Traditions change. It used to be there were two seasons for cottagers. 💦Water on and water off❄️. Water on marked the opening of the season, usually early May. While water off often happened at 🦃Thanksgiving or shortly after. I remember childhood Thanksgivings focused as much on closing up for winter as having Turkey. Mornings with a little ice forming in the bay were not unusual. Inside, floors were cold,🔥the fire having long burned itself out. While the electric heater glowed red with the illusion of warmth.

Other than an extra sweater, the only thing that could really warm us up was hot oatmeal. Toast cooled too quickly. Butter would not melt from its rock hard state. Conversations at breakfast were visible as much as heard, clouds of breath punctuating the clatter of shivering kids around the table.

Now it seems we’ve had a change by about a month. Other than Friday, most of the next two weeks will see overnight temperatures in the freezing column. The cold has started. But it’s mid November. Not October.

Another factor is a majority of cottages in these parts, if not genuine ‘lake homes’, have some insulation and central heating. Although it may be subzero outside, inside toast still can melt butter, frosty breath is now an outside phenomenon while an airtight stove makes shirt sleeves possible at the table.

Although the number of properties coming to market has definitely slowed and sales have started to trail off for the winter lull, there are still new listings and price changes to keep things interesting. Questions? That’s what we’re here for…

1218 HAMILLS POINT Road, Port Carling
$8,950,000 | MLS# 40344393
LAKE JOSEPH/LAKE JOE

Perfection in every detail. Stunning custom designed, newly built 4 bedroom home on coveted Lake Joseph, boasting expansive views and excellent privacy. At the shoreline, crystal clear water with a sandy bottom, and deep water for diving off the end of the dock. The main floor living space features elegant floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake, vaulted tongue and groove ceilings, decorative beams, and a custom kitchen with exposed stone, granite countertops and plenty of space for entertaining. From the kitchen and dining area, enter into the beautiful Muskoka Room with gas heating and surround power screens. The large deck off of the Muskoka Room is equipped with a full outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, the perfect place to spend summer nights with family and friends. On the lower level, the Foresight GC Hawk golf simulator, home theatre with surround sound, wine cellar, steam room, and billiard room for entertaining. An oversized boathouse with one bedroom accommodations on the upper level and all day sun. The fully landscaped property features two lakeside fire pits, one natural and one propane both with Sonos outdoor speakers, and a saltwater in-deck hot tub. The home is smart enabled using Bell Fibe high speed internet with Control 4 home automation and Sonos sound zones through the buildings and property. Historically referred to as Loon Echo, the property is located only a few minutes from Highway 400, closest location on Lake Joseph to the GTA on a fully serviced municipal road, minutes to Rocky Crest and Lake Joseph Club, and a 4 minute drive to Oviinbyrd Golf Course. Lakeside living at its finest. Click here for property listing details

 

1078 WOODWINDS Road, Gravenhurst
$2,189,000 | MLS# 40344391
LAKE MUSKOKA

4-season Muskoka cottage or home, extensively and beautifully refurbished for the owners with a classic Olde Muskoka look and all the modern features and finishes that make this cottage feel like a brand new build. Exclusively addressed in a highly desirable locale with ease of year-round private road and easy boating access to Lake Muskoka. Warm welcoming entry leads to a spacious foyer opening to a grande principal living and entertaining area with a 10-foot kitchen island, gorgeous custom cabinetry, handsome stone living area fireplace, wood floors, main floor primary bedroom suite, loft and finished lower level, Central Air, New Furnace, and a Generator. Over 3,100 sq. ft. of finished living space in move-in ready condition. 195 feet of assessed shoreline fronts a wonderfully level private lot in a quiet bay with very minimal boat traffic or road noise. Extensive stonework, newer dock, shallower waters leading to deeper waters at the end of the 60-foot dock – serene and natural quiet abounds. A superb value offering under 2 hours to Toronto on Lake Muskoka – all of this, for under $2.2 Million dollars makes this property a must-see! Click here for property listing details

 

1027 SELECT Trail, Haliburton
$1,349,000 | MLS# 40342166
DRAG LAKE

Looking for a Rental Investment Opportunity or your very own Luxury Lakehouse? Whether you are seeking a cottage or year round residence you’ll want to have a closer look at this new fall offering on popular Drag Lake. With its high end features & attention to detail throughout, this newly renovated 2,000+ sq.ft. 4-season bungalow with fully finished walk-out level is sure to check off all those boxes on your wish list. See multimedia link for 3D iGuide – features & upgrades are too numerous to mention here – please inquire for details. Extremely rare setting where 111′ of sunny, south-west shoreline boasts a unique & private sand beach/island setting. Privacy further abounds on almost 1 acre of well treed land where extensive landscaping now provides ample level table land for anytime dining, relaxing or playing outdoor games. And no grass to cut! The large fire pit is just missing you & the smores fixings! Inside you will be greeted by a bright & spacious foyer leading to the open concept kitchen & dining areas & ‘the nest’ sitting room. The spacious wrap-around lakeside deck simply beckons – bring your favourite beverage & sit a spell. Plenty of room for family & friends with 3 main floor bedrooms & 2 full baths. A/C & a cozy wood stove provide seasonal comforts. The primary bedroom suite & a spacious rec room w fireplace grace the lower walk-out level. Hot tub is perfectly positioned out on the full length deck. Additional storage sheds located at driveway & by the cottage. Ample docking, sand beach & a storage shed plus deck also sit at the water’s edge. Swim, boat, fish, paddle – or simply relax and enjoy life at the lake. You choose! ** BONUS – This is a completely “turn-key offering” including all indoor & outdoor furniture, appliances, kitchen contents – just turn the key and get ready to start making cottage memories right away! Year-round access mere minutes from Haliburton amenities. Click here for property listing details

 

560 ROWANWOOD Road, Utterson
$799,900 | MLS# 40344002
LANCELOT CREEK

Beautiful turn-of-the-century farmhouse with stunning views and access to Huntsville’s ‘big four’ lakes! Lovingly restored and upgraded by the current owners, who have owned it since 1984, this is one of very few of these historic homes left in central Ontario. The weeping tiles / drainage around the foundation was replaced in 2005. Then the foundation walls were wrapped in waterproofing material and footings were poured and the wrap-around porch and gazebo were built. The screened-in room was added in 2018. A sprinkler system was installed in 2020. The driveway was graded and 5 new culverts added in the Fall of 2021. The Primary Bedroom and balcony were renovated in 2021. A new dock was installed in August of 2022. The property has been operated as a successful bed & breakfast for the past 7 years, earning on average $13,000 between July 1 and Thanksgiving. Most guests came from Europe who marvel at the views and enjoy the hot tub and pool. The majority of guests came through the Airbnb platform. In that regard, this property is completely turn-key and comes furnished, ready to move in and / or continue as a bed & breakfast operation. There are two parts which form the one acre, the second being across the driveway is natural with a rock formation which takes your breathe away! there is room for a garage and / or a bunkie set amongst the trees. All-in-all a terrific property to enjoy all that Muskoka has to offer while being only 6 minutes to all of the conveniences in Huntsville. It’s all about relaxing and slowing down to enjoy nature. Hop in your boat and spend the day on Mary Lake or go up the river to Town. Time is on your side – feel rejuvenated and invigorated at this quiet and peaceful home and in the evening sit by the fire with friends & family, taking in the vistas. Only a few minutes from the Hill & Gully snowmobile trails. ************* Water access with low property taxes of only $1,600.45. Click here for property listing details

 

New listings since 10/25/22

Price Reductions – Click here

$595,000 – $1,099,000 – Click here
$1,100,000 – $1,999,000 – Click here
$2,000,000 – $4,999,000 – Click here
$5,000,000+ – Click here

Islands – Click here
Riverfront – Click here
Vacant Waterfront – Click here
Pending – Click here

Ready to take a closer look? Drop us a line at 705.706.1177 or info@rosskoka.com

Lucy & Ross
Rosskoka.com
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Inc.
Bracebridge