2015 Cottage Resolutions

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Every year at the cottage is different and each New Years, we reflect back what was particularly fun, what was exciting, what we accomplished and what we didn’t at the cottage. But, we also consider what we would do differently. For us, the cottage is a very special place, that is multifaceted. It is a place where we relax, work, putter, disengage, engage, play, socialize and have lots of awesome adventures. It is also a place where we have learned a lot about ourselves, our family and our friends. Here are some of our past and present cottage resolutions:

1. Plan Guest Free Weekends: The cottage is where we work and play. So, it is an interesting balance for us to manage our social schedule with our work schedule. For us, we are often working when our friends are wanting to play and have fun. So, we tend to schedule our time (as best we can) so that we can balance both. One way we do this is to schedule weekends with friends and family and to also make sure that we have “unscheduled” weekends where we are guest free. This leaves it open for us to enjoy some quiet time, or more likely to engage with our friends in cottage country.

2. Plan Your Projects: As with all cottages, there are always projects that you want to complete whether it be to paint a bunkie, install a new bathroom, create an outdoor shower,
fix a deck or clean up the beach. We find that it is best for us to create a wish list and then
price out the projects and/or schedule the time. We prioritize the projects, research the cost of each project in terms of dollars and/or time, create a budget, and finally create a timeline for the projects we want to complete. We also talk about whether or not we will complete a project on our own, hire some help or combine the two approaches.

3. Find a New Hobby: There are some activities that we engage in faithfully at the cottage, but each year we like to think about some new ways to spend our time. We are very active and love to be outdoors, so here are some activities and hobbies that we enjoy:
i. Stand-up paddle boarding
ii. Organic box gardening – yup, we grow our own veggies for the summer
iii. Kayaking
iv. Evening boat cruises with a cup of our favourite java
v. Hiking on our local trails – we have a quest to learn the different mushroom types
vi. Snorkelling around our local islands
vii. Finding new spots to enjoy an afternoon picnic

4. Engaging With Our Cottage Community: Gary & I are quite active in our cottage community and as a result we have met some amazing new people. We thoroughly enjoy spending time with our like-minded neighbours and engaging in activities that are unique to our neighbourhood. Perhaps this year you could consider becoming more active in your community by joining your local cottage association, creating a Facebook page that is unique to your neighbourhood, starting up a travelling dinner party, or maybe even hosting a cottage concert to enjoy local musical talent (Woods Bay Lodge  https://www.facebook.com/woodsbaylodge).

5. Find Ways to Un-complicate Cottaging: Although the cottage is our favourite place on earth, it can also be a place that requires a lot of work. But, over the past few years we have considered some ways to un-complicate things so that there is more time to just enjoy the cottage.
i.   Relax your standards and “just let things be.” Yup, a little CBT is helpful here :)
ii.  Hire a local student company such as Nikki’s Cottage Care (https://www.facebook.com/nikkiscottagecaregeobay) to help you out a bit with cottage cleaning, grass cutting, beach clean up and maintenance, and weed whacking
iii. Pre-plan your meals! We love to bar-b-que a great steak and combine it with fresh veggies
from our organic garden
iv. Ask guests to bring their own linens or sleeping bags so you aren’t left with tonnes of
laundry
v. Pot luck dinners with your neighbours is a great way to enjoy time together without it
becoming a burden

We are super excited about 2015 and are totally looking forward to hearing all about your plans for the cottage, your wonderful adventures, and all of the ways in which you choose to experience cottage country. It inspires us!

The Phillips Team

Beautiful Inland Lake - Harris Lake

Harris Lake is lovely, quiet lake located along Hwy #124, just south of McKellar, ON. The lake is located approximately 12 minutes from the town of Parry Sound, making an ideal place to cottage or relocate for year round living. Harris Lake is part of the Sequin River watershed and is ideal for outdoor activities year round.  Harris Lake is situated within the Fisheries Management Zone 15 and is home to a number of fish species including Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Large and Small Mouth Bass, Catfish and Yellow Perch. In the summer, the lake is idea for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports. In the winter, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling are all enjoyed. Harris Lake is located close to the Parry Sound district snowmobile trails, making it ideal for enjoying four seasons!

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Buying Water Access Property on Georgian Bay

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Purchasing a water access cottage on Georgian Bay is appealing to many cottage buyers as it can be an affordable option that is unique, novel and adventurous. A number of cottages are located on mainland and islands on Georgian Bay and are accessible only by  water.  These wonderful properties possess different qualities and cottage lifestyle experiences and are accessed by boat from local marinas.  Boat rides can be as little as a few minutes and as much as 45 minutes (approximately) from the marina to the cottage.  Many people find this portion of the travel time to the cottage the most enjoyable.  Although there is definitely more work required to transport people, items and supplies to and from water access cottages, the beautiful boat ride and the perception of freedom that you feel when you reach the dock is incredible! Generations of people have enjoyed water access cottage properties and continue to do so as they offer a cottage lifestyle that is truly unique.

Georgian Bay is known for its extraordinary beauty.  It is home to the world renowned 30,000 islands, forming the world’s largest fresh water Archipelago.  The historic Thirty Thousand Islands are primarily located along the eastern shore of the bay are are primarily located in the township of Carling and the North and South Archipelago.  The rugged landscape of this incredible body of water is characterized by windswept Eastern White Pines and endless pink granite rock foundations.  Gorgeous beaches and  granite rock promontories can be found along the shoreline and the crystal blue water is spectacular.  For generations, Georgian Bay has been sought after by cottagers as it offers a variety of cottage options from private islands, to water access properties, and spectacular drive-to properties.  Visit our Blog for more information on these options.

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Buying a Private Island on Georgian Bay

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Owning a private island on Georgian Bay is a dream for many and can be a reality for those who have the affluence and the adventurous spirit to pursue such a dream.  Private islands are as unique as those who choose this type of cottage lifestyle.  Peace and serenity can be enjoyed in ways which are exclusive to owning your own piece of paradise on Georgian Bay.  Private island properties provide a setting where ultimate privacy can be achieved, and the perfect get-away can be enjoyed.  The tranquility of owning your own private island sanctuary is the ultimate experience for those who want to connect with nature, and cherish the adventure, privacy and privileges of island living.  Ideal for those with float planes!

Inner Islands: Owning a private island in the inner islands of Georgian Bay is the perfect combination for many buyers.  Private island ownership is very appealing for many individuals    who cherish their privacy and are seeking a retreat that is tranquil and serene.  However, for many individuals, they have other desires for cottage ownership which include protection from the intense Georgian Bay winds, calmer waters, shorter boat rides from local marinas, and in some cases warmer water.   Buying an island in the inner islands can be the right choice for some buyers.

Outer Islands: The outer islands of Georgian Bay are can be the perfect fit for those who want ultimate privacy and complete tranquility.  The outer islands enjoy the gorgeous vistas that Georgian Bay is so famous for, the incredible views of the “big water” and the spectacular experience of the Georgian Bay weather cycles.  These island properties typically require a longer boat ride from local marinas and are sometimes accessed by private float planes.  These picturesque properties are exclusive and prestigious and are often a place of great joy and adventure for families for generations.

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Buying a Drive-to Property on Georgian Bay

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Drive to Georgian Bay properties are typically sought after as they provide a wonderful combination of cottage lifestyle experiences in the Parry Sound-Muskoka district; access to the wild nature of Georgian Bay, while enjoying the comfort and convenience of driving to your cottage. Many cottage buyers desire the peace of mind a drive-to property can provide and it certainly is a convenient option when considering transporting food, supplies and larger cottage items such as building materials. However, these properties tend to be very sought after by cottage real estate buyers and are generally significantly more expensive than other properties in the district.

As with all Georgian Bay properties, each property is unique in terms of its topography, waterfront shoreline and size, and can generally be used during the four seasons. Many of these properties also have the potential of becoming a future permanent resident for those who are considering retiring in the Parry Sound-Muskoka region.  This gives buyers the option of utilizing their cottage property over the years and planning for their retirement as needed. If this is the case, it is important to consider local amenities such as health care.

Buying on Georgian Bay

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

Georgian Bay was named “La Mer Douce,” (The Calm Sea) by Samuel de Champlain in 1615-1616 and was officially named Georgian Bay after King George V by Lieutenant Henry Wolsey Bayfield of the Royal Navy in 1822. The history of the Bay is significant and enchanting, and the people who choose to enjoy a cottage lifestyle here share a common desire to continue to be a part of this rich heritage.

For some, the untamed nature of Georgian Bay creates some concerns, for others, it is exactly what they are looking for!  Either way, it is important to work with a Realtor who is able to unpack the various nuances of cottage real estate on Georgian Bay, understanding current market conditions, regional differences, and the sub-markets that exist on the Bay.  Possessing a knowledge about the various neighbourhoods and the history of each is important and contributes significantly to fully understanding the market when buying or selling cottage real estate.  Some examples of this include:
Knowing what is unique and relevant about specific communities;
What are the property attributes best suited for future resale and market appreciation;
Is the shore road allowance included with the property;
Is there a right of way on the property;
Is the road a municipally maintained road or is it maintained by an association of property owners;
How far away are local marinas and amenities;
What does it mean when a property is zoned Environmentally Protected or Natural Space

Furthermore, one must consider the construction of the building(s) on the property, and be knowledgeable of local building codes and by-laws. A strong knowledge of these aspects of cottage country real estate is required as many buildings on the Bay were constructed prior to current by-law requirements and yet, hold significant historical and sentimental value to the community.  Understanding the many nuances of this unique market is imperative when working as a Realtor on Georgian Bay!

Buying on the Inland Lakes

The Phillips Team, Cottage Real Estate

The town of Parry Sound is located on the shores of Georgian Bay in the heart of the 30,000 Islands and is surrounded by many communities and hundreds of inland lakes. When considering the inland lakes it is important that you find the right fit for your wants and needs in  a cottage lifestyle.  The inland lakes can offer a variety of features that may or may not suit your needs.  For example, it is important to consider what type of boating you would like to enjoy; paddling, power boat or sailing.  When thinking about your cottage lifestyle, you should also consider how important swimming is to you and those you will be sharing your cottage experience with.  For some, swimming is a huge part of the cottage experience, for others this is not as important a consideration. These factors impact significantly on the type of waterfront you will want to invest in when buying a cottage property. And, are you wanting to enjoy your property during the four seasons, taking advantage of all that the winter months have to offer in the area.

Cottage owners on the inland lakes enjoy community in various ways and like all communities, each is unique in its own way.  This is an important aspect of one’s cottage experience and should be discussed thoroughly with a knowledgeable Realtor to ensure that you are pursuing the type of cottage lifestyle that is most suited to your wants and needs.   Local cottage associations provide invaluable information about different cottage communities; newsletters, AGM minutes, association websites. Information about the environment, local business and community initiatives, water quality, history of the area, safety issues, and development controls are a few of the considerations to be cognizant about when seeking to buy on the inland lakes.