In the early 20th century, American writer Laura Ingalls Wilder penned a tidy phrase that has become a staple in the real estate industry. “Home,” she wrote, “is the nicest word there is.” For those who have sought and found their dream home or cottage in the Muskoka region, that sentiment surely rings true.Little wonder, then, that the search for that home or cottage can sometimes be a long and emotional journey. Sandy Waldie, in partnership with her daughter, Samantha, sometimes spends years helping clients fi nd just the right property for their individual needs and wants.In a perfect world, the right buyer would find the right property immediately. But, in reality, patience is essential. With their depth of knowledge and understanding of the area, its geography, and its history, the Waldie Girls have a vital role to play in facilitating the process of bringing the right cottage and the right family together. Sandy and Samantha’s specialized experience in the three big lakes of Muskoka makes them the connoisseur’s choice for prestigious listings, but they apply the same integrity, diligence, and enthusiasm to all properties, from lovely small country gems to delightful family cottage estate jewels.
This summer, Sandy and Samantha Waldie are especially enthused about three exceptional properties in their current menu of listings, each an iconic and well-reputed landmark in its own right. Spanning the three big lakes, this trio represents the pinnacle of the region’s appeal and embodies the sought-after Muskoka dream.
Often affectionately known as the “Island Girls,” Sandy and Samantha have a history of involvement with prestigious private island property sales in Muskoka. This year they are delighted to include historic Chaynemac Island among their listings. Dating back to the 1800s, this stunning four-acre island on Lake Muskoka offers exceptional privacy, endlessly picturesque views, and living space for multiple generations.
The island’s gently sweeping grounds are charmingly accented by a Tolkienesque series of historic stone pathways leading around the island and between the stately Great House, four additional guest residences, and two boathouses (comprising a total of 16 launches). Timelessly enjoyed by generations of families, the Great House is renowned for having in its living area the largest single pane of glass of any Muskoka house.
New owners of Chaynemac Island will be enchanted by its singular delights, including a famed private “skinny dip house” with sauna, sunset steamer dock, and elegant eight-pillared stone breezeway.
The essence of the private island kingdom, the property belonged to business magnate Nelson Davis—owner of the N.M. Davis Corporation and Toronto’s Parkwood Motors—from 1941 until his death in 1979 and is currently owned by the family of Bill and Ann Deluce.
The Waldie Girls also have another remarkable island offering among their listings this summer: glorious Buck Island, Lake Muskoka. In the coveted Beaumaris corridor, this exquisite turn-of-the century landmark 15-bedroom summer island estate features sweeping views, sandy coves, and 1,200 feet of shoreline. A magical castle of beauty.
Also among Sandy and Samantha’s 2017 listings is a rare find on magnificent Lake Rosseau: Kelly Point, one of Rosseau’s finest sunset landmarks, comprising 4.5 acres of land and 1,825 feet of shoreline. Accessed via a stately tree-lined entrance, this fashionably private and exclusively addressed property north of Windermere will make the perfect family compound now and for generations to come.
The breathtaking views from the point across the vast island-dotted waters and rocky outcrops of Lake Rosseau are classic Canadiana. The water’s edge cottage, originally built in the late 1800s, has been meticulously and elegantly restored to invite the comforts of the present day without interfering with the building’s integrity and classic architecture. Meandering flagstone pathways and a grand circular stone sunset cocktail terrace overlooking the lake are carefully preserved hallmarks of the property’s heritage.
With two sweeping waterfront lots—inviting room for growth with a severed waterfront parcel ideal for another family cottage—Kelly Point makes the perfect multigenerational vacation property. Two boathouses off er between them two large slips plus an antique launch slip as well as a grandfathered oversized grand two-bedroom second-floor ‘pied-a-terre’ guest suite. With a magnificent sunset swim dock, a toddler-friendly beach, and a pleasing change house, the next owners of this remarkable property are certain to cherish it for years to come. A reputed landmark stately addressed amidst similarly grand estates. Rosseau’s east shore serves up unquestionable privacy and vistas.
If, on the other hand, a family is looking to tailor their Muskoka dream to their exact specifications, they are in luck. The Waldie Girls have the perfect property, with over four acres in the quiet and exclusive reaches of Lake Joseph. Located on the north shore, this site on famed and historic Lookout Point boasts an almost unheard of 800 feet of untouched prime lake frontage. The property features everything Muskoka is prized for, including majestic granite outcroppings, flat table rock shelves, and an ideal swim grotto. Even better, a perfect building site is cleared and ready with a driveway and hydro already in place.
Nestled in the shade of century-old pines and hemlocks, a Lookout Point cottage will enjoy incredible privacy, wide open vistas, and glorious sunsets, with the Picnic Islands just a paddle board ride away. This large stretch of shoreline promises the ideal location to dream up, design, and build a treasured family compound.
