Waterfront Cottage on Sturgeon Lake

I'm a teacher in Toronto, but I love getting time away in the outdoors. This cottage was one of the first in the area. It was originally a hunting cabin built by the local farmer, and my grandad renovated it and added on rooms. I've tried to carry on the tradition and make it a cozy family getaway. I love that others can visit and find some peace by the lake.

This property was passed down through our family from my grandparents. You will see some old pictures of them on the walls of the cottage. They came to Canada from Ireland, and worked hard to provide for their family. My grandma and her friend first rented a cabin in the area from the local farmer, who owned the land. The women and children used to come up in the summer to escape the city heat and let the children run around. That was back before there was electricity--only an icebox, a wood stove, a hand pump for water, and an outhouse. The women used to ride their bicycles into Fenelon Falls to get groceries. A lot has changed since then, but we've tried to keep some of the rustic feel of the place.

Visitors tell us that they love the big screened in porch that looks out on the lake. There is a dining table on the porch where we usually eat, and also a futon where we sleep in the hot weather, to feel the breeze off the lake and look up at the stars. It's a cozy cottage with three bedrooms and a unique bathroom with grandma's pink bath fixtures! One of the bedrooms has kids bunkbeds, and there is also a futon in the living room. The kitchen is well equipped with cooking supplies, etc.