Every year, Hideaways readers are treated to a tour of three extraordinary properties from among the listings of mother-daughter realtor team, Sandy and Samantha Waldie. This year, Sandy and Samantha have chosen three mainland properties that beautifully exemplify the spirit and traditions of Muskoka as a place of play.
The properties, occupying each of the Three Big Lakes, have more than a few things in common, according to Sandy. “These are all family cottages,” she begins “that have been architecturally designed and/or built by well-known builders of Muskoka.” They all bear a distinctively Muskokan appeal, embracing the timeless architectural traditions of the region that bring buyers and visitors in from across the world.
“All three properties have, until now, only ever been occupied by one family,” continues Samantha. “And in each case, the property was designed specifically with large, joyous gatherings of family and friends as the focus.” All three, for example, have sandy shores— perfect for little ones and those who prefer a gradual entry—as well as deeper water, dedicated games rooms, and enough bedrooms and extra space for families of different generations to come together comfortably.
Finally, each property offers family cottaging in a beautiful, private setting while also sitting within ten minutes of either Port Carling or Port Sandfield. “This can be an important factor for today’s busy lifestyles,” explains Sandy. “Some people want to enjoy a getaway to the cottage but still have the option of popping into town for a yoga class or to have lunch on a sunny café patio with friends.”
Without further ado, let’s hit the big water with Sandy and Samantha. Once again, our tour takes in properties on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be impressed!
Let’s begin on Lake Rosseau, where if privacy and space are the new luxury, this seven-bedroom family compound represents the ultimate extravagance. Enjoy eleven acres of the best Muskoka has to offer, including a delightful blend of manicured lawn, mixed forest, perennial gardens, and tasteful landscaping.
The Hamptons meets Muskoka in the exceptionally fine 7,400-square-foot gambrel-roofed cottage, where elegance and craftsmanship are the hallmark of every exquisitely appointed room. From distinguished beech floors to a striking two-sided stone fireplace, sun-drenched designer kitchen, and stone-pillared terrace, classic Muskoka architecture and stylings elevate the living space to resplendent effect.
The property’s 320 feet of shoreline includes a beautiful toddler-friendly sand entry beach with deeper water off the dock and exceptional views. For more family fun, invite the young ones to visit the coy pond, stage a race at the remote-control go-kart path, take each other on in the lakeside ping-pong room, or fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves in the boathouse kids’ bunk room.
For more adult pursuits, look no further than the stylish and stately 600-bottle wine cellar, spacious media room, personal gym, wet bar, and sauna. And the water enthusiast will find plenty of space to store their toys in a splendid two-storey double-slip boathouse with distinctive arched doorways and charming living quarters above.
Our tour moves next to the region’s namesake lake with a truly impressive waterside cottage offering over 7,000 square feet of luxurious living space and all the amenities an active, fun-loving family could dream of.
Built in 2006, the cottage is tastefully inspired by classic Muskoka architecture, including transom detailing, soaring windows and cathedral ceilings, and two magnificent Great Rooms with stone fireplaces. Rounding out the experience are a dedicated games room, lakeside office, and personal gym.
The main cottage houses seven bedrooms, three of which are master suites, including a glorious master wing and a nanny-suite wing. With six of the eight bedrooms enjoying full walkouts and a stylish pied-à-terre atop the well-appointed two-storey boathouse, cottage guests will feel they’re being given the royal treatment.
Outdoors, the property is fully customized for an energetic, multigenerational family. Enjoy a game of tennis on your private court, take a soak in the water’s-edge spa tub, or have some laughs around a beautifully landscaped stone firepit. For fun in the water, the property enjoys deep, clear water for docking, diving, and water sports.
Mother Nature doesn’t turn down the beauty in fall and winter, so why stay away? With a protected bay perfect for skating and a four-season built-in stone barbeque area, this property is well-equipped for year-round revelling.
The final stop on our tour brings us to celebrated south Lake Joseph in the Port Sandfield-Minett corridor and an incredible Muskoka beauty nestled in 33 acres of picturesque forest. Situated on 410 feet of shoreline with a priceless southwest exposure, this much-loved homestead, known as “Redgate,” has been tailored with adoring care to meet—and exceed—every expectation.
With six bedrooms and 4,400 square feet, this spacious estate cottage property promises four-season fun with two Muskoka rooms, a games room, hiking trails through the woods, a stone barbecue cocktail patio with granite fireplace, and room for a sports court.
Stroll down pleasingly landscaped pathways to the water’s edge for gentle sand entry points and deeper waters off the dock. Experience absolute peace as you snowshoe through your own private woods on a quiet winter morning, then tap the maples in spring and cook up your own family-brand maple syrup for summer morning pancakes.
Inside the cottage, a postcard-pretty example of classic Muskoka architecture, you’ll find it easy to entertain in style with a sophisticated designer kitchen, elegant dining room, and cozy living room with granite fireplace. Enjoy the sights in every direction from spacious main-floor principal rooms opening onto extensive decking and terraces. Then, treat your guests to privacy with a million-dollar view in the upper-level boathouse pied-à-terre.
Like our stops on Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau, this lovely Lake Joe property promises to provide a dazzling backdrop to years and years of memory making for some lucky family.
Everlasting & Ever Engaging Top Muskoka Chairman’s Award Recipients
Sourcing dream lakefront
hideaways across the Muskoka Lakes
As the decades have unfolded and changes have occurred, one thing that has remained steadfast is Sandy and Samantha Waldie’s sincere commitment to their Muskoka real estate and cottage country clients. It is the passion, energy, and understanding of Muskoka that Sandy and Samantha bring to every real estate moment which maintains their reputation as vibrant and engaging leading Muskoka lakes sales agents. Sandy and Samantha offer their commitment to the finest Muskoka has to offer, and that includes their commitment to you.
muskokalakescottages.net • 110 medora st, port carling, muskoka
Sandy: 705.646.4747 • [email protected] | Samantha 705.706.3350 • [email protected]
Follow The Waldie Girls at: Sandy & Samantha Waldie Real Estate, WaldieinMuskoka, SandyWaldieyoutube
