November 2008 Cottage Home & Property Showcase

REAL ESTATE C OTTAGE H OME & P ROPERTY November 2008

Showcase

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

Haven amongst the trees

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com H UNTSVILLE • B RACEBRIDGE • G RAVENHURST • M USKOKA L AKES L AKE OF B AYS • PARRY S OUND • A LMAGUIN • G EORGIAN B AY Spas H o t Tu b s Po o l S u p p l i e s Re n t a l s Pa r t s & Services

HOT TUB WAREHOUSE B ra c eb r i d ge 7 0 5 - 6 4 5 - 8 6 1 3 w w w. h o t t u b w a r e h o u s e. c a i n f o @ h o t t u b w a r e h o u s e. c a

Black Rock landscaping

STORE HOURS: DECOR STUDIO Tues. to Sat. 10-4, Thurs. & Fri. 10-6 15 Main Street, Sunday by appointment Huntsville (705) 788-2612

705-375-0608 RR #1, Hamer Bay Rd., Mactier www.blackrocklandscaping.com

Because where you end up has a lot to do with where you start.

royallepagemuskoka.com Your traditions begin here.

*

Bala 705-762-3410

Baysville 705-767-3131

Bracebridge 705-645-5257

Burk’s Falls 705-382-5555 *

Gravenhurst 705-687-3474

Brokerage,Independently Owned and Operated

Huntsville 705-789-9677

Port Carling 705-765-6855

Sundridge 705-384-2220

C OTTAGE H OME & P ROPERTY

Showcase

Muskoka Magazine is published by Cottage Country Communications, a division of Osprey Media Publishing Inc. which is a part of:

Donald Smith Publisher

By Allan Cook

Melissa Kosowan Editor

Matthew Sitler Assistant Editor

Andrew Hoshkiw Staff Photographer

Mary Lee Zimmer Advertising Sales Manager

Donna Ansley Curtis Armstrong Gord Kidder Laurie Johle Martha Gillan Spence McGrath

Published nine times per year: February, April, May, June, July, August, September October/November and December. Copyright© 2008, Osprey Media Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material published in Cottage Home & Property Showcase is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Printed in Canada.

Advertising Sales

GST Number: 828666354RT0050

Marc Bonitatibus Production Manager

Canada Post Publication Sales Product Agreement Number 40025080

Addie Collins Kim Knight

Address changes should be sent to the address below.

Design Department

Joan Horsley Angy Gliddon Ken Northey Susan Smith Reader Sales and Service

Allan Cook Karen Wehrstein Contributors

3 FINDING A REALTOR WHO WORKS FOR YOU

How to contact us: Mail: P.O. Box 180, Bracebridge ON P1L 1T6 Street Address: 195 Ecclestone Dr., Bracebridge Phone: (705) 646-1314 Fax: (705) 645-6424 E-mail: [email protected] www.cottagehomeshowcase.com

6 DESIGNS FOR LIVING 8 A GLIMPSE OF FRACTIONALS IN MUSKOKA 10 STEP INSIDE A FEW UNIQUE HOMES AND COTTAGES By Karen Wehrstein

16 YOUR PANEL OF PROFESSIONALS About Our Cover: Photograph by Andrew Hoshkiw, courtesy of Garry Hall Construction.

Garry Hall Construction For more information see inside back cover.

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

November 2008

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Bill McGrath Broker of Record

(705) 789-6568 CL: (705) 788-4315

Sher McGrath Sales Representative

(705) 789-1646 CL: (705) 788-8633

E-mail: [email protected] www.c21cottagecountry.com

Cottage Country Realty Inc. Brokerage

PRIVATE FAIRY LAKE COTTAGE

FAIRY LAKE, HUNTSVILLE 6,500 sq. ft. executive waterfront property. 2 hours from Toronto – 7 bdrms with ensuites. Owners’ separate suite. Large, great room. Rec room on lower walkout. Quality throughout. Most furnishings included. Superb beach. Separate granny suite... lots of room for extended family & guests. Superb location for golfers. Two stone fireplaces. 5 minutes to center of town. $1,695,000

2

November 2008

Cottage Home & Property

PENINSULA LAKE COTTAGE/HOME This great pine lined cottage is absolutely charming with level child friendly lot and south facing views for all day sun. 5 Bdrm plus a 2 bdrm bunkie with washroom. Double car garage for all of the toys. $789,000

SHOWCASE

40 miles of Boating on a 4 lake system. Very private lot, well treed. Charming cottage with newer additions. Stone fireplace in dining room. 3 Bdrms, Ensuite, 4 Pc and 2 Pc. Fully Winterized. Lot is terraced to cottage and steps down to a large u shaped dock and tanning area. Hard sand bottom with great open lake views. $629,000

FINDING A REALTOR WHO WORKS FOR YOU Muskoka is home to a wide range of spectacular homes, cottages, and properties. With the real estate available, the region also boasts a significant number of qualified, professional real estate agents. Because everyone is as different as the property they may be looking to buy or sell, the key to a satisfying experience is finding an agent that fits your personality and needs. Many people make the connection through coincidence, like Arpad Takacs, who Jim and Iris Gardiner of Chestnut Park Realty in Port Carling helped fulfill his 30-year dream of owning a cottage in Muskoka. “Maybe you can be lucky like me,” he jokes through a thick Hungarian accent. Takacs found his agents from his home in the GTA, while looking at Muskoka properties online. “They were the agents who had them listed, so I called them up and asked them if they could show some to me.” One of the first things that impressed Takacs about the Gar-

Photograph: Andrew Hoshkiw

By Allan Cook

Iris and Jim Gardiner of Chestnut Park help clients find the perfect home and don’t rush the process.

Shelley Henwood Sales Representative

Cell (705) 783-8777 Office (705) 789-6568 Fax (705) 789-8775

BEAUTIFUL NORMERICA TIMBERFRAME HOME Over 2 acres! Open concept, custom kitchen w/granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances. Living & diningroom w/floor to ceiling windows. 3 bdrms, 3 bthrms, w/master loft offering views of Vernon Lake. Fully finished walkout lower level w/2 bdrms & recroom. *Bonus* 280 ft. waterfront lot across the road on Vernon Lake. 5 minute boat ride or drive to downtown Huntsville. Asking $695,000.

www.century21.ca

Wyatt Williamson Sales Representative

705-783-1061 [email protected] www.c21cottagecountry.com 1.58 acre level lot with frontage on Buck and Fawn Lakes. Western exposure offering long lake views and beautiful sunsets. Hard packed sand bottom with child friendly beach area. Driveway is in. Hydro & telephone at the road and only 20 minutes to Huntsville. $235,000 Call Wyatt 705-783-1061

VERY DESIRABLE WATERFRONT

Cottage Country Realty Inc. Brokerage

29 King William Street, Huntsville Ontario 20 acre parcel of land encompassing a 10 acre lake. Easy access with hydro and phone lines at property. PRIVATE PARADISE! $249,000 Also for sale, approx. 276 acres backing onto 200 acres of Crown land with lake/boat launch across the road for only $299,000. Only 15 minutes from Huntsville. Call Wyatt to view 705-783-1061

Paul Pilon Broker

Bus: 705-789-6568 Cell: 705-783-0555

[email protected] B R O K E R A G E

Desirable Retreat on Lake of Bays

Horn Lake Retreat or Home

This is y o u r chance for a y e a r round cottage soaring pine ceilings, hardwood floors, stone fireplace, and well appointed pine kitchen all blending for a warm atmosphere with lots of windows complete with South Exposure. Nicely landscaped flat lot with sandy beach and large cribbed dock. Not to be out done, is a triple garage with 2nd floor unfinished loft. A property for all ages on Beautiful Lake of Bays with 102 miles of shoreline to explore. Asking $895,000

3 bdrm Vi c e ro y on 14+ a c re s w i t h o v e r 600ft of shoreline, offering park like settings and lots of trails. This custom home offers large pine living rm. with loft leading to the bedrooms, Oak kitchen open to the dining area, (perfect for entertaining), Dry partial basement and attached insulated garage. Ideal for the person who wants it all. Ask Paul why Horn Lake has so much to offer and is so unique. Asking $495,000

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

November 2008

3

Photograph: Andrew Hoshkiw

One of the things clients like about Suzanne Martineau, of ReMax in Rosseau, is her attention to detail.

Karen Acton “On the Move in Muskoka”

diners was how hard they worked to figure out what he was looking for. “You know how it is. You have something you have a taste for – something you dream, right?” he says. “But it can be hard to say to someone what that is.” Iris Gardiner paid close attention to the things that Takacs responded to during the first few showings and was soon able to promise him that they would find exactly what he was looking for. “You know what? She was right. It worked out perfect. I just love it, I love the location, the cottage; I love everything,” he laughs. “Iris told me I’m the luckiest person, and I just said, ‘Hey, you helped me get lucky.’” Takacs was impressed with her patience and unfailing optimism that the right place was out there waiting for him. Given that it took two summers to find his dream cottage, the sense of trust, and connection that the two built together was crucial to his overall experience. “If you’re not happy, and you don’t see that connection,” he says, “or when they talk to you, you feel like they just want to sell something as soon as possible, then you should

WENDY CLELAND Sales Representative

800-953-8655 F 705-687-7710 B 705-687-3474 Ext. 25 C 705-646-4617 TF

Sales Representative 705-706-2246 [email protected]

[email protected]

Lakes of Muskoka

Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

390-5 Muskoka Rd. S. Gravenhurst, ON

Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated

November 2008

MYERS LAKE-Only 45 Min. from Barrie View this wonderfully spacious family cottage built at the water’s edge. West facing open concept living/dining room & kitchen all show the magnificence of popular Myers Lake. A main flr master has ensuite c/w Jacuzzi tub & corner shower. The Muskoka Room is pine lined, inviting & surrounded by glass. Venture upstairs to the games room with a professional sized pool table, 3rd bedroom & 4 pc bath. Warm wood ceiling & walls complement the thick carpet floor covering. Built In shelves are filled with games & books. A double carport has att. heated workshop & exercise rm. Child friendly shoreline as well as a deck for diving, this cottage has it all. Most furnishings & all appliances are included. Just move in immediately & enjoy. OWNER WANTS IT SOLD- $369,000.00 COUNTRY HOME ON THE WATER This year round property features 3 beds, lrg rec rm, vaulted ceiling in living room, warm inviting fireplace, custom kitchen, 215’ s/w shoreline, gorgeous sunsets, dry boathouse w/marine railway, double car garage and endless amounts of enjoyment. Celebrate Christmas Here. Year round Municipal Road. $559,900.00 OWNER BUILDING Don’t miss this custom built 3 bdrm home 2 mins from town. A det dbl garage w/att storage shed w/ramp provides ample space. A spiral staircase to the upper 2 beds & oversize bath adds interest while saving space. The lrg lv & dr lookout to a wraparound deck & screened Muskoka room made for pure enjoyment. Many amenities in this well cared for home. $299,900.00

TRY YOUR OFFER! 63.8 acre farm property with new Olympia all steel 40’x80’ building ready to be finished to your use. Great pasture property to rent out while you build your dream home. New underground hydro installed centrally metered, brand new septic system. Shed 8x10 has hydro panel. Well in place. Mature trees both evergreen & deciduous with Muskoka granite outcroppings offer many choice spots for building. Old farmhouse & barn have been demolished. Close to town amenities. $239,900.00 Call for directions today.

100 West Mall Rd, Bracebridge, On P1L 1Z1 (705)645-5257 x 298 4

change.” Of course, if you’re selling, you want an agent who can help expedite the process. Donna Medley of Bracebridge had an unsatisfying experience with the first agent she had tried to sell her cottage with, and re-listed with Suzanne Martineau of ReMax in Rosseau on the recommendation of a family friend. The difference was immediately noticeable. Medley explains the photos the first agent posted to the online listing showed things like the dining room chairs all askew around the table. When she complained, the agent suggested she’d be the only one who’d notice. “I said I think every woman would notice that,” Medley relates, and notes that Martineau agreed. “She put wonderful pictures on, she told me how to arrange furniture, she suggested I get rid of all of our personal things because she said people just can’t help but look at those things and she said I want them to see the cottage and not your stuff.” Medley also appreciated her agent’s sensitivity to her and her husband’s needs, as the couple had decided for health reasons to sell the

Cottage Home & Property

SHOWCASE

Photograph: Andrew Hoshkiw

cottage which had been in the family since it was built in 1958. “I was very sad about selling the cottage and she was very aware of that,” Medley says. “She never made us feel like it was her job to do it. She was always very thoughtful and very considerate. I said to her I felt like I’d made a friend for life.” Hillary Lloyd echoes Takacs and Medley’s thoughts about the importance of a good connection between yourself and your agent. “I think it’s really important to find somebody who is willing to sit down and listen to what you are looking for,” Lloyd says. “I think having a connection and having somebody who’s patient and willing to listen is well worth it in the long run.” Hillary and her husband Chris found Wendy Cleland on duty at the Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty office in Gravenhurst. Hillary believes that doing their homework before they even contacted an agent was key to finding their dream cottage. “As a family we had a list of things that we wanted in a cottage,” she explains. “We had a lot of things that were important to us.”

Wendy Cleland, of Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty in Gravenhurst, is known for going the extra mile for her clients.

“Fall”

R E A L E S TAT E Visit

into the right hands...

muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

Professional. Knowledgeable. Downright Hard-Working.

to browse this entire edition online.

Service is my strength.

A lso check out our many informative real estate related articles and real estate listings.

Suzanne Martineau

Your Personal Realtor Independently Owned and Operated

Parry Sound-Muskoka Realty Ltd., Brokerage

1138 Highway 141, Rosseau, ON

705-706-3329 705-732-8263

(Direct) (Office)

Suzanne Martineau Sales Representative

Rosseau Branch Office [email protected] www.muskokacottagedreams.com

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

November 2008

5

DAVEY Tree & Shrub Pruning & Fertilization Insect & Disease Management Cabling & Bracing Removals Hazardous Tree Assessment Commercial Tree Care

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DESIGN, INSTALLATION & SERVICE Specializing in Boat House Irrigation, On the Water Pump Systems, Efficient Water Management Systems

 Building Materials

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645-2271

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Small & Difficult Lots Site Work - Clearing & Landscape Oil Tank & Oil Spill Removals p: 1.800.265.8737 | www.tampahall.com

IN MUSKOKA

 

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FRONT ELEVATION

Whether you’re moving up from your first home or down from a large family home after the children have gone, the Ridgestone has all the features you’re looking for. From an elegant front elevation and loads of windows, through three generous bedrooms, an open-concept floor plan and a beautiful central kitchen which opens onto a large family room and a separate dinette, this home has it all! Add to these an ensuite with separate tub and shower and a mud room with an entrance off the double garage and a

Serving Muskoka for over 20 years

Specializing in... Custom Carpentry & Quality Finishing Design & Build of Turn-Key Cottages or Homes • Boathouses and Docks

Dave Marshall Tel/Fax: 705-646-2561 [email protected]

6

November 2008

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705-645-8853

PROJECT & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

THE RIDGESTONE

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Site Suitability Land Development Municipal Engineering Storm Water Management Civil Works for Golf Courses & Resorts Etc.

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Muskoka/Parry Sound/Haliburton Phone: 705-687-5883 Fax: 705-687-6377 Email: [email protected]

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SERVING MUSKOKA LAKES

Consulting Engineers 

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D.I.Y.

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DESIGNS FOR LIVING

Northern Buildall Normac Buildall

Mon-Fri - 7 am - 6 pm Sat - 7 am - 5 pm

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Cottage Home & Property

Authorized Builder

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• Sub-trade sourcing & management • Seasonal opening & closing to your specifications • Dock de-icer installation and monitoring

705

645-0775

Servicing Muskoka with pride since 1992 L O YA L I S T T I M B E R F R A M I N G

convenient laundry area and you’ll see why we believe this is one of the most value packed homes on the market today.

• • • • • • •

CUSTOM HOMES BARNS ADDITIONS COTTAGES WORKSHOPS LOG & TIMBER FRAME BUNKIES

Antique Log & Timber Frame STRUCTURES AND REPRODUCTIONS

(905) 375 - 5148 www.loyalisttimberframing.com

BuiltInfor Living Muskoka

You Know Where We Are! For Over 21 Years Model Homes on Highway 11 South, just north of Barrie

1-800-648-6695 www.barriebuildanddesign.com Email: [email protected]

SHOWCASE

“Your eyes & ears in Muskoka”

Let Muskoka Environmental service your WASTE and RECYCLING needs Servicing all of Muskoka and surrounding areas

789-1233

or 1 (866)-475-5374

“We had dealt with a few real estate agents prior to that when we were picking and choosing specific houses to look at in the Muskoka area and obviously none of them connected in any way that we wanted to continue going on with them,” Reurink says. Determined to find the perfect home for her client, Acton showed Reurink over 40 homes befores she finally found what she was looking for – a three-storey, open concept lakefront home in the Parry Sound area. “She was so patient with us,” says Reurink. “She is such a warm and inviting person.” Reurink stresses the importance of finding a realtor you feel comfortable working with. With Acton, she says she shared plenty of laughs and felt really connected to her. “I really think they need to get into the office and don’t necessarily take the first person who is there because it’s their night to work, or whatever. If you do feel uncomfortable or that they’re not working that hard, walk away. There will somebody else out there who will be better for you.”

COLDWELL BANKER Thompson Real Estate Brokerage

Photograph: Andrew Hoshkiw

Cottage shopping from Milton, the Lloyds used the Internet to preview properties and routinely asked Cleland to fill them in on the details. “In many cases she had already seen the property and the feedback was instantaneous,” Frances explains. “And if it wasn’t, she very often said to us, ‘I haven’t seen it, but I’ll go check it out and I’ll give you a shout back.’ She was great.” It was Karen Acton’s hardworking attitude that won over Barb Reurink. “She’ll work hard for you, that’s for sure,” says Reurink. She met Acton when she went into the Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty office in Bracebridge to inquire about a home she had seen online. When the day came to view the home, Reurink discovered Acton had five other homes lined up for her to view that day. Going that extra mile didn’t go unnoticed by Reurink who had driven all the way from Toronto on other occasions to view homes, only to discover that not only was the home not to her liking, but that the agent didn’t have any others to show her while she was in the Muskoka area.

Karen Acton of Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty, in Bracebridge, is known for her work ethic and warm personality.

DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE

705-789-4957 www.coldwellbanker.com INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Coldwell Banker Thompson Real Estate is proudly representing EVANCO Homes and the Homes of Huntsville Downs

Prices starting at $285,000

For more information, call Brent or Scott or stop by our office in downtown Huntsville. Brent Stapleton

Broker of Record/Owner Cell: 783-4483

[email protected]

(across from the Town Hall)

Scott Morrison Broker/Owner Cell: 783-8199

[email protected] www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

November 2008

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Photograph: courtesy of The Landscapes

The great room, in the Ash Cottage at The Landscapes in Lake of Bays, is beautifully furnished and features a two-storey vaulted ceiling, a twosided stone fireplace and numerous quality built-ins, including an entertainment centre and a relaxing reading area bordered by bookcases.

A GLIMPSE OF FRACTIONALS IN MUSKOKA spend their time away from the city staining decks or mowing lawns instead of boating or relaxing in the sun. Just as every individual is different, so too are fractional properties. That’s why it’s important to visit the fractional properties that interest you and ask questions. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of a few of Muskoka’s fractional properties.

Photograph: courtesy of Touchstone on Lake Muskoka

The face of cottage country is changing as more and more people consider new ways to own their own piece of Muskoka. Demanding careers, rising cottage prices and a shift towards low-maintenance living have resulted in a surge in the popularity of fractional properties. Fractionals help people make the most of their vacations. They can arrive in Muskoka with the peace of mind that they won’t

At the heart of Touchstone on Lake Muskoka, located between Port Carling and Bracebridge, is Touchstone Lodge. It will contain a restaurant, spa, fitness centre, lounge and concierge services, among other amenities. 8

November 2008

Cottage Home & Property

SHOWCASE

Photograph: courtesy of Diamond’s Edge Photograph: courtesy of Bert Krummrei

Diamond’s Edge, located in Utterson, features 15 cottages built in a beautiful post-and-beam style with custom furnishings. This fractional caters to people who want to spend their vacations on the links at partnering Diamond’s Edge Golf Club.

Seasons of Muskoka, a new fractional resort located west of Rosseau, features over 1,000 feet of shoreline on Whitefish Lake. The cottages, which are currently under construction, will feature single units spaced well apart for maximum privacy. www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

November 2008

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Photograph: Andrew Hoshkiw

Garry and Vicki Hall turned a tired, but quaint, old farm house into a historic retreat. Original elements have been kept wherever possible.

STEP INSIDE A FEW UNIQUE HOMES AND COTTAGES By Karen Wehrstein Homes are constantly being built across Muskoka, but some are more interesting than others. What makes some structures stand apart from the others varies from project to project, but one-of-a-kind design, unusual locations, unconventional building methods and even unforeseeable events have the power to transform the mundane into the unique. The early-morning fire that burned Warren and Frances Rowe’s Bracebridge home to the ground last

Nov. 18, for instance, was such an unforeseeable event. “It was completely gone,” says Frances Rowe, who was instrumental in getting the eight people and two dogs who were in the house at the time out unharmed. “We lost everything.” Working with their insurance company, the Rowes got several quotes for rebuilding, ultimately choosing French’s Fine Homes of Port Sydney. “We’re here and we know a lot of people who

work for them,” Rowe explains. “We’d rather support our area.” Mair French, who co-owns French’s Fine Homes with her husband Larry, recalls what was most unique about the project was Rowes’ good cheer in the face of adversity. “It was the whole experience of working with people who are so upbeat,” says Mair French. “When bad things happen to good people, good people don’t lose their attitude. There’s a huge rock across

Smith Architect Inc. Building a Better Muskoka Since 1860

59 Main Street East, #6 Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2B8

RR1, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8

705-385-1315

Tel: (705) 789-9858

www.smitharchitect.com Designing your Muskoka Dream 10

November 2008

Cottage Home & Property

SHOWCASE

NEW COTTAGES DOCKS • DECKS • BOATHOUSES COMPLETE ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS & DESIGN

Fax: 705-645-6369

Photograph: courtesy of Confederation Log Homes

the road from the house, so every day he and the grandchildren would sit there and watch us work.” Despite the trauma of watching their home go up in flames, the Rowes were able to work closely with French’s Fine Homes to make the rebuilt home even better than the original. Improvements, says French, included a full basement, a massive island in the kitchen, and beautiful new light fixtures. “Her big dream was to have a bigger front porch that she can sit on and talk to the neighbours, and she has that,” she notes. The Rowes couldn’t be happier with the way their home turned out in the end. “I love it. This is the way I wanted my home,” Frances says. Sometimes what makes a project different is its location, as is the case with a 3,500-sq. ft. Muskoka residence recently built by Confederation Log Homes on a two-acre island on Lake Muskoka. “It’s interesting because the owner can only use it late spring to early fall and in the dead of winter because in the shoulder seasons the ice is coming in and out,” says Rick Kinsman, co-owner of Bobcaygeon-based Confederation Log Homes, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. “Most people would die to live there, but you can only get there during certain parts of the year.” Island building, a specialty of Confederation’s Muskoka builders, poses particular challenges. “You have to double or even triple-handle it,” he says, explaining that all building materials have to be unloaded from contractor vehicles onto a barge, shipped across the water and then unloaded again on the island, at the very least. And yes, that costs extra. “Usually people who are building on an island want their privacy, and they pay for it,” says Kinsman. “But it’s exciting . . . that’s part of the adventure.” Confederation Log Homes, one of Canada’s leading log home manufacturers, uses white pine and western red cedar logs in their construction. They also incorporate timber frame design elements into many of their designs, as was the case with the Lake Muskoka residence. “The dining room is all timber framed and connected to the log walls, with a cathedral ceiling and two octagon-shaped turrets,” Kinsman says. “There’s an open great room with an outstanding view.” The home also incorporates a lot of glass. “When you’re on an island,” he says, “you can take advantage of the view.” The final touch is the Confederation company logo, carved into one of the logs, like an artist’s signature, Kinsman says. While not a new build, Garry and Vicki Hall’s renovation project is also quite unique. Vicki is coowner of Lumina Resort on Lake of Bays, which has been operated by her family since 1921. Her family roots in the area go back some 110 years, so it’s no surprise she’s fascinated with that which is local and old. Along a straight, tree-canopied stretch of South Portage Road near Dwight is an old 18-acre farm property that Vicki always admired. The owner,

Confederation Log Homes built this 3,500-sq. ft. cottage on an island on Lake Muskoka.

MUSKOKA’S ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDER THE VIEW FROM YOUR DECK STARTS WITH OUR DESIGN TEAM LET US TURN YOUR SKETCHES INTO YOUR TURN-KEY COTTAGE

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30% to 40% more energy efficient than those built to the minimum Ontario Building Code.

BUILDING BETTER HOMES & COTTAGES FOR OVER 35 YEARS Head office 705-385-2311

Member

126 Greer Road, Port Sydney, P0B 1L0 [email protected]

www.homesmuskoka.com

ENER

UIDE

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

November 2008

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Photograph: courtesy of French’s Fine Homes

Warren and Frances Rowe had to rebuild their lives after their home went up in flames. French’s Fine Homes built the family a new house with all the features they longed for, including a larger front porch.

red hot bathrooms

Mike Riech, was famous for his raspberry wine and fresh vegetables. When he passed away, the property went up for auction, and the Halls were outbid. “I was heartbroken,” Vicki says. So when the Halls were driving along admiring the fall colours a year or so later and spotted a For Sale sign, they saw it as a sign of fate. “I called the owner and we bought it immediately,” Vicki says. Built in the 1940s, she estimates, the small two-bedroom house has low ceilings upstairs, a very large kitchen and a staircase reminiscent of one in her grandmother’s home. “We gutted the whole place,” says Vicki, whose husband Garry is the owner of Garry Hall Construction in Huntsville. In the process, they discovered how well built the house was. “The bones were just wonderful,” Vicki recalls. “Everyone says, ‘Why didn’t you just tear it down?’ We just couldn’t.” When the old silver tin roofing was stripped off, for instance, the workers found oak strapping underneath. “You just don’t see that any more,” she notes. The renovation aimed to recreate the old-style look.

Ed Campbell Construction Ltd. Tom Campbell Laurie Campbell Owners

Tel: 705.765.7239 Cell: 705.644.0914 Fax: 705-765-7480

1071 Campbell’s Road Minett, ON [email protected]

since 1948

McLennan Contracting offers over 30 years of the highest level of detailed carpentry experience in building custom cottages, boathouses, renovations and additions in the Muskoka Lakes area. We strive to design and build some of the most outstanding cottages here in the Muskoka area. We will work with you personally throughout the process to ensure that your project is an enjoyable experience resulting in the cottage of your dreams.

DREAM DESIGN BUILD

“Our Pleasure to Serve”

REALTOR®

GIDLEY R E A L E S TAT E LT D BROKERAGE

BUYING or SELLING in a changing real estate market can be a real challenge. That’s where I come in. Put your trust in a brokerage with 60 years of service and experience in changing markets. Call me today!

Maggie Tomlinson Sales Representative

705-644-9283 – direct 705-762-3359 – office 705-762-3133 – fax [email protected]

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November 2008

Cottage Home & Property

SHOWCASE

www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

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BUILDERS • DESIGNERS • RENOVATORS

DON’T TEAR DOWN YOUR COTTAGE! LET US SHOW YOU THE RENOVATION POSSIBILITIES. Offering you complete custom design and construction services with free introductory consultations and estimates. Family owned and operated since 1995. Contact Scott Clark for more information or visit our website. Homes • Cottages • Boathouses • Guesthouses • Additions • Renovations

410 Muskoka Road South • Gravenhurst • Ontario P1P 1J4 Proud supporter of

705-687-9248 [email protected]

www.edenlanehomes.com

“We re-drywalled and Garry trimmed out all the doors and windows with large trim to make it look like what had been there before,” she says. The hardwood floors are almost all original, and the staircase was restained but otherwise left in its original state. On the exterior, the Halls removed the old black shingle siding, and replaced it with wood siding painted “a nice pale farm house yellow, with black shutters,” in Vicki’s words. Despite all their efforts to return the old home to its glory days, the Halls don’t actually live there. Why did they bother then, is the obvious question? “Just because I live in Muskoka, can’t I have a place to get away?” asks Vicki. “It’s a change to not look at water. Maybe I was a farmer at some point, I don’t know. It’s so peaceful over there . . . for me, being in the tourist business, I like to get away from people for five minutes. Not that we needed another project . . . we loved the property and the house was so neat. We just wanted to bring it back.” With other projects, what’s unusual is how they’re built – or in the case of a 4,000-sq. ft. custom cottage on Lake

Rosseau built by McLennan Contracting in Milford Bay-how fast. “We started June 1 and wrapped it up a couple of weeks ago,” says owner Jason McLennan, for a build time of 160 days. Such a project is more typically expected to take eight months, and that was the case with the lumberyard supplying McLennan with materials. “They couldn’t keep up with our orders,” he says. “Everyone was amazed by how fast the project went.” This is the second cottage that McLennan, who primarily concentrates on renovations, has built in Muskoka. He hopes to add more builds to his resume. “I’m trying to set a bar for how long it should take and how long it shouldn’t take. I just wanted to get it done fast in order to get that good reference,” he says. How did his crew do it? “I have seven great carpenters,” he explains. “Everybody knows what they’re doing and we’d work seven in the morning to 5:30 at night. The customer was easy to work with, not asking for too many changes.” Scheduling of tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers wasn’t easy, McLennan says, but they all did their

CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

Custom Cottages & Boathouses

1104 Eveleigh Rd., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 705-765-SHOR (7467) www.shorlineconstruction.com 14

November 2008

Cottage Home & Property

SHOWCASE

Woodland Echoes has been 50 years in the making. This small Occupan peaceful resort will charm you the moment you enter the gate. Our lovely traditional cottages, each nestled under mature spruce trees in a private setting at the water’s edge. Share the tranquil beauty of 20 acres of groomed lawns, perennial gardens, forested nature trails, meadowland, and a sunny sandy beach. Woodland Echoes is situated on a pristine uncrowded 40 mile waterway, just five minutes from the historic village of Magnetawan, only 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto.

From $28,900 2009 g cy Beginning Sprin

1-888-661-3669 www.FractionalCottageOwnership.com

Photograph: Andrew Hoshkiw

BUILD AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Cut your heating costs by up to 50% Energy efficient • Fire resistant • Noise reduction Reduce your heating costs year after year

Jason McLennan, of McLennan Contracting, recently built a home in 160 days to prove quality construction doesn’t have to take years. work on time. “What it comes down to is good organization and communication between everybody,” he says. McLennan isn’t really sure why every contractor doesn’t keep to such a schedule. “I’ve seen projects up here that take forever. It’s hard to see that people are given the time frames that they’re given and they get away with it,” he says. “It takes a month to frame a house, but some guys take two and three months. You hear horror stories about projects going on for a year and a half or two years.” McLennan stresses that he’s not sacrificing quality for speed. “This cottage is all nicely trimmed out,” he says, with interior architectural timbers as well. “There’s a fine line between doing a good job and taking too long. I just wanted to show everybody we can do it.” And then there are projects that are unique because they’re unique in

Model Home and Office located at

189 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst Phone (705) 687-4497 or Toll Free 1-800-481-8338 www.crippscontracting.com

design, such as a house designed for a retired professional athlete by James Pitropov, principal and owner of Smith Architect in Huntsville. The site, located on the shore of Lake of Bays, was made up of two lots that had been made into one. The lady of the house wanted a building that worked with the site, making best use of the views and the orientation. “She wanted a sense of nature coming into the house, feeling nature was connected to the house, rather than a big boxy kind of place,” says Pitropov. So he designed a house with three living pavilions unified under one long roofline with breezeways and courtyards between them. “The three living areas are connected by a long corridor which terminates at one end in an oversized fireplace, and passes through three pavilions and two courtyards ending in a gazebo-like structure that we’re calling the ‘fire pavilion’ – a gazebo with wrap-around seating and a fireplace in

Building the custom home or cottage of your dreams throughout the Muskoka / Parry Sound and surrounding areas with Cripps Contracting Ltd. Fully insured and a registered builder with TARION.

Building Your Muskoka Address

Building on the Strength of Concrete. Build your home using NUDURA’s Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s) and see what building on the strength of concrete can do for you. Multiple available widths, 90 and 45 degree corners and many other innovative features make NUDURA’s ICF’s the intelligent, cost effective choice when building.

Building Value.

www.nudura.com The NUDURA name and logo are trademarks of NUDURA Corporation.

Tobin Building Systems Authorized Distributor of NUDURA products for Muskoka, Parry Sound, North Bay and Haliburton

705-645-3355 560 Ecclestone Drive, Unit 1, Bracebridge, ON P1L1R2 [email protected] www.muskokacottagehomeproperty.com

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Photograph: courtesy of Smith Architect

Smith Architect is currently in the process of designing an elaborate cottage featuring three living pavilions unified under one long roofline with breezeways and courtyards between them. the centre,” says Pitropov. The kitchen pavilion will have a sixburner gas stove and fireplace incorporated into one rock structure. The middle pavilion features a great

room with glass panel walls on three sides and windows on the third, facing the lake. The bedroom pavilion has a master bedroom with ensuite, walk-in closet

and its own private deck. In the basement there’s a home gym that walks out to a sunk-in patio and rock garden so the owners will be able to exercise and then go

down to the lake. Floor space is 3,000 sq. ft. with another 1,000 sq. ft. of deck. Materials stress the natural and rustic, with locally-quarried stone, custom redwood windows and cedar soffit and fascia. “The overall look will be rustic Lake of Bays but with slightly cleaner lines and more glass,” says Pitropov. What is important with such a project, he notes, is a good fit between architect and client. “I’ll ask people to do a little research themselves, get magazine clippings, find pictures of places they like; that’s a dialogue that helps us become creative,” Pitropov says. “It’s not our ideas that prevail, or the clients, but the project takes on a life of its own and you end up with something unique and original.”

Your Panel of Professionals Need answers to your questions? Let the Professionals give you the straight answers! Marcia Oliver Law Office of Marcia J. Oliver [email protected]

705-788-1148

We are purchasing a cottage. My lawyer has recommended title insurance. What is it and why is it beneficial?

Q

Marcia Oliver Marie Poirier,

MCIP, RPP

Marie Poirier Planning & Associates Inc. [email protected]

705-635-9860

We have decided to renovate our home. Do we need a planner?

Q

Property and home owners would be wise to consult a planner prior to making renovation and rebuilding plans. The zoning bylaws in Muskoka are becoming increasingly strict and more complex. Find out what you can do before you start and what you may be able to do with the help of a planner to achieve your ultimate goal, even if it doesn't immediately comply with the zoning bylaw. It will save you time and money in the long run.

A

Marie Poirier

Lynda Lynn Royal LePage Broker [email protected]

705-645-5257

What difference does “curb appeal” make in the sale of my property?

Q

Research shows that clients make their decision to buy or not to buy in the first two minutes. Therefore, enhancing your home is critical. Tidy and sweep front steps. Remove litter from your yard. Prune and trim hedges and trees. Edge and sweep the driveway. Fingerprints should be removed and glass shined in your doors. A little forethought and a few suggestions from your realtor can help the sale of your home.

A

Lynda Lynn

Jacqui Semkow TD Canada Trust [email protected]

705-646-4238

I have been watching the news and hearing that it is now very difficult to get a mortgage. Is this true?

Q 16

Title insurance is now offered in Ontario by several companies. The benefits of title insurance may include: a reduction in your legal fees as your lawyer may have to conduct fewer inquiries regarding the property thereby reducing the time he/she spends on your file; and protection for you as the purchaser, in the event that fraud or inaccuracies in information provided are discovered, after closing. You should discuss your options with a solicitor.

A

Thanks for your question. The short answer is no. TD Canada Trust is still lending mortgage money and I’m still as busy as ever. There have been some small changes. The maximum amortization is now 35 years and the minimum downpayment required is 5% of the purchase price. As always, I am happy to help qualified buyers purchase a home. Please call me if I can help you plan for homeownership or assist with a pre-approval.

A

Jacqui Semkow

November 2008

Cottage Home & Property

SHOWCASE

28 Years of Experience on Lake of Bays

Garry Hall Construction Ph 705-635-1379 • Cell 705-788-6156 • [email protected] "What's the difference between average and extraordinary? It's all in the details."

SHOWCASE

FEATURE

PROPERTIES Mary Thomas Sales Representative Office: (705) 789-9677 Cell: (705) 380-1709

[email protected]

B R O K E R A G E

Come and Enjoy MUSKOKA • LAKE OF BAYS • ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS Your New Home, or Vacation, Destination Call my DIRECT TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-877-777-8695 I look forward to working for you!

www.marythomasmuskoka.com Wendy Crothers (Godfrey)

CAMERON & KAREN WHITE Sales Representatives Port Carling, ON 1-888-508-2777 ext. 513 Cell: (705) 645-7123 [email protected] www.muskokapropertiesforsale.com

Broker of Record

[email protected] (705) 684-8181 (705) 646-7532

NEW LISTING!

Sutton-Around Muskoka Realty Inc., Brokerage

405 Muskoka Road South, Unit A1, GRAVENHURST

Attention ALL Buyers!

Enjoy this Muskoka getaway now! The serene, private setting will captivate and entertain you with close to 600 feet of natural shoreline, over 4 acres and wildlife such as loons, herons, humming birds, beavers, deer and fish to share the experience! Book your appointment with Wendy today! Short notice appointments are possible! 705-646-7532 SELLER MOTIVATED TO ENTERTAIN ALL OFFERS!

170’ on Big Whitefish Lake

$1,599,000

Suzanne Martineau

LAKES OF MUSKOKA REALTY

Sales Representative Parry Sound-Muskoka Realty Ltd., Brokerage

395 CENTRE ST N., HUNTSVILLE 705-789-9677

Rosseau Branch Office

Independently Owned and Operated

A big fat fish was swimming by the dock as we put out the For Sale sign on this 4 season cottage with 170’ frontage on crystal clear Big Whitefish Lake. With 3 bedrooms, a spacious living area with a wall of windows overlooking the beautiful lake view you can host a family reunion. Enjoy miles of boating on this three lake chain. For weekends, weeks on end or an eternity, this cottage is a big catch at a small price $449,000.

[email protected] www.muskokacottagedreams.com

Looking to move to Muskoka? Large bungalow on a fabulous level ravine lot, central Bracebridge, The Heart of Muskoka. A Breath of Fresh Air and A Great Lifestyle!

$289,000.

SUE BURKE,

Sales Rep.

– The Power of Sue at Work for You

20+ Years ~ #1 Agent Huntsville/Lake of Bays/Almaguin 2007 1138 Highway 141, Rosseau, ON

705-706-3329

(Direct)

705-732-8263

(Office)

BRENT GINOU Sales Representative 405 Muskoka Road South, Unit A1

Sutton-Around Muskoka Realty Inc. brokerage

p. 705-684-8181 tf. 1-866-684-8181 c. 705-641-0097 www.sutton.com/sg/bginou [email protected] Live the Muskoka Life Style on Drive-To Acton Island on Beautiful Muskoka Lake.

$1,199,000.

The view from the “L” shaped dock and boathouse is South West creating spectacular vistas across open water. The cottage offers central air, extensive wooden interior, 3 bdrms with additional sleeping accommodation in the walk out basement, laundry facilities & great room with stone fireplace, wood floors and incredible views! Seller is motivated so enjoy your Muskoka this summer. Call Brent today for your personal tour!

[email protected] • 705-788-6389 direct line Check out all of Sue’s listings at www.sueburke.ca

KAREN FLOOD Broker

705-765-6801 (cell) 705-644-4011 [email protected] www.karenflood.ca

B R O K E R A G E PORT CARLING

• Horseshoe Lake • This wonderful custom built year-round cottage or home offers it all. Post and beam construction, wide open spaces, 2 master suites, gorgeous wood fireplace, lower living space with propane fireplace, level land, sand shoreline, great view, south exposure, large decks and newer hot tub. NEW PRICE! Also has high efficiency oil furnace. Only $ 7 49,900. minutes to town and on a great lake. For more information call Karen Flood, 705-644-4011