At a distance we were able to see more clearly.
And place is the position of any body, when considered at a certain distance from some other.
The press has been kept at a distance much of the time.
Maybe through some sort of field at a close distance?
I saw him at a distance, through the open door.
We were able to stand at a distance and keep watch.
Let people at a distance go back to their business.
I can hear at a distance and see in the dark.
Even at a distance, they had the air of men who weren't always sure what was going on around them.
Even at a distance I could see his eyes were blue.