Category Archives: cottage life

Muskoka Moments starts with a winner!

I posted a few videos today. One is the 1st of a Muskoka Moments collection.

The idea of Muskoka Moments is to show people and places in Muskoka, but more importantly, to try to show the connection between the two.

Our first video Backyard Swamp, Bracebridge, is a perfect example to lead off. The star of the video, shows off his knowledge of the natural world around him and his excellent backyard! The video was created by a newbie to Final Cut Pro -nice work!

If anyone has a 1 or 2 minute video (or aspires to shoot some) that shows the connection between people and our beautiful environment here in Muskoka, let me know.

We can even do the editing for you!

Our Lakes: How they have changed over the last 25 years.

I recorded this lecture by Dr. Michelle Palmer in July. One of the Muskoka Watershed Council lecture series.

Our Lakes: How they have changed over the last 25 years.

Dr. Michelle Palmer discusses how recent climatic warming, changes in acidic deposition, and human-related activities such as road salting and the accidental spread of invasive species have altered the water quality of our lakes in Muskoka, with a focus on changes in lake temperatures and water chemistry since the 1980s.

At the end there is an extensive Question & Answer session.

Calcium decline may hold answers to lake changes.

Cottager’s questions about lake quality answered.

Last  Saturday I made a presentation on behalf of the Muskoka Watershed Council to the Sparrow Lake Association. The SLA was founded way back in 1926,  and is one of many lake/cottager’s associations throughout Muskoka and elsewhere.

Sparrow Lake Association webpage.

As always, there were a lot of questions at the end of the talk and because we ran out of time, more questions one-on-one after the meeting.  It thought it might be helpful to repeat them here as sort of an FAQ about water quality and cottage waterfront living. But after typing out a few Q&As, I thought I should send you to a better source.

Michelle Palmer received her doctorate based on lake studies; specifically changes in our lakes over time. Recently I recorded, edited and posted a video of Dr. Palmer’s lecture which includes a Q&A session at the end: Our Lakes: How Have They Changed Over the Last 25 Years?

Classic Muskoka Cottage & Boathouse; View From Above

We have a magnificent property listed at Pine Point on Lake Muskoka.

The key feature about this property is the land itself; the rare privacy afforded by 895 feet of Lake Muskoka frontage on this beautifully level point. Nevertheless, the buildings, specifically the boathouse, has found its way into a number of classic Muskoka books.

As an iconic Muskoka boathouse, the boathouse at Pine Point doesn’t dominate the scenery; it plays an important supporting role.

Iconic in summer.
Standing resolute to the winter cold and winds.

We wanted to feature all of it somehow; the boathouse, cottage and the truly wonderful property itself in our own way. So, up in a battery powered remote-controlled helicopter went a carefully mounted digital camera, and softly(whew) down it came with the following pictures on its memory card:

… beautiful!

It’s not too late to catch the MWC lecture tonight.

Admission is by donation to the Muskoka Watershed Council. Just head for the Port Carling Community Centre at 7:00pm.

Our Lakes: How they have changed over the last 25 years.

Dr. Michelle Palmer will discuss how recent climatic warming, changes in acidic deposition, and human-related activities such as road salting and the accidental spread of invasive species have altered the water quality of our lakes in south-central Ontario, with a focus on changes in lake temperatures and water chemistry since the 1980s.

Lake Rosseau “escape”

We had another cottage closing for great people who, if you knew how much helping people is the essence of their “career life,” you’d really know that only Muskoka can truly offer them the serenity for the “escape” they’ve earned.

The request: was to look like Muskoka, need no renovation, be level, be peaceful, be private and be a good deal. We found them all this on Lake Rosseau!

Dusk view to the west.

Hot, but breezy

We had a couple of hours available after a pre-closing cottage walk-through on Lake Rosseau, and before a cottage showing on Lake Muskoka, so we got out sailing.

Wind was primarily from the north west, gusting to 15 knots + at times; to the extent we had to tie in 2 reefs in the sail.
Lake Muskoka’s south bay was loaded up with whitecaps. Despite the double reef, or thanks to it, we had great control and the 18′ catboat reached the theoretical maximum hullspeed often – exhilarating!

The Segwun in the background under the reefed sail, bugging-out around Eleanor Island in Lake Muskoka

The Segwun was out for a while, then shot back toward the Narrows from Eleanor Island– either the cruise was overdue or the forecast was not good. We were pretty much headed back by then.
Muskoka does need the rain.

Gravenhurst Triathlon

Hey! Chris completed the Olympic distance triathlon this morning in Gravenhurst; 1500m Swim | 40km Bike | 10km Run. It’s definitely the coolest of any triathlon because all competitors are taken out on the Segwun and the Wenonah II to begin the swim!

I was preparing to catch Chris ride by on his bike when I snapped a photo of the guy, who managed to catch one of the pylons with the bikes on his bikerack. He must’ve been heading for the auditions for Canada’s Worst Driver, or I’m sure he would have stopped and picked it up.

Oops!

Here’s Chris with just a couple of blocks to go to Muskoka Wharf and the dismount for a 10k run.

Energy left for the run? Not so much.

Chris said he may have walked 85% of the run, but he saved some energy for an impressive final kick: [wpvideo M9x9Opp3]

**Now Sold**! Cottage on Pine Lake + New Boathouse $499,000

This just may be the best value in Muskoka. It’s the first time ever on the market for this spacious cottage on sought after Pine Lake. Cherished family memories have been built up over 43 years. Specific listing details are available here.

Boathouse viewed from Cottage patio.

Enjoy all-day sun on the deck of a brand new 2 slip boathouse. With four generous bedrooms and two full baths, there’s lots of space for family and friends.

Cottage as viewed from the boathouse deck.

Some great updating has been completed, particularly in the kitchen. Everything is all on one level and is super-clean.

Updated cottage kitchen.

Use the cottage just as it is or renovate to your heart`s desire. Pine Lake is just minutes from Gravenhurst for shopping, theatre, events and the famous Gravenhurst Wharf.

Please contact us and come and see this property!

NOW SOLD! Muldrew Lake Executive Home/Cottage

UPDATE: Oct 2012 Now SOLD

Muldrew Lake is one of those lakes that people discover and seldom leave. Fabulous water quality, timeless Muskoka scenery, minutes to Gravenhurst and the Wharf, world-class golf also just minutes away at the Muskoka Bay Club.

Rock island on Middle Muldrew Lake
Muskoka granite eases into the waters of Muldrew Lake.

On Muldrew, the trend has been one of buying properties with an older cottage on them and rebuilding. The problem today is the cost of an original property, plus the cost to build new, very quickly exceeds $1 or $2 million.
But, the original properties were almost always the best: good exposure, good access, good privacy, good views but with a level lot, good waterfront, etc.  Also, when building a new cottage on the footprint of an older one, a minimal setback from the waterfront is a possibility that is not allowed on a newly developed lot.
This listing is such a property.The owners cottaged here for 30 years, prior to re-building ten years ago. They sought to design and build an energy-efficient home (in this case certified R-2000) with complete and excellent mechanicals, as well as superb construction quality on this property.

Muldrew Lake cottage plans.
Main level floorplan.

Below, please view the details of this listing:
Link to listing.       Link to contact us.

Four season certified R2000 home, approx. 2500 square feet of living space, on 1.11 acres of groomed woodland, on a four season road.  Custom built in 2002 by French’s Fine Homes.  Facing southwest on 160 feet of pristine shallow sand beach and deep waterfront.  Located 10 kilometers from the Town of Gravenhurst, the world class Muskoka Bay Golf course, Muskoka Wharf, and emergency services.

Open concept living / dining / kitchen area separates two main-floor bedrooms, each bedroom with its own ensuite.  Laundry facilities located on accessible main floor.  Large screened-in porch overlooking lake.  Expansive windows bring in the outside with natural light and expansive views.  Natural daylight walkout basement with large guest bedroom.  Detached two vehicle carport, with tool storage, and upstairs playroom/sleeping area.  Neutral colours throughout.  Faces southwest providing passive solar heating.

LAKEFRONT PROPERTY:

  • 160 ft water frontage – original shore road allowance purchased/closed
  • Floating dock (24’ x 8’) cedar tone synthetic wood, attached to flexible cedar ramp and solid dock at shore
  • Sand beach at shore, deep water beyond floating dock.
  • Easy access to the lake via log stairs from driveway or through house walk-out basement
  • Level entry road from year round access municipal road, serviced by school bus.
  • Irregular lot:  Sides: Lake frontage 160, sides 324.77’ & 244.02’, roadside 229.08’
  • Well landscaped 1.11 acre lot – planned and groomed woodlot, gardens with many mature perennials, small stream with dam creating waterfall
  • Consistent water levels (within approx. 12” fluctuation based on season and rain/snow fall amounts)
  • South /west exposure
  • Property purchased by owner in 1973; Viceroy cottage removed and replaced by year round home in 2002.

HOME:

  • Insulation & size:  Custom, certified R-2000 insulated home, approx. 2500 sq ft of living space with 1900 sq ft on accessible main floor plus 600 sq ft of finished lower level with natural light and walkout to large covered cedar deck
  • Windows:  Energy Guide rated, low E Argon double hung windows and doors featuring large opening French doors from living room to screened in porch, slider doors, 2 casement windows on lower level
  • Foundation:  Concrete poured, with insulation and fire retardant
  • Finishes:  Custom rounded wall corners, and ceiling borders throughout, all neutral colours
  • Driveway:  Easy access limestone driveway, off municipal year-round road
  • Detached garage/car port:  (20’ x 24’), on slab concrete foundation with tool room and upstairs playroom/sleeping loft
  • Siding:  Pre-painted horizontal Cape Cod lodgepole-pine siding on house with decorative frieze boards
  • Roof:  35 yr. asphalt shingles, eaves troughs all around
  • Flooring:  Main floor is prefinished hardwood 3 ¼” Birch and ceramic tile; basement is manufactured hardwood Maple.
  • Wheelchair accessible main floor:  Hallway, doorways, bathroom, lever taps & door handles
  • Decking: Entry deck (6’ x 9’) is screened and two steps up from grade.
    Screened in lakeside cedar sun deck (34’ x 8’) upstairs off of living/dining rooms. Covered 34’ x 8’ cedar deck downstairs (unscreened).
    Two covered unscreened cedar decks off bedrooms (each 14’ x 4’)

ENTRY PORCH6’ x 9’ Unheated screened-in entry porch/mud room leads into the house from the landscaped walkway …

FOYER: 7’ X 12’6”

  • Foyer – ceramic tile floor
  • Mirrored entry coat closet
  • Main floor laundry closet with shelves, side-by-side appliances

 

LIVING/DINING ROOMS:  Open concept 34’ x 15’ combined – cathedral ceiling

  • Flooring:  – Birch prefinished hardwood
  • Napoleon propane fireplace – natural stone surround
  • Walk out French doors with side window to screened porch (34′ x 8′) off living room
  • Sliding doors to screened porch off dining room.

KITCHEN (12’ x 13’)

  • Spacious upper and lower cupboards, w/corner appliance garage, bulkheads over upper cupboards
  • Task lighting, over sink pot light
  • Formica counter tops, with double SS sink
  • Island with sink & large pot drawers and seating area
  • Pantry with slider shelves
  • Broom closet
  • Desk area w/phone/cable connections

MAIN FLOOR BEDROOMS X 2:

  • Master Bedroom (16’ x 13’6”) with ensuite bathroom(10’6” x 7’6” irregular) and Maxx spa shower
    • 6’ bay window overlooking wooded area
    • Walk in closet (7’6” x 7’) w/window
    • Attached sitting room / den (13’6” x 8’4”), 6’ sliding patio door to covered cedar balcony area

  • Guest Bedroom / Sitting Room  (20’ x 13’6”) Main floor guest room with 2 pc ensuite washroom (7’6” x 7’)
    • 6’ bay window
    • Walk in closet (7’6” x 5’6”) with window
    • Large linen closet
    • 6‘ sliding patio door to covered balcony.

BATHROOMS-(2 & ½)

  • Main floor washroom (10’6” x 7’9”) 4 piece (separate shower & tub) – ceramic tile floors with matching tub surround, wheelchair accessible
  • Two ensuite bathrooms:  one 3 piece off master (ceramic floor); one 2 piece off main floor guest room (hardwood floor)
  • Elongated dual-flush toilets (3)

FINISHED NATURAL LIGHT WALK-OUT LOWER LEVEL

  • BEDROOM   3:  (14’ x 13’6”’) Spacious, bright guest room in natural daylight basement
  • Family Room (34’ X 15’ less stairway footprint) includes a Napoleon wood-burning fireplace with fan and enclosed firewall, with outside air feed, ceramic and back wall ceramic décor and mantle on wall
  • Walk-out sliding door to covered cedar deck (34’ x 8’), and stairs to lakefront
  • Storage/Mud Room  (approx 14’ x 14’) with door to outside wood shed
  • Flooring:  Manufactured Maple hardwood
  • Unfinished area:  exposed rock is covered and sealed with moisture shield (Approx. 62’ x 16’); contains mechanical room, water pump and purification system, electrical panels
  • Cedar deck (34’ X 8’) has a cement slab underneath which allows for potential future hot tub installation

HEATING: (3 sources)  Two Napoleon fireplaces; one wood and one propane, with fans on Generac

  • Geo-thermal electric furnace and air conditioning; with outdoor split system air-to-air heat pump/thermostat
  • Lifebreath HRV ventilating system (air exchange and dehumidifier) with timers in each of 3 bathrooms plus in kitchen
  • Napoleon propane fireplace on main floor, w/thermostat (fireplace fan on generator)
  • Two propane tanks (tandem) on rental with Budget Propane
  • Wood burning Napoleon pedestal high-efficiency fireplace in finished basement (fireplace fan on generator)

WATER SYSTEM & PLUMBING:  Complete water system is on Generator

  • Water source:  Lake, with ¾ hp Jacuzzi pump in lake, heated water line / thermostat
  • Water filtration system for interior use (sediment, carbon, UV); additional ceramic filter tap in main bathroom.
  • Non-filtered water to outside taps for gardens, car washing, etc.  (Benefit = extends filtration system life)
  • Oversized septic tanks (1400 gal. capacity with 100 gal. pump out chamber), insulated pipes and holding tank for efficient percolation
  • 40 gal. hot water tank

ELECTRICAL: 

  • 200 amp service with (automatic) standby 8 K propane Generator – supplies fridges, freezer, microwave, water pump, UV light, various outlets – minimum of one outlet per bedroom, fireplace fans.
  • Buried power lines from transformer to buildings
  • Installed surge protector on incoming power lines
  • Wired for satellite cable w/installed cable splitter (8)

OTHER FEATURES:

  • Easy access driveway from Town maintained road, easy lakefront access
  • 8K standby Generator powered by propane — connected to water in/out system, refrigerator & deep freeze, microwave, plus one or more electrical outlet in each room
  • Double pane low-E argon windows throughout
  • “Silent floor” joists throughout; all wood decks are cedar
  • Fire protection system (house and grounds) with sprinklers on house roof
  • Cement pad roughed-in for hot tub (under lower deck)
  • Outside summer hot/cold shower
  • Central vacuum is roughed in, two outlets, one crumb tray
  • Winter wood shed off lower deck
  • 24” all around roof overhang

DETACHED CARPORT / GARAGE:  20’ x 24’ building erected on concrete rebar reinforced slab

  • 2 vehicle carport, with tool storage area
  • Vertical cedar siding – open sides allow for firewood stacking
  • Locking tool room at end of garage hidden under indoor stairway
  • Bright upstairs playroom/sleeping loft (24’ x 20’), three season, carpeted plywood floors, with 4 opening windows and patio door to small deck, ceiling light/fan, electricity, with one installed heater in loft
  • Garden tool shed attached to the back of garage
  • Outdoor summer shower building with hot/cold running water immediately behind garage
  • Decked walkway from garage to house, with BBQ and picnic table area
  • Level bonfire pit area behind garage, with grass and raised garden area

 MULDREW LAKE:
Located approximately 90 minutes from Toronto and its International Airport

  • Accessible from Hwy. 169 near Muskoka Wharf
  • Muskoka’s 10th largest body of water, approx. 11 miles long, with many bays and inlets
  • Muldrew Lake Cottagers Association is active in issues relating to the development and the environment, active in cottage winter inspections, provides annual regattas and other general interest events to membership.  The MLCA also provides and maintains two boat landings for members to launch and remove boats from the lake.  “All Out Marina” is located at the north eastern end of the lake.

Located south west of Gravenhurst, Muldrew Lake well known for its rugged beauty, calm waters and its active community of residents who are devoted to the lake lifestyle.    Muldrew’s waters lie on the bedrock of the Canadian Shield, its depths and shape scraped out by glaciers thousands of years ago.  Five species of pine and deciduous species such as birch, oak and maple decorate the shore.  Muldrew is home to many species of wildlife, the most popular of which are the Common Loon, Great Blue Heron and of course the chipmunk.  Much to the delight of residents, a large variety of songbirds, raptors and hummingbirds commonly visit, next and feed in the shore lands surrounding Muldrew Lake.