There’s something about Muskoka that has enticed people for generations to make it their vacation destination—their special home away from home. And so, every weekend, city-dwellers merge with highway traffic to join the northern migration, heading for the open air and scenic settings of their seasonal residence.
There are many different styles and tastes in the cottages that grace Muskoka’s waterfronts. Seasoned realtor Rick Scully is particularly impressed with one new build among his listings, with a clean design and fresh décor that acts as a backdrop to the natural landscape beyond its doors.
A winding road leads to the property near Port Carling, situated on the most desirable part of Lake Muskoka, with just over an acre of land and 255 feet of water frontage. “Most people prefer close proximity to the community’s hub,” Rick says, “and the heart of town is an easy trip by boat or car.”
With five bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, the 5,000-square-foot cottage is fully furnished, inspired by the flair of a creative decorator. A timberframe structure with Cape Cod wood siding, it melds traditional styling with new trends and amenities. The music, temperature, and alarm systems are all automated and can be controlled by phone, allowing the owner to prepare the cottage for arrival on the trip up.
Design and colour scheme combine to produce a refreshing airiness in the home. From the boathouse living quarters to the sunny Muskoka room to the cottage interior, the décor is clear and crisp. Too often, colour themes become hot trends
and then fade away, but classic white is timeless. Simple but sophisticated, it evokes a sense of cleanliness and perfection that complements the earth-toned views of the lake and trees from the cottage’s many windows. Contemporary designers extol its role as a blank canvas that draws the eye to the outdoor vistas or highlights a treasured piece of artwork.
The rooms layer varying textures and shades of white, creating a warm and inviting space. And the delicate colour palette lends itself to versatility: leafy-green linens and pillows can celebrate spring, while rich autumnal throws add vitality in the fall.
Rick sees a growing trend to integrate living spaces into the boathouse. “People like to gather at the shore,” he says, “and the lifestyle elements here fully accommodate that.” At the dock, there are comfortable couches, dining furniture, a washroom, full-size refrigerator, and a wet bar.
The upper-level guest quarters are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, with an oversized deck encompassed by a low-reflection seamless tempered glass railing. A barn-style door leads from the living area to a spacious bedroom with ensuite bath.
Calibrated stone stairs lead up to the cottage, while wide square-cut Muskoka granite pathways allow access to the various parts of the property. Exposed trusses on the exterior create an understated ‘olde Muskoka’ feel.
Inside, the foyer’s 20-foot ceiling produces a first impression of soaring openness. The soft tones in the bright Muskoka room with its open-beam ceiling and grand stone fireplace are complemented by nautical blue accents.
Throughout the cottage, large windows offer stunning views from all sides. The ceilings are V-grooved styling, with flooring of variable-width European Oak. “The chef’s kitchen has top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances,” says Rick, “and they pair perfectly with the white cabinetry and full size wine cooler.”
Thanks to the deck’s transparent railings, views of the landscape are unobstructed from a large formal dining area, and the sitting room features a cozy, traditional stone fireplace. The main floor includes a large master bedroom, with an ensuite featuring a freestanding tub and tiled shower, and double glass doors that lead out to the deck, making it the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time on weekends when the cottage is busy with visitors.
