Cottage Life

At first glance, the board and batten-clad barn next to interior designer Emily Griffin’s cottage on Balsam Lake, Ont., is a bit of an enigma. Is it a new building … Continued

The post This family’s barn-inspired bunkie is the ultimate teen hangout spot—and it sleeps 16 appeared first on Cottage Life.

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A building with a preserved wood foundation is supported not by concrete, but by load-bearing wood stud walls enclosing a basement. Substituting wood for concrete below grade may seem counterintuitive—doesn’t … Continued

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Cottage Life

On the north shore of Lake Superior, a group of researchers based out of Lakehead University are working hard to rehabilitate sections of the lake. In 1972, Canada and the … Continued

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In spring and summer, the natural world is thrumming with activity before we’ve even had a chance to reach for our morning coffee. In the animal kingdom, most early risers … Continued

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Electric baseboard heaters are reliable, economical to install, and let you adjust heat in each room—which can save money if you’re only using one bedroom on a winter weekend. Some … Continued

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Leon Hildebrandt’s beach bar didn’t come together overnight—but having one at the cottage was always part of the plan. Back in 2015, Leon designed and built a large, circular stone … Continued

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118 Heritage Drive, Blue Mountains, Ont. Bedrooms: 4 + 1 Bathrooms: 5 Lot size: 93.3 by 447 feet List price: $1,998,900 Date listed: July 9, 2025 Realtor: Justin Bock This … Continued

The post Under $2 million for a Blue Mountains cottage with a pool, a bar, and an outdoor fireplace appeared first on Cottage Life.

Cottage Life

Fall enthusiasts may be disappointed with this season’s changing leaves. Drought conditions are likely to leave Ontario’s trees less than vibrant. “With both the heat and the drought this summer, … Continued

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Our cottage in Muskoka sits in a beech grove, which, sadly, has been greatly affected by beech bark disease. Many mature trees have died and others are showing signs of … Continued

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I have heard that you shouldn’t swim near a freshwater marina with boats plugged into the dock’s electricity supply. Is this true? If so, can you tell me what a … Continued

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Even the most careful and competent among us occasionally mess up. We confronted impeccable craftsman Sean Ledoux, all-round expert Steve Maxwell, and the man who taught cottagers to build, Wayne … Continued

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What should I look for in septic-safe cleaning products? I’m getting conflicting information.—Talia Duke, Loon Lake, Ont. “That’s a common question, and it doesn’t always have a simple answer,” says … Continued

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