Our family renovated this cottage and built the outbuildings over the last 22 years.
Now we'd like to share it with other folks that really want to get away from it all - away from technology, cities, and the strains of urban living. Folks that love to see the stars at night and get back to basics in the relative wilderness - but still experience comfort!
Our property has a Cottage, Bunkie and wood-fired Sauna Cabin. It's rustic and private, with unspoiled landscapes, off the grid- the original cottage experience. On the historic Burnt River with a waterfall view, perfect for relaxing or paddling. Soak in the views of High Falls out your window or fall asleep to sounds of falling water. You will be amazed at how natural and wild the environment is - you may encounter deer, moose, beaver or otters. After your sauna, swim off the rock to the swim raft, or float downriver on your paddleboard. Enjoy screened porch conversations, or roast marshmallows at the firepit. 2.5 hrs from Toronto
The space
Main cottage hosts the kitchen, living room, screened porch, 3 decks, bathroom, 2 bedrooms. The adjacent bunkie and wood-fired sauna cabin add more sleeping capacity. Remember to bring your own towels and bedding (blankets provided) The cottage electricity is generated by solar, and stove, refrigerator, and hot water are powered by propane.
The bunkie has a small private deck to enjoy river views, along with 2 bedrooms (Double + 2 bunks). Great space for kids to hang out.
The main cottage is traditionally wood-finished in pine and birch, with a cozy wood burning fireplace, and 2 bedrooms (Queen + 2 bunks). The solid pine kitchen is outfitted with dishes, pots, and a large pantry unit to store your supplies. Small appliances are limited due to electricity consumption. Make your coffee by pouring boiling water over the filter/ carafe. Toast is made via an old fashioned grille on the stove top burner. Hand mixer is available. Our trusty vintage "Danby Diplomat" range is not much to look at, but it works quite well, with even oven temperature and super hot stove top burners. The propane refrigerator works very well.
No wifi or TV, and good cell reception. There are books, games, comfortable seating, and a retro dining table. A funky feature is the jazz piano "Burnt River Boogie Band" - it may not be in tune, but it's iconic. The lazy boy couch has 2 recliners built in. A glider rocker and reclining leather chair complete the seating neighborhood. The stone clad fireplace insert provides wonderful heat for those chilly mornings or evenings. Firewood is provided.
Outside there is a picnic table for alfesco dining, and an exterior firepit for enjoying long summer evenings. Lots of exterior deck spaces to relax in, with lounge chairs and a view to the river. If the mosquitoes are too much, then take to the screened porch. Rockers, swings and Hudsons Bay patterned fleece throws will keep you cozy.
The sauna cabin has 2 rooms - the cedar lined sauna with woodfired wet sauna stove, and a front changing neighborhood with 2 extra bunkbeds. Fire up the stove, and you'll have a sauna experience in an hour! The sauna cabin is not wired for electricity - but there are battery powered lights supplied. Remember to bring your own towels and bedding.
A few steps down to the river leads you to a gravel beach, and a rocky point for swimming or canoe launching- or just gazing at the falls from the red Muskoka Chairs. This is somewhat rugged and not suitable for persons with physical challenges. The river bottom is rocky and uneven - water shoes are a good idea. A swimming raft is anchored offshore. NO diving is allowed from either rocky point or raft. One canoe and two paddleboards are provided for your use, but you must bring your own personal flotation devices. The Burnt River levels tend to be stable in the summer unless it rains quite a bit - then you may see rising water levels. There are river currents - so paddling downstream is easy but remember you have to get back ! Always be confident of your own abilities to negotiate river turns, water levels, currents and the "unexpected" before heading out.
Guest access
Access is provided to all areas-waterfront, main cottage, bunkie and sauna cabin.
Woodlands around the cottage are private land - so those trails are not public. Walking our private road is fun ! Local trails include the Kawartha Rail Trail- 5 minutes away - and others in the Kinmount/Minden/ Haliburton neighborhoods.
The waterfront is the place to launch the canoe or paddleboards that are provided. You are also free to bring your own. Enjoy a leisurely near-wilderness paddle down river to the next set of falls (about 1 hour downriver) Or paddle across to the portage trail at the falls and go upstream to Kinmount.
Kinmount is 15 minutes away and has a grocery store, LCBO, small cafe's and a laundromat.
MInden, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Haliburton are all within 30-45 min drive and offer lots of attractions and shopping.
Other things to note
We have a roadside trail-cam which will notify us of your arrival - please do not change or remove this.
Remember to bring your own towels and bedding (blankets supplied)
Bring your own fishing gear, watercraft (non motorized) and PFD's.
Not suitable for persons with physical challenges.
Electricity is provided by the solar system and may be limited.