On a quiet shore off Mortimer’s Road, a newly built cottage property illustrates a truth that people in Muskoka have held dear for decades: the best parts of cottage life happen by the lake. While there are many areas of Ontario where a vacation home can overlook the beauty of gently rolling hills, pastoral farmland, or sun-dappled forests, Muskoka’s hundreds of sparkling lakes are what draws people here from all over the world. It’s the water that makes Muskoka, well, Muskoka.
The property in question is positioned on famed Mortimer’s Point, just five minutes from Port Carling along a fully maintained year-round road. Built by Muskoka’s own KPM, it’s designed not for occasional use, but for long, immersive summers by the lake. Simon Kelly, co-owner of KPM Contracting with his brother, William, explains that the design of the property was inspired by their own summers growing up. The brothers are both deeply invested in preserving the character of the land and the traditional aspects of the cottage experience for future generations.
As one example of that, at the heart of the waterfront element of the property is a two-slip boathouse that incorporates diagonal slips in order to maximize the usable interior space. As a result, it incorporates generous entertaining areas—including places for lounging, cabinets, refrigeration, and a bathroom—alongside practical and easily accessible boat storage.
William Kelly
KPM - Carpenter & Partner
The boathouse has also been positioned to offer both sunny spots and cooling shade in different spaces at different times of the day. Large dock areas and a canoe ramp make it easier to spend the day alternating between lounging and water activities. Deep water at the dock is a treat for swimming and jumping in the lake, and perfect for hassle-free boating.
With southwest exposure, the property enjoys all-day sun and iconic classic-Muskoka views of undeveloped islands across the water. And while it is located conveniently close to both Bala and Port Carling by water, boat traffic by the cottage is minimal, mostly limited only to those with cottages northwest of the point. “It’s peaceful without being isolated,” says William. “That’s a comforting balance for most people.”
The five-bedroom, four-bathroom cottage itself was carefully designed and situated to preserve the integrity of the shoreline while ensuring lake views from every bedroom. Connected to the lakeside amenities by a gently descending granite pathway and steps, it feels intimately connected to its environment, with towering Muskoka pines and granite outcrops visible from every window. Anchored by an expansive lakeside deck, the building is designed to encourage gathering and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Throughout the property, architecture carefully balances traditional Muskoka character with contemporary refinement, such as through the combination of black standing-seam roofing with architectural shingles which, together with multiple peaks and unexpected little roof overhangs, add charming texture and character.
Inside, this turnkey-ready, fully furnished cottage reveals superior craftsmanship and warmth at every turn, starting with the exquisite custom kitchen that greets you upon entry, neatly outfitted with refined cabinetry, quartz countertops, and high-quality appliances. Lakeview dining is equally glamorous indoors, where the dining room faces huge windows, or outside on the extensive deck.
Wide oak flooring runs throughout the principal spaces, connecting to the heart of the cottage, where a natural granite fireplace, cathedral ceilings, and soaring windows throughout the kitchen and great room invite in extraordinary natural light and give the space an air of grandeur. The primary bedroom, located on the main floor, includes a custom walk-in closet and five-piece ensuite with soaker tub, ideal for the spa aficionado. Taken all together, the carefully chosen furnishing and finish selections help shape spaces that feel both polished and wonderfully livable.
For the team at Kelly Project Management, beyond being a spectacular showcase, this property is representative of their deeply held ideals. “We always promote quality first,” says Simon. “We don’t aspire to be a high-volume operation, because we want to always be able to do what we do now, which is approach each project on its merits, with emphasis on integrity, quality, and delivering results to our clientele.” That intention is evident in every aspect of this Muskoka retreat, from the care taken to maximize the water as both a cherished part of the landscape and a place to play, to the depth and refinement of its interior finishes.
The experience of this property is perhaps best summed up like this: It will beckon you, to spend the day by the water, and the whole summer at the lake. To the Kellys, this property hits the mark on all fronts, but most importantly, the waterfront
Simon Kelly: 705-646-3833 • William Kelly: 705-644-7274
3 Todholm Drive • Port Carling • [email protected]
www.kellyprojectmanagement.ca
