Finding Value in Muskoka

People always ask us, what cottages do you have available this summer, under $5,000/week?

Read on to learn about 8 beautiful cottages that are available for less than $5,000. From lakefront properties to tucked away family havens, learn about a selection of Jayne’s great value cottages, including their unique features, location, and month(s) of availability.

Please feel free to contact Jayne to discuss individual cottages and whether they will meet your needs.  These cottage owners are looking for minimum rental of 2 weeks.

Under $3,000

Bala Boathouse – July availability.

Can you imagine living in a Boathouse? Hear the waves as you sleep? Watch the sunrise on the water? And a 10 minute to ice-cream or stumble home from the Kee to Bala after a concert?

Property: Very compact Boathouse Cottage located literally right on Lake Muskoka! Pristine Lake Muskoka frontage yet so close to enjoy the amenities in Bala! Outside deck wraps around the Boathouse. The interior Boathouse slip is available for your boat and there is ample additional dock space for additional boats.

Sunny Brae – July or August availability.

True Cottage Feel. Lovely family Muskoka Cottage with a great southern sun and view of Lake Rosseau!

Under $4,000

Shangra’Lai – July availability.

Great family location with all the cottage comforts one wants in Muskoka – spacious interior, beach, firepit, lots of level land for kids to play, screened in deck, firepit, wifi, satellite etc. Relax, unwind or play, the memories will be priceless!

Property: Located on Dudley Road, just outside of Bala and 10 minutes to Port Carling, in the heart of Lake Muskoka. Close to Don’s Bakery, The Cottage Butcher, ice cream, Foodland and Olivers Coffee Shop in Bala and of course, the legendary concert locale, The Kee of Bala. Within 5 minute drive to the shores of Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau.

Cottage: Located on a quiet bay that has very little boat traffic.  Extremely peaceful and quiet mornings to watch the sunrise.  Great for swimming or kayaking or kids playing safely in the paddle boat where you can keep an eye on them. Beach consists of hard packed sand super for easy shallow water entry and swimming.  Deep water off the end of the dock.  Relax in the Muskoka chairs on the nice new dock.  Lots of dock space to park boats.

Interior is charming and nicely appointed, this cottage has ample room for a large family or multi-generational family.  The main level consists of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and there is a large lower level Queen bedroom and large extra sitting room with TV and walkout to front.

Inclusions: 2 Kayaks, Paddle boat, Lifejackets, Hammock, Fire pit, Housekeeping of 2 hours midweek

Notables: 3 car parking, Maximum 8 guests, Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage, Pets welcome!

Fox Hollow – July or August availability.

Space for everyone with five bedrooms two bathrooms, with a slip boathouse for your use. Hang out in the Muskoka Room, Living Room & Games Room. Five minute boat ride to Rosseau’s Friday’s Farmer’s Market and Muskoka Woods Camp! Very private.

Property: Directly across the lake from Muskoka Woods camp. 5 minutes by boat to the town of Rosseau. See the Segwun Steamship pass by your cottage on it’s way to the town of Rosseau.

All the fun is at the dock with the sandy shallow area and roasting marshmallows at the fire pit.  Take some amazing pictures on the new dock.  Explore the shoreline in the canoe provided.  Kids will like a paddle over to an island a ways off the shoreline.

Cottage: Put your feet up in this charming cottage with all the comforts.  Living room has a wood burning fireplace, TV and a walk out to sun on the deck equipped with patio dining table and outdoor furniture.  The screened in Muskoka Room will allow you to breathe in the fresh morning air, enjoy cocktails as dinner is being prepared or a quiet reprieve away from the dock.

Lower level has a games room with a TV, pool table and two bedrooms with twin beds.

Inclusions: New for 2016 – New Stain on Cottage Exterior, new deck railings and stain, new floor in Muskoka room, new floor in Kitchen. Rental includes 2 hours of housekeeping per week.

Features: Boathouse use of one slip, Sandy shallow water, Canoe and aluminum boat, Fire pit near shoreline, Great view of east shore of Lake Rosseau, 2 Satellite TVs, Privacy.

Notables: 3 car parking, Maximum 10 guests, Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage, Pets considered, inquire within!

Millie’s Bluff – July availability.

Best Location in all of Muskoka, and private! Clean pine bungalow style cottage right on water’s edge! In Port Carling close to all amenities. Boathouse is available to rental family.

Property: Right in Port Carling! 2 minutes to restaurants, pharmacy, grocery, caffe lattes and shops! By boat, you are at the southern end of Lake Rosseau. Beautiful big lake views to the north and low boat traffic. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful cottages on the lake!
360 ‘ Lake Rosseau frontage.  Very nice lot with great privacy.  Shallow at water’s edge and deep water off end of dock.  There are 4 Muskoka chairs on the dock and 2 tables.  On the cottage deck there are 6 chairs, end tables and a picnic table.  Gardens and planters adorn the property and are professionally maintained during the summer season.

Cottage: Beautiful shiny knotty pine floors, walls and furniture. Galley kitchen between living room and family bedroom wing.  Pine dining t

able expands to seat 8. New sofa and flat screen TV in summer of 2016.  The family bedroom wing has 3 bedrooms, master has a queen bed, there is a bunk bed room and a twin bedroom (1 bed) with couch.  The family bedroom wing has another full bathroom with bathtub with shower head as well as laundry facilities.

There is a guest bedroom wing at the one end of the house with twin beds (can be pulled together to a king size bed).  Guest bathroom is a full bathroom with bathtub and shower head.

Inclusions: Canoe, Wireless Internet, Satellite TV, Housekeeping of 2 hours per week included in rental.

Features: Cottage set back 20 feet from shoreline, Excellent proximity to Port Carling, Canoe, Fire pit, Boathouse interior slip available to rental, New couch and flat screen TV for summer of 2016.

Notables: 3 car parking, Maximum 7 guests, Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage.

Rosseau Getaway – July or August availability.

Getaway to this lovely modern three bedroom, fully renovated cottage with everything new, including new deck, waterside deck and dock. Gorgeous view of Rosseau situated in quiet bay.

Property: Located 8 minutes from the town of Rosseau, this cottage is an awesome private haven for a couple or small family. Nature is abundant here, quiet majestic Muskoka, as this cottage is located in a very quiet bay with virtually no neighbours.

Wonderful cottage that has it all, including a great price point!  New dock and there is also a dock that runs along the property that has shade.   Also new for 2016 is a 15′ x 15′ deck that is being built into the rock formation at the water’s edge.

Area is known for great fishing.  The water depth at end of the dock is about 4 feet and shallow at the water’s edge so good for families with children.

Cottage: Chic modern cottage includes Muskoka room, Caesars counters, stainless appliances, indoor and outdoor dining, large deck and dock with Muskoka chairs, Internet, Satellite TV.

Three bedrooms, Master with Queen, second bedroom has walk-out to deck and 3rd bedroom has bunk beds.  One bathroom with glassed-in shower.

Inclusions: Fire pit, Kayak, Rental includes 2 hours mid-week housekeeping per week.

Features: Very private, Everything brand new, Fire pit, Kayak, New 15′ x 15′ deck at water’s edge, Netflix.

Notables: Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage.

Under $5,000

Lakeview – July or August availability.

Wonderful family getaway in Muskoka! Fresh new cottage decor! Has everything! Muskoka pine-panelled cottage with 3 plus bedrooms. Sleeps 8! Beautiful view of the big Lake.

Property: Located between Foots Bay & Gordon Bay. Outside of the Muskoka room is a large deck with a grouping of 4 Muskoka chairs, Weber Gas BBQ and 2 other teak chairs on the wrap-around deck for morning coffee overlooking lake!

Cottage: Lovely family cottage includes 3 plus bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Muskoka Room, large kitchen. Dining table in the Muskoka Room seats 10.

New mattresses and linens. Master, at end of hallway, has Queen bed with 2-piece ensuite. Off Living Room is a bedroom with 2 twin beds, and off the kitchen is the 3rd bedroom also with 2 twin beds. Main bathroom is 4 piece with separate shower and tub.

Kitchen is large with open pass-through window to Living Room. Comfortable Living Room with a wall of operable windows overlooking the lake. This Great Room contains nice comfy furniture, wood-burning fireplace and TV monitor on an artist’s easel with Satellite TV. Muskoka Room has a small seating area, flat screen on the wall and dining table. 4 Muskoka chairs are also dockside for a relaxing day on the dock!

Inclusions: Use of boathouse, 1 kayak, 1 canoe and 9 hp tin boat, rental includes 2 hours of midweek housekeeping.

Features: Boathouse Slip, Satellite TV including HBO and Movie Network, Ceiling Fans in living room and master,

Notables: 3 car parking, Maximum 8 guests, Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage, Pets welcome!

Sunset Beach – July or August availability.

Sunset Beach has a true cottage feel and offers a wonderful private view of Lake Rosseau including speckled islands and sunsets. Cottage is close to shore and is a perfect fit for any family looking to enjoy Muskoka’s natural beauty. Beach! Location!
Property: 7 minutes to Windermere, 10 minutes to Port Carling, 25 minutes to Bracebridge. With a beautiful swimming area off of shallow sandy at beach and deeper off the dock, low boat traffic and a nice deck to enjoy amazing sunsets, Sunset Beach is everything you want in a Muskoka cottage. The calming aspect of the cottage is unmatchable and you may be hard pressed to find a ‘cozier’ cottage getaway.  Outside dining table seats 6 on a large deck that extends from edge to edge on front of cottage to overlook the water.  Deck also features a covered gazebo for shade and dining.
Cottage: Consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, with Master ensuite.  Large principal rooms and bedrooms.  Great room consists of large dining table to seat 10 and wood burning fireplace and large seating area with flat screen TV.  Enclosed den off Great Room is a great space for kids or an office (room is also a walk out from Master bedroom wing) containing a desk and comfy sectional sofa.

Also there are also 2 rustic cabins on the property, great for kids camp outs and forts.  One contains a bunk bed and small sitting area and the other has a bar area and couch.  Both are decorated and fun places for kids.

Inclusions: Beach features a huge fire pit, Canoe, Paddle boat, Includes 2 hours mid-week housekeeping.

Features: Sandy Beach, Shallow Water at Beach, Deeper Water at End of Dock, 2 Rustic Cabins both with sleeping quarters, Level Lot, Southwest facing

Notables: 5 car parking, Maximum 6 guests, Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage, Pets welcome!

Farmhouse Lake Retreat – July or August Availability (one-month minimum)

Designer couple have opened up their chic century farmhouse for vacationers! Bannockburn Farm is a cool and quirky 60 acre property situated 200 metres back from Lake Muskoka.

Property: With 5 km of walking trails on the property and a private dock, these top Canadian designers have made this farmhouse their ‘country’ project – a truly a rare find in Muskoka. It is as beautiful inside as Muskoka is on the outside. Centrally located, 5 minutes to Bala off Hwy 169, 15 minutes to Port Carling and 2 hours from Toronto. Shallow water, new dock and located beside Bannockburn Church make this an ideal location for a family to enjoy peace and serenity.

Cottage: Farmhouse has 3 sitting rooms (Screened-In Porch overlooking the lake, Great Room with Fireplace and Entrance Reading Room), electronic games table, 52″ TV, Apple TV, outdoor patio with dining table and fire pit.

Inclusions: Baby Grand Piano, Apple TV, Electronic Game Center with 50 games, Bicycles, Housekeeping of 2 hours mid-week included in rental.

Features: 5 km of Walking Trails on the Property

Notables: 6 car parking, Maximum 8 guests, Children welcome, Non-smoking cottage, Pets allowed – must sign pet waiver

Imagine a sprawling villa in the heart of California wine country, a Hawaii home overlooking a 19-foot waterfall and swimming grotto, or a rustic Alaska cabin with nighttime views of the northern lights. These aren’t fantasies; they’re actual vacation rental properties available online.

Today, holiday-makers can choose from numerous Vacation Rental Platforms, allowing travellers to look outside the typical boxy hotel. From a luxurious villa to a spare apartment bed, there’s probably one to be found online. But what kinds of rentals are getting the most love, and what rental offerings are most popular?

In order to answer this question, Jayne’s Cottages looked into Airbnb’s round up of most ‘desirable’ listings. This list includes those rentals that compelled users to use the “wish list” saving feature the most.

#10: Pioneertown, California’s Off-Grid Abode

This off-grid it-house is a green, eco-friendly abode once lauded by Dwell Magazine as one of the “Best Homes in America.” The $380/night rental sits near natural attractions, including Joshua Tree and Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, and offers serene “views and vistas in all directions.”

#9: Rome’s Modern Mini Loft

A tiny and inexpensive rental option in the heart of the historic area of Saint John (for only $41/night!), is close to the Colosseum, the Basilica of St. John, the Lateran Palace, the Scala Santa, and more major Italian points of interest.

#8: Bali’s Tropical Treehouse

A poolside retreat on a beach in Bali’s Selemadeg Barat, is the ideal vacation destination for surfers looking for a low key hideaway. The one bedroom home and deck is just a few minutes away from the beach, and sits near myriad fruit trees, including lemon, coconut, passionfruit, and papayas.

#6: Aptos’ Mushrome Dome Cabin

This geodesic dome loft in Aptos, California near Santa Cruz, offers ten acres of natural land for hiking and exploration, a small “farmette” in case renters want to hang with a few goats, and a “hummingbird airport,” where visiting birds guzzle 80 ounces of syrup daily. The interior is bigger than it looks, too — it houses a loft bed, a futon, kitchenette, and updated bathroom.

#5: San Salvatore Treehouse

This Aromatica Treehouse in San Salvatore Monferrato is the second Italian treehouse on this list, and with good reason. Just like its Florence counterpart, it offers sweeping pastoral views, easy access to wine country, and beautiful rustic decor.

#4: Mayne Island’s Cob Cottage

This unique Cob Cottage on Mayne Island in British Columbia is a woodland hideaway obscured from city life, but it still offers the conveniences of modern retreats. Plus, its cozy interior looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale.

#3: Tuscan Treehouse

This Italian treehouse tucked in the Tuscan landscape in Italy is a mere twenty minutes from the Duomo and just an hour from Siena. The countryside location sits among gorgeous olive and cypress trees, but still allows easy access to Florence.

#2: Isla Mujeres’ Seashell House

The Seashell House in Isla Mujeres, Mexico boasts a private pool and a 15 minute golf cart commute to the nearest beach. The quirky house on the tiny island, which is located 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancún in the Caribbean sea, is the ideal destination for those looking to escape the “tourist bubble.”

#1: Georgia’s Intown Treehouse

Suite of three beautifully furnished rooms set amongst the trees. Just minutes from downtown, this secluded property is an urban retreat like no other. From $496 CAD per night, you too can enjoy the tranquil night sky from the window of your very own adult-treehouse.

Describe your dream vacation rental in the comments below!

Your response could be featured in Jayne’s next blog 🙂

Ontario’s cherished summer playground has a winter life you may not have discovered! With exceptional trails and great snowfalls, Muskoka transforms into a winter wonderland equipped to satiate the mightiest adventurer to the coziest reader. Whether you’re seeking a winter family getaway or a couples winter escape, you will find exactly what you’re looking for on Muskoka’s snowy shores. Read on to discover 10 Jayne’s Cottages-approved winter activities in Muskoka!

1. Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail. Ontario’s best kept secret…is not a secret anymore! This 1.3 km ice skating trail winds through the spectacular Muskoka forest and is one of the region’s most popular winter attractions. Located in Arrowhead Provincial Park less than five minutes from Downtown Huntsville, this ice skating trail offers the perfect winter day with the kids or a romantic hand-holding expedition for you and your loved one.

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/ice-skating-trail-arrowhead.html

2. Snowmobiling. Muskoka’s vast trail system has some of Ontario’s favourite tracks, stretching from the spectacular shores of Georgian Bay to the snowy pines on the outskirts of Algonquin Park. With over 1,200 km of exceptionally groomed trails, we’ve got your snow!

http://www.msrsnowtrails.com/

3. Craft Beer Brewery Tours. Muskoka boasts some of the best craft beers Canada has to offer. Sample and taste seasonal (and other) beers from Lake of Bays Brewing Co. and Muskoka Brewery!

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/top-10-winter-activities-3

4. Ice Fishing. Those who like ice fishing, like it a lot! Ice fishing is one of those experiences you have to try to really have an appreciation for it. Many times, the fishing comes second to spending quality time with friends and family. Spending a day on the lake in the winter sun with some warm hot chocolate and good company is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in Muskoka. If you succeed, there is nothing more rewarding than cleaning and frying up your catch right on the lake!

http://www.muskokashorescottages.com/Ice-Fishing/

5. Snowshoeing. The Muskoka back country is ideal for exploring on snowshoes. With acres of unspoiled forests, you will be able to unleash your sense of adventure as you trek through the light, fluffy snow on one of Muskoka’s many snowshoe trails. Some accommodations have snowshoes available for guests, or you can rent from one of our local outfitters.

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/winter-activities-ontario/snowshoeing-ontario.html

6. Ice Skating/Pond Skating. There is nothing like getting back to the roots of our childhood, hearing the sound of your blades carving through the fresh ice of a frozen lake or historic Muskoka arena. Outdoor pond hockey personifies the great Canadian winter, and is the epitome of a genuine Muskoka winter experience. Outdoor rinks are scattered throughout Muskoka for your enjoyment.

http://thelandscapes.ca/muskokalifestyle/iceskating.html

7. Dogsledding. The thrill of the Arctic and one of the great Canadian winter experiences is ready for you to try in Muskoka. Mush through the beautiful Muskoka wilderness behind your team of dogs on a guided dog sled excursion. This winter experience is on the bucket list for many and if it isn’t, it probably should be.

http://www.northridgeranch.ca/

8. Cross Country Skiing. Winters in Muskoka bring the ideal conditions for a long cross-country skiing season. With a large variety of groomed trails throughout the Muskoka region, cross country skiers flock from all corners of the province for a winter recreational getaway. A number of resorts even boast their own cross country ski trails so that you can sleep, eat and play, all in one place!

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/winter-activities-ontario/cross-country-skiing-ontario.html

9. Downhill Skiing. Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area in the heart of Muskoka is ideal for families, and offers great downhill skiing for skiers of all levels with eleven runs, a terrain park, kids camps, childcare, as well as ski & snowboard instruction and rentals. http://skihiddenvalley.ca/

10. Have an Après. The best part about Jayne’s Cottage’s Top 10 ‘Must-do’ Winter Activities is the Après! The origin of Après of course comes from ‘Après Ski’, however Muskoka likes to add Après to all winter activities because it gives us an excuse to cozy up by the fireplace, sip on a warm specialty coffee or a glass of wine, and delight in some light snacks.

http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/top-10-winter-activities-2

Please contact Jayne’s Cottages to learn more about Muskoka’s winter offerings or to have Jayne help plan your fantasy winter getaway.

Jayne’s Cottages wants all our guests to experience the best that Muskoka has to offer. We would be thrilled to connect you with local businesses to help your Muskoka winter fantasies come to life!

After a 15-month investigation led by London-based RCMP that concluded in December, police charged five Windsor-area residents with defrauding at least 45 people in cottage rental scams in 2014.

Young families, couples and groups of friends of all ages from across Canada fell for the scam. They booked dreamy cottages through classified websites as such Kijiji and Craigslist – often paying upfront at an average cost of $1,200 per week – and headed to places in Haliburton and Muskoka.

Though the location could be reached by GPS or an online map, when the renters arrived the cottage either didn’t exist or wasn’t for rent. That’s when the person who had been the main rental contact via email would stop all communication.

To learn more details about this case, read full The Observer.ca article “Police Bust Fraudulent Cottage Industry, Five Charged” here: http://www.theobserver.ca/2015/12/15/buyer-beware-when-booking-cottages-online

Although bewildering, it isn’t surprising that online scams are penetrating the Muskoka rental market. With more and more people finding accommodation through online services, scammers have learned how to take advantage of prospective renters. Jayne’s Cottages cautions our guests against the two most prevalent rental accommodation scams – Hijacked Ads and Phantom Rentals.

Hijacked Ads are when a scammer modifies an existing ad and replaces the original contact information with their own details and reposts the ad on another site. Scammers can also go so far as to hack the e-mail accounts of an existing real estate company or property owner and communicate with guests by these means. Hackers may even set up fake Twitter or Facebook accounts to further deceive renters.

Phantom Rentals, on the other hand, are listings of properties that are not actually for rent, or posting a property that does not exist. Scammers hope to procure payment from you before you notice the error.

Jayne’s Cottages protects our guests and cottage owners against Hijacked Ads by investing in specialized Property Management software that detects any fraudulent activity, such as “phishing” or “brand spoofing”. The software is highly sensitive to any suspicious activity and scans the Internet to detect fraudulent listings of its clients’ properties. Jayne’s Cottages also welcomes Guests to meet her in Muskoka to view the cottage before renting it to ensure that it meets the guest’s needs as well. Furthermore, she communicates and greets all guests at the day of arrival, so there is never any doubt in mind.

However, as much as we would like to shelter our guests against all scams, many operate freely of vacation rental platforms. Please read on to see Jayne’s Cottages approved tips to avoid falling victim to rental scams in Muskoka and beyond.

1. Opt for a Vacation Rental Platform that Offers Insurance. If renting in Ontario, ensure that the rental platform is registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). When you purchase your travel services from a TICO registered travel agency (like Jayne’s Cottages) you are protected by an industry financed Travel Compensation Fund.
2. Asking For a Wire Transfer. The first and most glaringly obvious sign of a rental scam is when a renter wants you to wire money, possibly as a security deposit or application fee. Wiring money is the same as sending cash, with no way to get it back once it’s sent. The safest way to transfer money is by credit card because they offer purchase protection. If goods or services are not delivered you can get a refund from your credit card.
3. Too Good To Be True. The fact of the matter is that if it’s too good to be true, then it probably isn’t. Some red flags to watch out for are rental rates significantly below market value for an area or not asking for a signed contract. Do your research on average rental rates and use caution if you find a listing significantly under average. That being said, don’t allow this information to let you become jaded.
4. No Pictures Or Addresses. A glaring warning sign for a potential scam is when an ad has no photographs or addresses. Again, not every ad without an address is going to be a scam, but always ask for more details before signing anything or sending any money. Ask the owner for detailed information on the property’s location and surroundings. Check Google Maps to confirm the information provided is accurate, as well to confirm an address if one is provided.
5. Suspicious E-mail Usage. If a renter’s e-mail address is odd-looking or uses a string of unintelligible characters, take a closer look before closing any deals. Likewise, if the listing employs poor grammar or uses non-standard English, it could be computer generated or posted by someone overseas. Use caution if you detect either of the above.
6. Out Of The Country. This common trick should raise concern. Like the rest of the suspicious activity on this list: if you can’t see the property, meet the landlord, or sign any kind of document before exchanging money, do not engage in a rental agreement or send money.
7. Use Trusted Vacation Rental Sites. Rather than renting from classified sites, such as Kijiji or Craigslist, seek out trusted vacation rental platforms like Jayne’s Cottage. Platforms that encourage two-way communication, offer clearly written contracts and payments by credit card can typically be trusted.

Remember, don’t let scammers give you negative feelings towards finding your dream vacation rental online. Your perfect cottage is waiting for you, just use caution finding it. Please contact Jayne’s Cottages at any time to learn more about how to avoid rental scams or how we are protecting our guests and cottages owners. Jayne’s Cottages is extremely concerned about our guests’ and cottage owners well-being, and we will continue to advise on tips for avoiding rental scams in the future.