From the moment you turn onto the long private driveway that meanders through lush meadow fields on both sides, and arrive at your destination, you will be totally captivated by your serene and picturesque surroundings. Welcome to this rare opportunity of incredible privacy right in the heart of Muskoka cottage country. This lovely 4-season, 1,820 sq. ft., 2 level, 3 bedroom cottage is located on 83 acres of land on the beautiful shores of Lake of Bays!
It is hard to believe that the cottage is the original farmhouse that was built here over 110 years ago. It had its first renovation and addition in the early 2000's and during the second renovation in 2020, intact newspapers from 1908 were found behind interior wall coverings, astounding even the building contractors. So much respect for the history of the building brought about great care in honouring the original construction while updating and modernizing it. Incredible attention to detail is seen throughout, juxtaposing a contemporary clean line interior design contrasted against the charming farmhouse exterior, complete with a wrap-around covered deck/porch.
The interior of the cottage is impeccably maintained, keeping much of the original farmhouse layout with the spacious kitchen off of the side entrance, the dining room in the front facing out to the lake, along with a lake facing bedroom.The recent addition to this main level is the laundry room and 3-piece bathroom just to the back of the kitchen. The upper level is where the large living/entertainment room is located as well as 2 lake facing bedrooms and a 4-piece bathroom.
Start your mornings off, cup of coffee in hand, on the shaded deck/porch and take in the tranquil beauty of your natural surroundings. Head down to the waterfront across the expansive lawn, a great place for throwing frisbees or catching balls, to the large newly built dock to while away the hours basking in the sunshine. With a canoe and a kayak at your disposal, be sure to get out on the water and explore the lake, especially in the morning when the lake is at its calmest.
Lake of Bays is the second largest lake in the Muskokas and is known for its fabulous swimming, fishing and boating. With numerous marinas and public boat launches nearby, you could bring your own boat or rent a boat to enjoy all that the lake has to offer. With over 165 km of shoreline, defined by many bays and graced by many islands, Bigwin Island being one of the better known, you should definitely indulge in a boating day trip or two.
For a change of pace, take a short drive into the charming village of Dorset with a wonderful waterfront restaurant, café, ice cream parlour and local shops including the famous Robinson's General Store, once voted "Canada's Best Country Store". The Dorset scenic outlook is also definitely worth checking out. For the fitness buffs, hike the trail to the top of Bear Mountain for incredible vistas or climb the famous Dorset Lookout Tower which stands at 465 feet and gives you 360 degree views of Lake of Bays. Dwight, another closeby village, has a great market, beach and Henrietta's Bakery. For longer day trips, venture out to popular Algonquin Park or Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve for more hiking adventures.
When all is said and done after a day of exploring, either away from the cottage or out on the water, head back to your home away from home and enjoy cottage life at its best with a BBQ dinner, followed by roasting marshmallows for dessert around the lakeside fire bowl. Life is good!!
