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.