MarketWATCH Muskoka: 9 June 2022

Turn, turn, turn… to everything there is a season.

This is our 20th year selling Muskoka. We’ve mapped cycles of waterfront sales, watched waterfront intently and made prognostications over the years. Analysis is part of who we are. We have to know the market. We started relating cottage activity to equity markets (and found a pretty strong correlation over time). Cottage sales and values though, are not as volatile as equities or the GTA real estate market either.

One reason is family here runs deep and long and that impacts value and turnover. We’ve worked for people whose multi-generational ownership goes back to the 1860’s. When land and water have been a part of family lore for more than 100 years, no market dip or spike will prompt a sale. The cottage is part of who they are.

When we came to Muskoka to cottage, speculative activity was slight. Through research then, we found a surprisingly low number of properties had mortgages. Today, not so much. It’s fair to say market demand is driving many, if not most, cottages selling today to have renovations. Some of them have significant updates, others are complete new builds and others, simply new paint. Speculative activity has increased as a component of the overall mix and mortgages have followed suit.

For some who dabble, speculations are a game while others take significant risks and unwittingly expose themselves to the downside of financial burden. When the market changes stride, and a sale takes longer, some have to sell to remain whole.

COVID brought a whole new dynamic and for 18 months, seasonality and the typical sale cycle went out the window. Today, rising interest rates coupled with some sellers who have tried to drive market increases, we find ourselves back in the usual June wave. Wave? Nope, not waving away mosquitoes (but you could). It’s the wave that brings reductions to market. The spring rush of finding a cottage for the season is slowing and some properties are being reduced.

This week, along with our picks of new listings, we’re also highlighting reductions. Normally the summer slows (it did not slow the last 2 years). If indicators continue as they are, expect more reductions. But keep an eye! They move quickly! If you’re in the market, this would be a good time to buy!

Wishing you a happy wave… as the Beach Boys sang ‘Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world.’

Price Reductions — Click here

31 MOSS Island, Muskoka Lakes
$5,500,000 – MLS# 40272586
LAKE ROSSEAU

Welcome to Moss Island on exquisite Lake Rosseau where privacy meets convenience. With 3.56 acres and 1,550 feet of private shoreline, this welcoming cottage is perfectly perched in the canopy of its own island and is a short boat ride from Rosseau. Enjoy the stellar sunsets and stillness of a place with nearly 800 feet of south & western exposure. Moss Island’s private mainland dock means you’ll arrive at your beautifully lush getaway in record time. In complete harmony with the lush surroundings, Moss Island cottage is an emerald set in the sapphire shine of Lake Rosseau. Unassuming to the passerby, this summer escape offers you 4 gorgeous and generously sized bedrooms, 3 completely renovated crisp white baths and a re-envisioned kitchen featuring all the luxuries for the at-home chef: the largest available Wolf refrigerator, double stoves, micros, and sinks – everything needed for luxurious living and dining at home. There are so many ‘special spots’ on this island. From the cottage and the lake, you’ll appreciate the captivating lookout suspended 40 feet above the water. Here, the best views in Muskoka are all yours. A guaranteed summer breeze, a quiet cappuccino and your copy of People We Meet on Vacation makes this spot one of your favorites on this unadulterated Island sanctuary. Boats here move other people just like you: taking the kids for a quick ski or making their way to their cottages. There’s enough lake energy to let you know that life exists ‘out there.’ No neighbors is exactly what’s on offer here. You’re looking for the guarantee: tranquility, natural integrity, comfort and ease. It’s the ideal end to your search for the perfect summer home. Moss Island is everything you dreamed of. It’s a gem in the crown of Lake Rosseau. It’s the legacy you can leave. Most furnishings included. High capacity generator installed. Approval for upgraded boathouse & design plans for future all included. It’s a lifetime of memories about to be made. Click here for property listing details

 

1034 SHAWS Road, Lake Of Bays
$3,750,000 – MLS# 40265034
PENINSULA LAKE

The peaceful surroundings combined with the endless recreational opportunities inspired by Peninsula Lake create a perfect destination for the ultimate summer escape or year round home. Completely updated with attractive finishes throughout, and fully turn-key, this modern, 4-season home or cottage offers an incredible, family friendly, level lot with extensive landscaping, sandy beach, southwest exposure and large dock for your enjoyment. The main level of the cottage offers excellent views of Peninsula Lake, a bright, open concept design and walkout to a lakeside deck; great for entertaining. The lower level sits above grade allowing an abundance of natural light to fill the space. The dreamy primary suite is the ideal place to unwind with soaring ceilings, ambient fireplace, 3pc ensuite plus a walkout to the waterfront patio and hot tub with a view you will never tire of. Three additional guest rooms, 3pc bathroom, plus a family room with a walkout complete the lower level. Set on a very private lot just a short drive from downtown Huntsville, Dwight, Dorset and Algonquin Park granting you access to some of the most desired landscapes in Muskoka and over 40 miles of boating on Huntsville’s largest lakes. Click here for property listing details

 

1128 MILFORD BAY Road Unit #5, Muskoka Lakes
$1,895,000 – MLS# 40271063
LAKE MUSKOKA

Welcome to Rockhaven, where the sun shines all day. Imagine sitting on your dock with friends and family as the sun sets over prestigious Lake Muskoka, not a care in the world. South exposure, deep clean water nestled within the vibrant community of Milford Bay. As you enter this 3 bedroom, 4-season cottage + Bunkie you’ll find a stunning light filled window wall that will take your breath away. There’s no better way to take in those starry summer nights and crisp winter mornings. The cottage features a large open concept living/kitchen/dining room with a phenomenal floor to ceiling stone propane fireplace. Having a stunning interior is important but so are the bones. This cottage has been renovated top to bottom to give you many future years of enjoyment. A minute walk down the road you can visit Baycliff Park which has a shallow sand entry for the little ones learning to swim. If you’re looking for your stunning Muskoka cottage with large granite outcroppings then this is the place. Only 10 minutes to Port Carling and 15 minutes to downtown Bracebridge. Rockhaven will create memories that last a lifetime and moments you’ll always cherish. All you have to do is call. Click here for property listing details

 

1139 WHISPERING PINES Trail, Bracebridge
$895,000 – MLS# 40273614
PINE LAKE

“The Cottage in the Ferns”. Very well maintained and unique 1600 sq. ft., 3+ bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom cottage located just 20 minutes from Bracebridge, on beautiful spring fed Pine Lake. Very private, well treed and gently sloped lot has year round access, 152′ frontage provides great lateral privacy, rocky shoreline, shallow and deep water, sunset exposure and unobstructed big lake view. Other features include extensive chattel list, spacious Kitchen/Great Room with vaulted ceiling and propane fireplace, Sun Room, large Primary Bedroom with lake view and 3 piece Ensuite, 2 pc powder room, and separate wing (original cottage) with additional 2 Bedrooms, Laundry, 4 piece Bathroom and Family Room/additional sleeping area. Covered front covered decks, lakeside deck, aluminum dock system, shed and steel roof completes this great cottage package. Great value, great lot, great lake with 4 season potential/investment! Click here for property listing details

 

$595,000-$1,099,000 — Click here
$1,100,000-$1,999,000 — Click here
$2,000,000-$3,999,000 — Click here
$4,000,000+ — Click here

Islands — Click here
Mainland Riverfront — Click here
Vacant Lakefront Land — Click here
Pending — Click here

 

*** BONUS LISTING ***

 

84 MEADOW HEIGHTS Drive, Bracebridge
$769,000 – MLS# 40249491

Much loved, updated family home on Meadow Heights backing onto natural hardwood bush. Features open concept kitchen/dining/living, with generous quality cabinetry, Viking stainless fridge, stainless appliances, and bar fridge. Computer work station, and large island for gathering with friends. Walk out to private deck for outdoor cooking. Hardwood floors throughout main level. Principal bedroom has double sized closet and ensuite including glassed walk-in shower. 2 additional bedrooms complemented by updated 4pc bath with deep tub/shower complete the main floor. New carpeting in lower level recreation room and office. 3 pc bath plus a room that could be a private guest bedroom when needed. Attached double garage. Very private backyard, with firepit, play area, and trillium filled woods asking for a tree house. Steps to the trails for walking/hiking. In town convenience with a Muskoka lifestyle awaiting you – golf, shopping, restaurants, beaches, paddling and more. Since the owner has moved out most of the furnishings, virtual staged pictures of the Open concept living/dining area and Principal bedroom are provided to demonstrate how your furnishings could be organized in these rooms. Click here for property listing details

 

We look forward to showing you this beautiful area and helping you find your next Muskoka Cottage on your next visit!

Lucy & Ross
(705) 706.1177
Rosskoka.com
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Inc.
Bracebridge