Cottage #117

"Serenity" at Otter Lake, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada

If you are looking for supreme privacy, stunning views, beautiful natural waterfront and a rarely offered level of accommodation, this newly built architect designed and owned retreat delivers. Featuring west coast heavy timber and an extensive use of local granite this tasteful modern structure is truly unique. Treating yourself to a spa-like vacation here will create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Just 15 minutes from the summer and winter bustle of downtown Huntsville, the 12-acre private forested location on quiet Otter Lake can be your home of a winter week or weekend, spring or fall break, or a lazy summer vacation on the water. If you are a nature lover and that's all you want to see and hear, nature is at your doorstep. Watch the heron fly in and out of the bay to the wetlands, catch an otter or beaver swim by or painted turtles laying eggs. "Serenity" has it all. The residents of the lake frown on the noise and pollution from the boat motors so only canoes, kayaks, sail boats and paddle boats can be seen albeit infrequently. The dock out to deeper water allows for swimming and diving or watercraft mooring.

A winding granite lane sweeps down to the cottage/home's entrance courtyard where glimpses of the lake around and through the home can be seen. The cottage/home sits on an exposed plateau of the Canadian Shield at the base of a point within meters of the lake on one side and the bay on the other.

Your attention will be captured as soon as the front door opens and you enter the foyer. Twenty five foot high floor to ceiling windows with 8' high and 7' wide sliding patio doors, flanking a granite clad Rumford wood burning fireplace, offer a magnificent outlook up Otter Lake and across Serenity Bay. The stone tile floor sets off the majestic fireplace that features hand cut and split granite stone. This lovely space will embrace winter visitors who want to relax in front of the fire while the snow gently drifts down outside, just as much as those cooling down after a day of summer fun. The Great Room also features a centrally located docking station for your iPhone or iPad that allows you to channel your music through the speaker system or use the built-in iPad or Blu-ray DVD/CD player to control the 55' Samsung Smart TV or listen to an array of Satellite radio stations.

The dining/kitchen area, within the Great Room, comfortably seats 10 at the extra-large harvest table and 4 at the kitchen island with direct access to the large outdoor Lake Terrace. The Lakeside Terrace is well appointed with teak chaise loungers alongside complimentary chairs and features a large direct connect gas BBQ, no need to worry about the propane supply! What a great place to relax with a morning coffee or that after dinner drink. With its prominent location adjacent to the dining room, the oversized sliding doors equipped with screens create a seamless indoor/outdoor environment for family and friend gatherings. For that late evening bonfire, the Lakeside Terrace also features a natural Rumford fireplace that backs onto the indoor Rumford. The 10' wide and 27' high overhanging roof protects the terrace from light showers. Or go down to the point and the dock where a fire pit sits atop a piece of the Canadian Shield.

The Chef's kitchen is designed with the professional cook in mind and features a 12' Brazilian granite slab island so all can enjoy getting involved or sit and watch the "chef" at work. The kitchen has been designed to accommodate a gas cooktop, microwave/convection oven combo unit, dishwasher, wine and beverage cooler along with a wide range of top name small appliances.

Just off to the side of the Great Room is a comfortable family room, perfect for playing games, watching TV or curling up with a good book. The oversized screened patio doors allow this room useful access to the outdoors in both summer and winter.

Continuing on down the hall in the west wing there are two large bedrooms, each with a spectacular view of the lake. Also in the west wing is a 4-piece bathroom with a vessel sink on a marble vanity.

The Loft overlooks the Great Room with a ping-pong table, yoga mats, weights for light exercise, a lovely view of the lake on one side and features a 20' high dormer window with a gorgeous view of the forest beyond on the other side. On this same level, also overlooking the Great Room, is a fourth bedroom with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom with an oversized walk-in shower with rain head, massaging jets and sliding glass door.

Back on the main level, just off of the entrance making it central to the entire house is a fully equipped laundry room complete with washer, dryer, utility sink and ironing board.

The master bedroom is on the main floor in the east wing and features a king size bed, Scandinavian high-efficiency wood burning stove, a large walk-around closet and dressing area and a stunning en-suite bathroom with trough style wash basin, oversized walk-in shower with rain head and massaging jets. This very private side of the cottage/home provides spectacular views across the bay and down into the wetlands, even from the washroom and shower, again, meters from the water's edge where wildlife abounds.

This stunning property is accessible and enjoyable year round, so by all means take advantage of the warmer weather, an autumn blast of colour or a winter wonderland. "Serenity" provides enjoyment all year round with something special throughout each season.