

As a listed home for sale, it presents extraordinary value. The scale, location, and preservation of detail make it one of the finest examples of Queen Anne design currently available in the Canadian real estate market. The house’s status as a symbol of craftsmanship and heritage ensures that its value extends far beyond its price—it is, quite literally, a living piece of art.

Owning 161 Queen Street is an opportunity to become a steward of history, to live within the walls that have witnessed over a century of change while still exuding the grace and dignity of their origins. Few homes on the market can match its combination of historical pedigree, architectural integrity, and emotional resonance. It is not just a house; it is a chapter of Nova Scotia’s story, beautifully preserved and waiting for its next custodian.

For the discerning realtor or buyer seeking a property that transcends trends and time, this estate offers everything—architectural beauty, historical importance, and enduring craftsmanship. In a world of fleeting design, this home stands as proof that true artistry never fades. At 161 Queen Street, Digby, history doesn’t just live—it breathes, inviting you to be part of its next chapter in the story of Canadian real estate.

Photos: