Since the early 1900s, the Muskoka region has played host to many of the world’s most discerning recreational real estate buyers. Presenting what is arguably the best freshwater cottaging experience on Planet Earth, the Big Lakes of Muskoka offer a recreational environment par excellence. Their deep, clear, granite-lined waters, mixed forest, and stone outcroppings are perfect as the stunning backdrop to every boater’s dream and every family’s adventure, or simply as a haven of relaxation.
An intimate knowledge of the area is key to finding the cottage that best suits the individual needs of each prospective buyer. With over 40 kilometres of playground north to south, districts, towns, and even individual Muskoka bays and islands all have their own unique attributes and histories. For the Big Lakes buyer, there are many considerations to be taken into account beyond architectural preferences and accommodation requirements, including sunset views, proximity to golf courses, restaurants and shopping, nearby activities, access to amenities, and privacy.
Mother-and-daughter realtors, Sandy and Samantha Waldie, have earned their expertise in the Big Three lakes through decades of residence in the region, a history of successful sales, and a carefully considered approach to each and every client’s situation. They consider it their privilege to share that expertise as they accompany their clients on the sometimes emotional journey of searching for—and finding—just the right cottage property for them.
Sandy and Samantha are excited to present three outstanding properties from their current portfolio for presentation in this year’s issue of HIDEAWAYS. Their tour includes properties in the most sought-after locations that Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Muskoka have to offer. Grand estates, contemporary enclaves, and Narnia-esque compounds await. Come along, and let’s begin our journey.
The first property on our tour is a stunning example of contemporary-chic architecture on exclusive south Lake Rosseau. This newly built, 6,000 squarefoot cottage, designed by famed Canadian architect Peter Berton, features the long, clean lines typical of modern design. An abundance of floor-toceiling glass is offset by the warm earth tones of the wooden ceiling, trim, and flooring. With a flowing, open, and airy floor plan, the cottage is designed to invite in natural light and encourage fluid movement between rooms.
Hallmark elements of the exquisitely appointed interior include three beautiful geometric fireplaces, state-of-the-art mechanicals, and a 500-bottle-plus wine room. The stunning gourmet kitchen features moonlit-white Eggersmann kitchen cabinetry and Cambria natural stone counters. Trendy drywall shadow mold and elegant glass stairwell styling round out the ultra-modern aesthetic. Northern white oak interior flooring seamlessly transitions to Ipe in the Muskoka room and waterside terrace.
The proudly contemporary design is tidily clad in a handsome red cedar exterior. A waterside terrace with glass railing spans the length of the cottage, allowing for uninterrupted views of the lake from almost anywhere.
Exclusively addressed and minutes from Port Carling and Port Sandfield, this rare, modern gem boasts superb privacy and truly captivating
island-dotted views.
For the second stop on the tour, the Waldie girls invite us to visit hallowed Ledge Lodge. Completed circa 1913, Ledge Lodge was originally built as a wedding gift for the daughter of a wealthy industrialist and her husband, the president of the Third National Bank of Pittsburgh.
An unequalled example of Muskoka’s early-20th century era of grand estates, now fully refurbished, Ledge Lodge remains a classic family compound, steeped in history and luxuriously nestled in eight acres of mixed, Narnia-esque forest with almost 660 feet of lake frontage.
Designed to impress, the interior features lavish statement principal rooms boasting extended water views, including a sweeping dining room, perfect for entertaining on a grand scale. Highlights of the cottage’s enviable heritage include a magnificent 12-foot high, 12-foot wide, and 12-foot deep square stone Inglenook fireplace in a classic Great Room and a majestic covered three-season verandah.
The property’s exceptional storybook landscaping features level gardens with night lighting and an extraordinary outdoor water’s edge stone fireplace, and twin shores offer both lee and windward frontages.
For any family seeking the essence of Muskoka, this remarkable, virtually turnkey property serves it up in full.
Now, Sandy and Samantha bring us to the final stop on our tour, a majestic family estate on beautiful Lake Joseph. Accessed by car via a long, winding, private drive through towering forest and impressive Canadian Shield granite outcroppings, this 8.45-acre family complex is loveliness itself.
With 744 feet of jewelled shoreline and distinguished Wayne Swadron architectural design, the cottage is picture perfect, whether viewed from inside or out, from the lake or the drive.
In the interior, understated but unmistakable elegance prevails, with renowned Gluckstein stylings and furnishings throughout. Wings of suited bedrooms bookend extraordinary principal rooms, including a graceful dining area seating 16. An extended flagstone Muskoka room
and screened waterside terraces provide idyllic spaces to enjoy the outdoors, indoors.
Outside, charming granite pathways wind along the natural curves of the landscape and lead to an impressive two-slip, two-bedroom grand boathouse with extensive decking, perfect to enjoy the warmth of the sun’s rays after a cooling dip in the lake. For the active cottager young and old, a chic pavilion with gym and regulation tennis court provide limitless opportunity for fun and play.
The perfect place to end our tour, this unparalleled estate is undeniably magical in its exquisite setting, priceless privacy, and flawless sophistication.
