Location: Muskoka, Ontario, Canada (2 hrs north of Toronto, 25 min from Bracebridge & Huntsville)
Accommodations: Cottage and Boathouse, 6 Bedrooms + Loft, 4 Baths (Sleeps 12)
COTTAGE
A magnificent year-round holiday retreat on picturesque Skeleton Lake. As the name Hermitage suggests, this unique property on 3.5 acres and 540 feet of lake frontage offers complete privacy and the perfect getaway.
This million dollar plus property features a quality, custom-built cottage and boathouse, newly constructed in 2006, both with numerous luxury features. The 5000 square foot cottage, featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, is nestled among mature trees and beautiful granite rocks. The property has been landscaped to blend into the beautiful, natural surroundings and the buildings have been designed to complement this setting.
The cottage interior is stunning and has many unique features that blend gracious, luxury living with a casual vacation home lifestyle. The exotic hardwood floors in cabbage bark and poisonwood, and the mixed exotic hardwood ceilings throughout make this a one-of-a-kind property. Most of the wood in the cottage is hardwood from Central America, including the kitchen cabinets, stairs, railings, doors, and much of the furniture. This unique blend of unusual woods gives the cottage a warm, rustic, yet elegant charm. Large wood-framed windows provide stunning views from every room, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty even indoors.
The cottage is designed around a magnificent, cathedral-ceiling great room with a huge, floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace, a wall of windows offering a breathtaking long view of the lake, and cabbage bark floors. At one end of the the main level is a family room with a large river rock fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking the lake. At the other end of the main level is an office/library with two walls of windows presenting stunning views of the lake in two directions. Sliding patio doors lead to the deck.
The open concept kitchen has a large island in mixed exotic hardwoods that is great for snacks or just for chatting with the chef. The dining area has a view of the lake and sliding patio doors open directly onto the deck. There is a convenient main floor laundry room. French doors lead from the kitchen into a large Muskoka room/sunroom, with a high, vaulted ceiling in exotic woods and walls of glass windows and doors, that provides magnificent views of the lake and woods. Three sets of sliding doors lead from the Muskoka room directly onto the deck. Enjoy breakfast or a romantic dinner on the deck or in the Muskoka room, enjoying gorgeous views in all directions.
A magnificent, wide wooden staircase of mixed exotic hardwoods leads to the upper floor. A loft area with a large balsam infra-red sauna and workout area overlooks the great room and has a gorgeous view out over the lake. The loft separates the master bedroom and ensuite from the other three bedrooms. The master bedroom, with a king-size poster bed, has beautiful poisonwood floors and glorious views of the lake in two directions from immense windows. The walk-in closet is completely cedar lined. The ensuite bathroom has a heated, natural slate floor, a long poisonwood and slate vanity with two sinks, a large shower of glass and slate, and a long 6.5 feet BainUltra ThermoMasseur air tub with programmable cycle, chromotherapy, and heated back. At the other end of the loft, a hallway leads to 3 bedrooms, all of which have a lake view. The bathroom at this side of the upstairs has a large shower with slate walls and glass door. End your day relaxing in the sauna or the ThermoMasseur air tub.
A huge walk-out basement is completely finished, featuring slate floors and huge windows that also have a gorgeous view of the lake. There is an attached double garage and a large parking area behind the cottage, with additional parking on the access road.
The cottage has a commanding, long view of beautiful Skeleton Lake. Natural granite stone steps grace the main entrance and another set of stone steps lead to a boardwalk that runs along the sunroom around to a large deck. The 700 square foot, private deck of exotic hardwood with glass railings offers gorgeous views of Skeleton Lake and some of its most picturesque islands. A cedar stairway descends down to the boathouse. The cottage is winterized for those who enjoy winter sports and activities. Four-wheel drive recommended for winter access.
This unique property is situated at the end of a private road and ensures complete seclusion. It is truly a one-of-a-kind property that will allow you to experience Muskoka at its best in all four seasons. This quiet waterfront property on Skeleton Lake should provide you with one of your most memorable vacations ever.
BOATHOUSE
The beautiful, custom-built boathouse was completed in 2006. Above the two-slip boathouse is 650 square feet of beautiful living space. The living quarters include an open concept living and kitchen/dining area that has breathtaking views of the lake from three sides. You can sit around the wood-burning stove on chillier evenings and enjoy the views of the lake. 3 sets of sliding patio doors lead from this area out onto the large sun deck that wraps around the boathouse. Floors, ceilings, and walls are entirely in pine, providing a bright, warm, rustic atmosphere. At the back are two bedrooms with queen-size beds and sliding patio doors that open onto the deck. The bright pine bathroom has a large shower. Above the bedrooms is a large loft with sleeping area that overlooks the living room and the lake. Older children will love the loft!
Have breakfast or a BBQ dinner on the deck. Enjoy the call of the loons. Relax in the hammock. Fish off the deck. Jump off the deck into the lake. The lapping waves will lull you to sleep. You’ll never be closer to the water!
The boathouse is available for rent separately in May, June, July, August, September & October. When the boathouse is rented separately, the cottage will not be rented. The boathouse is closed in the winter.
Vacation Rental Features
- Activities
- SUMMERTIME: Hiking, Biking, Golf, Swimming, Boating, Sailing, Windsurfing, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing, Horseback Riding, Shopping, Restaurants, Museums, Sightseeing WINTERTIME: Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling (close to trails), Snowshoeing, Sledding, Skating.
- Amenities
- Cottage: 2 Fireplaces, Phone, Air Conditioning, Satellite TVs, VCR, PVR, CD Player, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Jenn-Air Range, Ice Maker, Cooking utensils provided, Washer, Dryer, Pillows & Comforters/Blankets are provided, BainUltra Air Tub, Infra-red Sauna, Garage, Hammock, Please bring own linens & towels, Boathouse, Boat Dock. Pets NOT allowed, NO Smoking. Boathouse: Wood-burning stove, Phone, Satellite TV, Microwave, Bar refrigerator, Toaster Oven, Hot Plate, Cooking utensils provided, Gas Grill (BBQ), Hammock, Paddle Boat, Boat Dock, Pillows & Blankets are provided. Please bring own linens and towels. Pets NOT allowed, NO Smoking.
Rate Details (In Canadian Dollars)
High Season (June 19-Sept 11) Cottage and Boathouse $6900/week
Low Season Cottage and Boathouse $5900/week
Boathouse Only (Low) $2000/wk, $900 2-night wknd, $1200 3-night wknd
Boathouse is closed in Winter
A 25% deposit is due upon confirmation of rental
Balance of payment is due 60 days prior to occupancy
US Dollars and Euros also accepted. Monthly rates available
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- View of the Cottage and Boathouse from Beautiful Skeleton Lake - Muskoka Cottage
- View of the Great Room from the Loft - Muskoka Cottage
- View of Beautiful Skeleton Lake from the Deck - Muskoka Cottage
- Kitchen in Tropical hardwoods
- Muskoka Living
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #88202
There have been 20406 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2006.
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - November 27, 2009
Positive Rating
Let me just say once more, on behalf of both of us, how much we LOVED our stay at the boathouse. It exceeded all our expectations—we couldn't have asked for anything more. Fab and I both agree—it was the nicest cottage we've ever been to and it was the best cottage experience we've ever had. Part of what made our stay so enjoyable was meeting the two of you. You were so warm and welcoming - it made us feel so comfortable on our vacation. Thank you. If you'll have us, we'd love to come back next year. R. Payne and F. Fabrizio (Ontario, Canada) Thank you once again for a wonderful weekend. We've always enjoyed our experiences at Skeleton Lake and this most recent one was no exception. We truly enjoyed our stay at the Boathouse and your hospitality was a pleasant surprise. Sophia still talks about her driving experience, and both Kerri and I enjoyed the "tour of the Lake". It was a pleasure to have met both of you and we sincerely hope our paths will cross again. It would be nice to have you over for a glass of Niagara wine this fall. Hope to stay in touch. K. and A. Molinaro (Ontario, Canada) We had a very nice time at the boathouse—one our best holidays ever. I am trying to get back to Canada and we would like to rent the boathouse again at the end of August, we enjoyed it so much the first time. J. Harrison (London, England) What a beautiful Boathouse. Thank you very much for allowing us to enjoy it this past week. Thanks too for your many acts of kindness, helping us unload the vehicle was no easy task. Also Paul, we really appreciate you taking Dave to the marina in the pouring rain. This will be a very memorable summer vacation. P.S. The wine was delicious. D. and I. Bonham (Ontario, Canada) Thank you so much for the use of your Boathouse. We were thrilled to see the beauty of Skeleton Lake and bask in the colours of fall. We enjoyed the quiet, but the highlight was when we were joined by our children. Thanks again. J. and S. Henley (Ontario, Canada) “The beautiful setting of The Hermitage renews both body and soul.” J. and L. Vissers (Quebec, Canada) “The Hermitage is one of the finest cottages in Muskoka and offers a spectacular view across Skeleton Lake.” A. Back (Muskoka, Canada) “The Hermitage is an absolutely beautiful place. We loved the nature and the privacy.” C. and D. Cameron (Ontario, Canada)