By Martha Uniacke Breen
THIS COTTAGE, SET ON ONE OF LAKE ROSSEAU’S MOST STORIED BAYS, IS PERFECTLY POSITIONED FOR A NEW GENERATION OF MUSKOKA COTTAGERS.
There’s a saying that Lake Joseph is where people come to build their dream cottage, but Lake Rosseau is the place where longtime Muskoka cottagers’ hearts always return.
And in a sense, that’s the case with this gem of a family cottage, overlooking Rosseau’s Portage Bay. For some 60 years, the property’s previous owners had enjoyed cottage life here, raising several generations of kids on this sheltered and pristine bay. (One member of the family had even been the lockmaster for the Port Carling locks.)
BEDROOMS : 4
BATHROOMS : 3
SQUARE FEET : 2800
THE COTTAGE FACES DIRECTLY WEST OVER THE WATER, SO YOU GET THOSE AMAZING SUNSETS NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.
When the last member of the family grew up and moved on, the lake Rosseau cottage for sale was purchased by the current owners, who updated the old, somewhat rustic cottage on the property with a luxurious new modern one, taking full advantage of western views directly facing the bay, Florence Island across the water, and – most special – the magnificent Muskoka sunset. At a spacious 2800 sq.ft. with four bedrooms and three baths, it’s the perfect place to start a brand-new family cottage tradition or to revive an old one.
According to Cayman Marshall’s Mike Arnold, the list of great things about this lake Rosseau cottage for sale starts with the property itself. “It’s a level lot, unlike many Muskoka properties that slope down to the water,” he observes. “There’s a big open lawn on the waterfront side that’s great for kids to play soccer or other games, or just run around burning off steam. That’s kind of a rarity for this area.”
Serviced by a well-maintained local road, the location is excellent for year-round as well as seasonal use. Both Windermere and Port Carling are a short boat or car ride away; while Port Carling has great shopping and dining, Windermere is the home of the legendary Windermere House, the oldest continuously operating inn in Muskoka, built in 1870. (There are also first-class golf courses in both Port Carling and Windermere.)
With its state-of-the-art amenities and energy-efficient features such as radiant in-floor heating, this lake Rosseau cottage for sale is designed for trouble-free, low-maintenance living. A two-sided wood-burning fireplace warms both the living room and the enhanced, modern Muskoka room on the other side – with vinyl window panels that slide to the top or bottom to give you unobstructed views, with screens to let you enjoy the evening breeze, while keeping the bugs away.
The chef’s kitchen is a stunner, with a genuine La Cornue stove – known as the Rolls-Royce of ranges – and a secret butler’s pantry tucked behind a cupboard door. Open the door and you discover a whole other room, with plenty of extra storage, a wine fridge, prep counters and even a window.
Head up the stairs to a comfortable seating area, with its own balcony and a ringside view of the lake. It’s already wired for entertainment equipment, should you choose to mount a TV or movie screen there, or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing view beyond the windows.
The private principal suite has a cozy seating area of its own – great for enjoying morning coffee, or a quiet chat as the sun sinks into the bay – and features a remarkably expansive ensuite with separate shower and soaker tub.
One other delightful perk: a former dryland boathouse right at the water’s edge has been beautifully renovated into a cozy bunkie/ guesthouse – a comfortable and private suite for guests, or a place where teenagers can get away from those annoying parents for a while.
But of all its assets – the amazing kitchen, the big beautiful Muskoka room, that adorable bunkie – there’s one feature that for Mike, stands out above all.
“It’s the view. The cottage faces directly west over the water, so you get those amazing sunsets night after night. Those views – they are simply unforgettable.”
