5 Stunning Summer Retreats for Sale in Cottage Country

By Josh Sherman | 4 minute read

A relaxing haven on Lake Joseph is on the market for just under $6 million. Photo credit: Modern Movement Creative Inc.

As summer gets into full swing, the conditions are ideal for a trip to the cottage.

They’re also amenable for homebuyers looking to purchase a vacation property in Ontario’s Cottage Country. “There is way more product on the market now,” Shawn Woof, sales representative and senior vice president at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, tells Wahi.

At the same time, the market is finally adjusting from the lingering effects of the pandemic boom, with sellers becoming more realistic with pricing. “We’re seeing offers with conditions, and we’re seeing aspirational pricing starting to come in line,” continues Woof, who specializes in vacation properties. “For me, it’s a good time to buy.”

Wahi caught up with Woof to highlight five stunning summer retreats for sale in Cottage Country right now, including everything from a multi-million-dollar private island (or two) to a waterfront property for buyers with more modest budgets, and more. Check out the listings below. 

1. Moss Island Getaway

Photo credit: Nat Kay

Listing: 31 Moss Island, Seguin, Ontario
Price: $4,295,000

Why settle for a cottage when you can have an entire island to yourself? Moss Island is a 3.4-acre plot of land on Lake Rosseau, one of the famous Muskoka lakes. “Being a private island on the north end of Lake Jo offers unmatched privacy and serenity,” says Woof. “It’s not as busy up there — it’s quiet — and it’s an exclusive opportunity for ultimate privacy.”

The property includes a boat house and well-appointed four-bedroom, three-bathroom cottage with vaulted ceilings and rustic finishes, including a stone fireplace, exposed beams, and lumber accent walls. The current owners also put in a sports court a couple of years ago.

The cottage is accessible by boat from the local marina, and Woof emphasizes that  buyers need to be aware of the realities of water-access properties before taking the plunge. “I think people have a romantic idea of going over in the winter and on the ice. In reality it doesn’t really happen that often,” he says. “It takes a special buyer to entertain a water-access property, so they’ll definitely need to understand the intricacies of getting back and forth.”

2. Lake Joseph Haven

Photo credit: Modern Movement Creative Inc.

Listing: 1805 Peninsula Rd., #225, Port Carling, Ontario

Price: $5,995,000

Perched right on the stoney shores of Lake Joseph, this four-bedroom cottage has an island-like feel but is more easily accessible than a water-locked property via a private road that’s maintained year-round. “It’s got incredible exposure in an area that doesn’t have a lot of boat traffic, which is ideal,” says Woof.  

The 2.5-acre property’s cottage has a bright, open-concept main living area, perfect for entertaining guests, who can have their own separate on-site accommodations. “The big bonus there is the two-slip boat house with living accommodations above it,” explains Woof. Another bonus of the 2.5-acre property: it’s near the charming community of Minett, a popular Muskoka resort and spa destination. “It’s in a very desirable location.”

3. Hidden-Island Gem

Photo credit: TRE – The Real Estate Media Company

Listing: 29 Beachgrove Island, Garvenhurst, Ontario

Price: $2,395,000

Beachgrove Island encompasses a recently renovated three-bedsroom cottage sitting on just over two acres of wooded land on Lake Muskoka. There’s a  super-modern upscale chef’s kitchen right off a more traditionally Muskoka timber-lined dining room overlooking the lake.

Outside, there’s a sun-soaked deck, and beyond that, a great place to laze around and enjoy the best of cottage living. “There’s a shallow sandy area right beside the fire pit that is perfect for spending an afternoon or having a fire in the evening,” says Woof. “The other nice part about islands is that typically the swimming is fantastic,” he adds.

4. Beautiful Bass Lake on a Budget

Photo credit: Modern Movement Creative Inc.

Listing: 1093 Kendon Rd., Muskoka Lakes, Ontario

Price: $949,000

Muskoka is known for its luxury vacation properties, with celebrities including Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Cindy Crawford owning cottages in the area at one time or another. But there are still options at more modest price points, like this Bass Lake retreat. “Bass Lake is great because it’s right in the heart of the action under a million bucks,” says Woof.

“There’s a two-bedroom cottage, and then there’s a bunky that has a bathroom also, so between the two you have enough space for family and friends,” says Woof of the combined 770 square feet of living space.

The walkout basement could be transformed into a family room or enjoy it as-is. “One could choose to upgrade it a little bit, but it’s still useable now and it’s a nice cool spot on a hot day,” Woof explains.

5. Own Your Own Resort 

Photo credit: TRE – The Real Estate Media Company

If you really, really like entertaining, here’s a chance to own an entire hotel on Lower Buckhorn Lake. The family-run business has been operating for more than 30 years, but now somebody else has the chance to take the reins — or convert it to something else entirely. “If somebody had a passion for hospitality and a flair for reimagining a space, this is a special opportunity,” says Woof, noting the land is already zoned to operate as a hotel.

“I personally believe that the potential is endless,” says Woof of the 54-acre property, which he could see being used for a future wellness facility, corporate retreats, or more. As for living in the sprawling main structure yourself, he says, “It’s got 32 rooms — that would be one big family.”