Castaway North Lodge is a clean, cozy and bright lake front cottage that is a perfect family getaway or couples retreat. We have a new hot tub overlooking the lake! Sun all day on the dock! Calm, quiet lake with variety of watercraft for your pleasure. A large, heated screened in porch allows you to enjoy the surroundings in any weather. The bunkie is a great escape and sleeps 3-4. Fast and reliable WIFI, and a backup generator for any power outages. **HST is included in the priceThe space
The cottage is across from crown land which adds to your privacy and beautiful view. The cottage is nestled amongst large trees that create a wall of privacy during your stay. The fully screened-in porch is where our guests love to spend their time when they are not on the dock, either on the sectional couch, muskoka chairs, or the picnic table for meals and games. Watch the hummingbirds come to visit the feeder all day long during the warmer months. In cooler months, the porch is lined with vinyl window coverings to block any wind. We also have a propane heater for you to use and we include the propane. In cooler temperatures, cuddle up in front of the gas fireplace. You do not need to worry about any power outages at our cottage. We have an automatic backup generator to keep everything going. Our new lower deck has a 4-5 person hot tub, muskoka chairs, loungers and an awesome daybed. All have beautiful views through a glass railing overlooking the lake.
Parking
We have a long, private driveway with more parking than you will need. Park by the walkway or leave your car in a parking spot. Whatever makes sense for you. We have signs at the entrance of the driveway to help you find your way in, and another on a bend to help you if you arrive after dark. The lighthouse will guide you the rest of the way. The pathway down to the cottage is well lit for your safety.
Entry
Enjoy a touchpad entry with a private code for you to use during your stay.
Sleeping
There are two bedrooms in the cottage. We have two pillows for each potential guest and have a variety of pillow types to suit your preference of firmness. All bedding is provided. Each room also has a collapsible laundry basket to help keep clothes organized.
The primary bedroom has a very comfortable queen bed with memory foam topper. There is plenty of storage for your belongings, including a dresser, open shelving, hooks, and a luggage rack.
The second room has double/single bunk. Sleeps 2-3. There is open shelving and a luggage rack for belongings.
The living room has a single pull out, but many guests prefer the comfy chaise lounge.
In warmer seasons, the bunkie has a single bed and a double/single bunk. Sleeps 3-4. This is a very bright space that kids and extra guests love. Due to the extra work involved in the bunkie for our staff, there is an extra fee of $150 per stay.
Living
The living room features two love seats, a high back arm chair with a cute black bear ottoman, and a chaise lounge. The red shelf has binoculars, books, and lots of games for you to enjoy. The TV has an Amazon Firestick so you can log into your subscriptions on a rainy day. There are lots of extra throw blankets around to add to your comfort. Learn your knots by checking out the unique nautical coffee table.
Dining
There is a table and 4 chairs in the kitchen. The island also has two bar stools for kitchen gatherings. The picnic table on the porch is a popular spot for family and friends to gather for meals and games. The picnic table also converts to benches for alternative seating.
Kitchen
The kitchen is incredibly well stocked with pretty much everything you need. There is a large fridge, glass top stove, microwave, toaster, 12-cup coffee pot, Keurig, and kettle. The fridge is fully yours. The island has all of the pots and pans, cutting boards, a variety of mixing and salad bowls, cheese grater, strainer, and lettuce spinner. The oven drawer has cookie sheets, marshmallow skewers and more pans. We provide some olive oil and a variety of spices including salt and pepper. There is a variety of good knives for any cutting needs. Plenty of utensils (eating and cooking) can be found in the drawers, along with BBQ lighters, wine/beer bottler openers, and BBQ utensils. Dish clothes and tea towels can be found in the lowest drawer. Oven mitts are, of course, provided. There are plenty of plates, bowls, cups, wine glasses, and martini glasses. A shaker is also provided for any drink mixing needs. Four ice cube trays are filled before your stay. In the lower cabinet, you can find a full first aid kit in case of an accident. You can also find extra garbage bags and rags. We have kept some empty space on the shelves and the lower corner cabinet for your pantry items. Use the window to pass drinks/snacks to your group on the porch.
Bathroom
The bathroom has a full size tub with shower and is stocked with septic-friendly shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Plenty of bath towels, hand towels, and face cloths can be found in the vanity. There is lots of toilet paper in the vanity, as well as a hair dryer and a container with things you may have forgotten (toothbrush, paste, feminine products).
Safety
In a lower kitchen cabinet, you will find a fully-stocked first aid kit. The fire extinguisher is located on the wall by the TV. There is a smoke and carbon monoxide detector on site and we are alerted remotely if they are set off. The hot tub has is locked for safety and the code will be provided to guests during their stay.
Outdoors
There is so much to experience outdoors. Enjoy the gardens between the bunkie and cottage. The cottage side yard is a great place to play washer toss or sit in the chairs that overlook the lakeside of the property. We have a large fire pit area with six muskoka chairs and room for more. Firewood and kindling is supplied. No need to bring your own. During warmer months, there are 4 lounge chairs on the dock that gets full sun all day. There is a boat rack with a canoe, 2 kayaks, 2 stand-up paddle boards, and all the paddles for each. In the bin at the stairs you will find seat floaties for lounging in the water, noodles, life jackets (adults), and a medium-sized doggie life jacket. A swim dock is located a little bit out from the dock for adventurous kids or for more lounging.
We try to shop local. Many of the items in the cottage are from local artisans and small businesses.
- candles
- artwork
- ottoman
- all kitchen and bath liquids
- puzzle
- many decorative pillow cases
- lighthouse well cover
- doormat
- lanterns
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire property. The driveway is long and has lots of parking for your group. There is a flat area for games, a firepit level, and a 10x12' dock with lounge chairs and water activities. The town of Gooderham is a 4km drive away, or a beautiful walk/bike along the road.
Other things to note
The 100 x 300' property is surrounded by large trees for privacy, and has been described by guests as "a hidden gem", "oasis", and "lucky find".
In case of power loss, a back up generator will keep everything going for your comfort.
Fall: The area is just as beautiful in fall as it is in the summer. Even quieter off-season, enjoy the fall colours in autumn sitting on the porch, the dock, or on your walks up Contau Lake Road. You may notice the lake water lower than it is in the summer. The lake is dam-controlled and some of our water is used to help support the Trent-Severn waterway in the fall.
Winter: The snow is beautiful on the lake in the winters. Walks along the road are stunning! Ski at Sir Sam’s just north of Haliburton, or enjoy the plethora of snowmobile trails, with access just 1km away from the cottage. Return to enjoy the porch with vinyl coverings to block the wind but allows the sun to pour in. For added comfort, there is a propane heater for guest use. Of course a hot tub at the end of a day outdoors is a must-do!
**Winter bookings: your vehicle should have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. Snow removal is within 24 hours of 10cm snowfall. Shovels and sand are provided for small snowfalls during your stay.
Spring/Summer: On your walks, enjoy watching the ferns and the variety of trilliums start to emerge along the edge of Contau Lake Road.
We deep clean and sanitize between every guest for your peace of mind. We provide septic-friendly consumables (dish soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash).
Of note: your belongings will need to be carried down the wood chip path and stone stairs from the parking lot to the cottage. We have a new propane fireplace for you to use. In the cooler seasons, arrive to a warm, cozy cottage.
Bunkie has no heat source so will be unavailable after Thanksgiving weekend. Will re-open May long weekend or earlier depending on the weather.
Boats: We have a variety of water craft that are available seasonally. Stand up paddle boards have a shorter season (for safety reasons) and will be available May long weekend until Thanksgiving weekend. The kayaks and canoe will be put away when frost and/or snow arrive and will reemerge when it is safe to bring them out.
Guests are expected to watch for fire bans/restrictions.
