Rockcliffe Real Estate Listings & Rockcliffe Profile
Known for its lush, tree-lined streets and elegant homes, Rockcliffe Park (“the Village”) is a serene yet vibrant community situated just 3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles) from the National Gallery of Canada on Sussex Drive. Rockcliffe Park real estate comprises two parts separated by McKay Lake – the Old and New Villages. In the early 1900s the area was cottage country and it is now popular for its park-like setting, excellent schools, proximity to Ottawa’s downtown and abundance of National Capital Commission (NCC) parkland. The area hails from Thomas Coltrin Keefer’s subdivision of his late father-in-law’s 1,100-acre estate in 1864.
Rockcliffe Park Real Estate Listings Profile
With approximately 700 homes, the Village has evolved from an area of summer cottages interspersed with magnificent estates into an area of diverse but upscale residences. The Village of Rockcliffe Park has many historically significant buildings, such as Waterstone (1930), now home to the Japanese Ambassador; Manor House (1929), the residence of the Papal Nuncio; Lornado (1908), home to the Ambassador of the United States; and Stornoway, residence of the Leader of the Opposition. Rockcliffe Park has the highest concentration of ambassadorial residences of any neighbourhood in a capital city, making it a cosmopolitan area. It is a welcoming and friendly community. One of our favourite community events is Dining with The Ambassadors, where neighbours are invited to dine at various ambassadorial residences in support of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association (RPRA).
Rideau Hall, the Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada, is also bordered by Rockcliffe Park on two sides. Just a few houses away is 24 Sussex Drive, Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Canada.
Those with children will appreciate the quality of area schools, including Rockcliffe Park Public School (RPPS) and private International Baccalaureate Programme schools Elmwood School (all girls) and Ashbury College.
Rockcliffe residents benefit from a wide variety of community events and institutions, including the fantastic and inviting Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club (RLTC), which offers social and player memberships, as well as lessons, tournaments and bootcamps for adults and children. The nearby Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC) is another popular community attraction that facilitates sailing, tennis and rowing. The Rockcliffe Airport is home to the Canada Aviation Museum and the Rockcliffe Flying Club and those who prefer water to air may enjoy the Rockcliffe Yacht Club (RYC). The Rockcliffe Park Community Centre offers programming for residents and is also home to a branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Just down the street is the Rockcliffe Field House and Sports Pad, which offers skating and hockey in the winter. The Rockcliffe Hosers is the volunteer group that generously maintains the rink.
Adjacent to the Sports Pad are parks Jubilee Gardens and The Village Green. The 6.5-acre (2.65 hectares) Rockeries is another beautiful park that leads to a huge field perfect for soccer games and picnics. There are great walking trails scattered through this parkland. Walkers will also enjoy meandering along the Caldwell-Carver Conservation Area trails that border McKay Lake. Summer means swimming days at The Pond, a watering hole with public swimming hours. The Rockcliffe Boathouse Restaurant and Marina sits atop the Ottawa River just off the Capital Pathway network, the National Capital Commission’s 600-kilometre-plus network of paths (372 miles). Rockcliffe Park also has several lookouts which take advantage of jaw-dropping Ottawa River views towards Québec. The Rockcliffe Lookout is one of these. Set high on a bluff, the Rockcliffe Pavilion also affords excellent views. Constructed in 1917, the columned structure overlooks both a large park and the Ottawa River. In August you can see the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and fireworks from the Casino Lac-Leamy Sound of Light competition.
Rockcliffe Park real estate is bordered on one side by Rideau Hall, the grounds of the official residence of The Governor General of Canada. Here one can tour the residence, walk the grounds, attend themed events and skate on the Rideau Hall Skating Rink in the winter.
Rockcliffe Park also enjoys easy proximity to Beechwood Village and the shops and restaurants therein. Locally established Bridgehead Coffee or Starbucks offer caffeine boosts. Well-loved and family-owned Jacobsons offers artisanal fare with a smile and Muckleston & Brockwell butchery serves up great cuts. Enjoy the best grilled cheese sandwiches at Red Door Provisions, and the Royal Oak and Clocktower Brew Pubs are great spots to grab a drink. For florals head to Mood Moss Flowers, where Eric and his team will take good care of you. Dine fabulously at Fraser Café, where chefs Simon and Ross will feed you well, or grab groceries at Metro Beechwood or at Farm Boy, just 9 minutes' drive from Rockcliffe Park.
With diverse amenities and a central location, Rockcliffe Park is a beautiful neighbourhood with lots to offer. Contact our Rockcliffe Park real estate agent for your personal tour!
