Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag
Tucked away with your favorite people and pets on 2.5 acres, the ultimate retreat awaits. The perfect combination of rustic elegance and glamping, you’ll have a beautiful 3-bedroom main cottage nestled in the trees, a guest cottage with stunning lake views, a bunkie perfect for kids, a romantic treehouse with a doggie ramp, a glamping tent in the forest, a lakeview hot tub, a lit half-court basketball, 350 ft of shoreline – plus kayak, and canoe to enjoy Bobs Lake. A 3-night rental includes a motor boat
Badour Island Retreat is a truly unique escape. Nestled in nature, it feels as if you’ve been transported to your own world. The main cottage, featured in “Fine Homebuilding,” exudes rustic elegance, a beautiful post and beam cottage, with windows everywhere. On 2.5 private acres, it’s accompanied by a guest cottage, bunkie, treehouse, and glamping tent – something for everyone in your group.
Living Spaces
In the main cottage, you’ll be wowed by the free-flowing floor plan, gleaming pine floors, double-height vaulted ceilings, and windows so high you can see the treetops. Gather around the wood-burning stove to play chess, board games, and puzzles, take an afternoon nap on the hammock, or challenge your loved ones to a ping pong competition.
The guest cottage also has a large living room that doubles as a dormitory for the kids, as it has four single beds. If you’re looking to supplement your kayaking workout, the guest cottage has a punching bag and boxing gloves, an exercise bike, and some free weights.
Kitchen & Dining
In the main cottage, the living, kitchen, and dining spaces are all open-plan, with plenty of space for everyone to come together. The fully equipped kitchen has new cabinets and counters, a new farm sink, a dishwasher, trash compactor, air fryer, and electric ice cream maker. We have a water purification system and the water is safe to drink from all the faucets. When it’s time to dine, the table seats eight comfortably but can be extended to fit gatherings of up to twenty.
Bedrooms & Baths
With five structures set across 2.5 acres, Badour Island sleeps twenty. In the main cottage, the bedroom on the second floor is nestled in the treetops with lots of windows and a Queen bed. Two first-floor bedrooms host a Queen bed and twin-over-double bunk bed, plus ceiling fans to keep you cool. There is a bathroom with a flush compost toilet and indoor shower.
The guest cottage sits a few yards away from the main cottage. Downstairs, the large living room can be used as a dormitory as it has 4 single beds. Upstairs is a beautiful bedroom with a queen-size bed, air conditioner, telescope, skylight that opens, and a covered porch with a gorgeous view of the lake. There is a bathroom in the guest cottage, which has a compost toilet, and there is also an outdoor shower.
Our newly built, air-conditioned bunkie can fit 4. It is typically outfitted with two twin beds or one King bed. It also has a small table and chairs, plus tons of windows, and the back glass wall showcases an enchanting view of the forest. A beautiful bathroom with a flush toilet and sink plus an outdoor shower is nearby.
The romantic treehouse, on an adjacent plot of land, has a queen-sized bed, rocking chair, skylight, stained glass window, a mural of Bobs Lake, and a lead beveled glass front door. It has a deck and is super pet-friendly with a doggie ramp in the back. It also has electricity – how many treehouses can say that?
For a more rustic experience, our glamping tent tucked in the forest has 2 twin beds, plus its own small deck and hammock. It also has electricity. There’s also a washer and dryer located in a shed behind the main house.
Main Cottage:
Bedroom 1: Second floor, Queen bed Bedroom 2: First floor, Twin over double bunk bed Bedroom 3: First floor, Queen bed
Guest Cottage:
Bedroom 4: Loft bedroom, Queen bed, private verandah Bedroom 5: First floor, narrow bunk bed Extra: Futon couch (double bed) or four single beds in the living room
Tree House: Bedroom 6: Queen bed
Glamping Tent: Bedroom 7: Two twin beds
Bunkie: Bedroom 8: 4 twin beds or 1 King bed
Bathroom 1: Main cottage, indoor shower, compost flush toilet, single vanity Bathroom 2: Guest cottage, indoor dry compost toilet, single vanity, outdoor shower Bathroom 3: Separate tiled bathroom, compost flush toilet, sink Extra: Outdoor shower, outhouse
Outdoor Amenities
Badour Island Retreat is just that – a true island retreat. With 2.5 private wooded acres and 350 ft of shoreline on Bobs Lake, the dreamy location is perfectly secluded on rural Ontario’s largest wilderness lake. Relax on a rocking chair on the main cottage’s beautiful wrap-around deck overlooking the lake below or at the guest cottage where two covered porches each offer spectacular lake views. Stretch out on a hammock for an afternoon nap, or read your favorite novel on a swinging chair.
The dock—79 steps down—has a deck with Adirondack chairs, a chaise lounge, a swinging bench, and a shed for storage for tubes, fishing poles, water skis, and paddles. The swimming is incredible, there’s excellent fishing, and you can canoe, kayak, or take out your included motorized boat. You can also rent fishing, pontoon, and speed boats, as well as paddleboards, Hobie pedalboards, and more from our on-site boat rental, so there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the lake. After busy days of adventure, there’s nothing like a hot outdoor shower. Then fire up the gas grill and dine al fresco at the outdoor tables on the deck. Play ping pong, build a fire, and play pickleball or half-court basketball (which is lit at night). Then enjoy the kind of stargazing you can only experience in the wilderness as you soak in the 6-person hot tub overlooking the lake.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Family gatherings, birthday parties, retreats
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
$100 per pet per stay
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside of buildings
No smoking and pets on leash when not in the private area in front of your cottage- and bring towels for canada
In Miami properties no smoking, no pets and quiet after 9 PM, bring beach towels
A security deposit hold of $300 is required and will be processed directly by the host. Signed Rental Agreement required within 72 hours of booking.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 290950vb
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 96
Note from host: Family gatherings, birthday parties, retreats
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Parham
Located in Central Frontenac, this villa is in a rural area and on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Meisel Woods Conservation Area and Sharbot Lake Provincial Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Evergreen Golf Course. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Frontenac Provincial Park - 38 min drive - 38.7 km
Invista Centre - 47 min drive - 65.2 km
King's Crossing Outlet - 50 min drive - 70.3 km
Frequently asked questions
Is Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag on 9 Jun 2026 start from £561, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Island Retreat: Hot Tub, BBball, pickleball, boats, in Fine Homebuilding mag located?
This family-friendly Central Frontenac villa is located on the waterfront, 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Eagle Lake, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Bobs Lake and Sharbot Lake Beach. Meisel Woods Conservation Area and Township of Central Frontenac are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our stay at Badour was fantastic. Marla and her team made everything very simple. They really do have everything there. Great swimming, boating, views, beach around the corner. The icing on the cake for us was the basketball court and ping pong tables. Ll the kids had a blast and slept well every night! Truly awesome place!
Liz A.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Plitt
17 Nov 2024
A treasured place for our families to stay connected and close.
A special retreat on a hilltop overlooking a beautiful lake, Badour is the perfect place for mutli family gathering. It has everything you need and is lovingly cared for by Larry and Marla. We hope to be there for many years to come.
Plitt
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mary R.
22 Sept 2025
Unforgettable Team Fall Excursion at Badour Island Retreat
Our Brighton Dragon Boat Club recently spent a few days at Badour Island Retreat, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. This private island on Bob’s Lake offered the perfect blend of tranquility, adventure, and togetherness — exactly what we needed for a team getaway.
From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the natural beauty and thoughtful layout of the retreat. The main cottage was spacious and welcoming, with soaring ceilings, warm pine interiors, and stunning views of the surrounding forest and lake. Each additional space — the bunkie, guest cottage, treehouse, and glamping tent — added its own charm and gave everyone room to relax and recharge.
We filled our days with paddling, swimming, pickle ball tournaments, and long chats around the fire. The lakeview hot tub was a favourite, and the well-equipped kitchen made it easy to cook meals together. Whether we were lounging in hammocks or exploring the shoreline, every moment felt special.
Badour Island Retreat gave us the space to bond as a team, reflect on the season, and enjoy nature at its finest. We left feeling refreshed and connected
Highly recommended for clubs, families, or anyone looking for a truly unique escape.
Great combination of a rustic cottage compound with everything you need
We were a total of 12 with a grandma, 3 kids, some friends and 2 dogs. Lots of sleeping options and a good open area in the main house for meals, playing and hanging out. Many options for fun from canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, waterskiing, tubing and just swimming. We also used the basketball court, ping pong table and hot tub.
Close enough to the marina and nice spot on the lake. Coordination was a little harder than normal with Covid but Marla and Martha were very helpful. We’d definitely go again.
Michael B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you for your very thoughtful review and for staying with us. We have added a bunkie and pickleball. Consider us for 2024
We had a really great stay at the cottages on the island! What a beautiful property. Thank you for sharing it with us. We truly enjoyed the relaxation and the excellent fishing. The graduating seniors made memories to last a life time. Your cottage provided a week of connecting and memory making. We wished we could have stayed another week. You are blessed to own this property. Thanks so much!
PS - one year later we are still talking our time on the island.
Jonathan T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
15 Jul 2014
A real treasure!
Great location! Lovely Host! Comfortable cottage! I would definitely recommend a stay here, particularly for a large group or family (12-15 people).
Archival
10/10 Excellent
5 Oct 2013
Great island complex on beautiful lake
This vacation is for those wishing a true Ontario lake cottage experience. Bob's Lake is wonderful, very beautiful vistas and sunsets, relatively underdeveloped (compared to the Muskoka's),
This compound is relatively old with a long staircase to the water (70+ steps) and complicated septic system. If you are looking for the convenience of road access, new construction, air conditioning, true flush toilets, etc., I would urge you to consider the other properties offered by the owner. I've toured them and they are quite modern.
Back to Badour Island. The main cottage is stunning with an absolutely magisterial view from the main bedroom. You feel like you are living in the forest with 360 degree views and multiple screened windows. The main section of the cottage provides a great living area with couches, kitchen, and table. The main area of this section can be used to play ping pong or, as we did, to hang the wonderful hammock. The other two bedrooms are nice as well.
The guest cottage has a different orientation so has different views to the West. Also a very nice cottage with small bedroom with bunk beds and a great bedroom on the second floor with it's own balcony. The tree house is cute but we didn't use it -- would be suitable for one or two additional guests.
There are three septic systems on the property. They are not hard to maintain properly but do require a bit of attention. We encountered no problems with this.
The water is fabulous for swimming and is immediately very deep so perfect for diving. We loved the waterfront area with its decks, boats, and shed (with beer fridge).
Marla was a great host who helped us through some of the minor annoyances of country living (like a power outage when we arrived) and ensured our stay was pleasurable.
The surrounding area is fun to explore and there is a decent selection of groceries and other items in nearby communities.
All in all, a very relaxing vacation in a very nice compound on a stunning lake.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2023
It was great hosting you Jordan!! The main cottage was built in 1992 and we do have air conditioning in the fabulous second floor bedroom of the guest cottage. But I agree, Badour is for the total cottage experience. Those wanting more luxury, should stay at The Eagle, HomeAway listing 372663 or see it at www.bobslake.com. You get the same gorgeous lake, but you can drive up to your air conditioned cottage.
About the host
Hosted by Marla Isaacs
I am a psychologist who fell in love with Bobs Lake and have been coming for over 40 years
Why they chose this property
There is nothing like it-- the water is pristine and deep- perfect for swimming, the views to die for, and just perfect for couples and groups as it sleeps 22.
What makes this property unique
* basketball court *pickleball *hot tub *spectacular views *tree house * glamping tent *main house written up in Fine Homebuilding magazine *guest cottage *2 outdoor showers in addition to our inside shower
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Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests