very summer, mother-daughter realtor team Sandy and Samantha Waldie take Hideaways readers on a tour of three special properties from among their listings. For the summer of 2020, they’re throwing a little time travel into the bargain. This year’s properties represent Muskoka’s rich history as a place of leisure and escape for some of the well-heeled Canadian and American families of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Thanks to the respect with which their few previous owners have cared for and maintained the buildings and landscapes on these properties, they enjoy membership in an Esteemed category of Classic Historic Landmarks–as priceless and authentic examples of Old Muskoka in our midst.
In addition to having long and historied lineages, the three properties on this year’s tour share other compelling features. They are all large properties that offer both incredible privacy and the perfect settings for grand entertaining and family fun alike. Each sits at a highly sought-after address in a coveted part of Muskoka. And whether it is windswept meadows or winding stone pathways and rock gardens, each property offers its own unforgettable brand of storybook charm.
Sandy and Samantha begin our tour by escorting us to the famed Beaumaris region on Lake Muskoka, where we visit two magical whole islands. From there, we proceed to a splendid Georgian country estate near the historic village of Windermere. And let’s get started!
Hop in as we motor over to Lake Muskoka’s Marco Island in Beaumaris, where the 4.4-acre private island offers a magical combination of mixed forests, pleasing lawns, rocky points, and sandy beaches. Step onto the dock and feel yourself drawn to follow a magnificent stone pathway lined with perennial gardens to the great house. There you will feel the sweep of history as you climb the elegant basswood staircase to the second floor, observe the magnificent upper corridor, flanked by pretty bedrooms, each with its own sitting room and hallmarks of old-world Beaumaris charm, and pass through the once staff quarters to descend their more discreet staircase to the kitchen.
With five fireplaces, wide maple floors, a historic wicker-clad sunroom, and a glorious screened-in porch, this classic early twentieth-century great house tempts you to hold
your breath and listen for echoes of its past inhabitants. The island was purchased in 1900 by Robert John McKay, son of noted Pittsburgh industrialist James McKay, and named for Robert’s wife, Eva Marco McKay. It has had only two owners since the McKay family sold it in 1952.
A true family compound, the island promises both vastness and private hideaways, including a three-bedroom guest cottage and four-bedroom antique boat collectors’ boathouse. In the early twentieth century, the boathouse was locally celebrated as the site of lively dance parties, evidenced by a back entrance for servants and band members and an expansive dance floor. Today, one can easily imagine those partygoers stepping onto the deck for a few moments while the band rests between numbers to look at the stars and feel the cooling lake breeze.
One of Beaumaris’s most treasured jewels, Marco Island easily slips the bonds of the endless push-pull debate between contemporary and traditional architecture in Muskoka, offering something both authentic and essential. “Trends come and go, but this is timeless,” is how Sandy explains it. “It’s what makes the perfect fairytale.”
We’re back on the water, heading to our second stop on the tour. Also a private island in historic Beaumaris, Urania Isle, affectionately known as ‘Chez Noix’ or Heward’s Isle, is approximately two acres of classic Muskoka in both its landscape and buildings. As we approach the island, we can choose between either of two remarkable boathouses.
The antique boat collector’s multi-slip boathouse boasts guest quarters sleeping six, or we can follow the rocky shoreline to a classic turreted ‘honeymooners’ multi-slip boathouse with guest quarters and covered balcony. Alternatively, we might tie up at the expansive sun-drenched swim dock and follow the historic stone pathway and steps up to the main residence, a classic example of Beaumaris charm and prestige.
Once owned by one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved citizens, the self-taught astronomer John Brashear, Urania Isle offers an increasingly precious glimpse into the past. Bearing the characteristics typical of the early twentieth century Muskoka summer house, the main residence features elegant basswood-lined rooms, wicker-filled sweeping verandahs, and a handsome stone fireplace. While completely renovated, care has been taken to preserve the essence of this old Muskoka gem, whose timeless charm is accented by glorious perennial gardens, delightful stone pathways, and beguiling sunset views.
Perfect for large family gatherings and entertaining, the island offers a wealth of social spaces indoors and out with multiple docks, covered decking, and fabulous stone patios. According to Samantha, it’s a one-of-a-kind find. “This property is like a treasured jewel handed down through generations,” she says. “The years do nothing to dim its shine.”
Last but not least, we arrive at the final stop on our 2020 tour with the Waldie Girls. And here we shift gears somewhat, moving from classic Muskoka lake living to a lavish
278-acre country estate nestled among the rolling hills and meadows in the heart of Windermere, a late-nineteenth century settlement and home to the historic Windermere House resort. This rural acreage, with frontage on the Dee River and access to coveted Eaton Lake, also boasts pedigree as an original South Rosseau homestead, former retreat for the son of a Lieutenant-Governor during the height of Cold War tensions, and treasured private family hideaway for a newspaper publisher for the past thirty years.
Prepare to be charmed as we travel a long tree-lined drive and arrive at the 8,000-square-foot residence, an irresistible example of Georgian architecture built by reputed Dempsey Design. Follow flagstone pathways through perennial gardens and step into the house, where sunlight drenches the rooms and windows open onto a miles-long view. Note the stately elegance of the five-bedroom home’s classic styling, evident in its high ceilings and crown moulding accents.
Step into the most recent addition to the home, a luxurious indoor pool and sauna. Why not take a dip, then dry off while you enjoy a summer breeze in the screened-in covered porch? With pastoral views in every direction, this precious getaway offers the promise of a peaceful retreat and a place to get away from it all. Perfect for the aspirant hobby farmer or horse-lover, the possibilities with a property of this size are practically endless. “This is country living at its finest,” says Sandy. “It’s a world of its own, and a mere golf cart ride to the sparkling waters of Lake Rosseau.”
Everlasting & Ever Engaging Top Muskoka Chairman’s Award Recipients
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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
