Photos: Homes of the Month: The luxury market of Muskoka

Homes of the Month: The luxury market of Muskoka

About two hours north of Toronto is the Muskoka District Municipality, a hotspot destination for cottagers and anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The real estate market in Muskoka is largely comprising second homes and summer retreats. According to a report on the luxury property market by Christie's International Real Estate, demand for these recreational properties is increasing quickly. This growth is apparent in the $2 million-plus range, which saw a 66 per cent increase in 2014 versus 2013. From traditional and rustic to sleek and modern, take a virtual tour of these luxury cottages currently for sale in Muskoka.

Joseph Lake, Port Sandfield, Ont.

Price: $5,995,000
Beds, Baths: 5, 8
Floor Space: 5,100 sq. ft
MLS Notes: An impressive one-of-a-kind retreat on Joseph Lake. The home combines luxury, comfort and style with all of the modern conveniences. Multiple sitting areas invite guests to relax and enjoy the views. With over 630 feet of shoreline, the property boasts a five-bedroom main cottage with large principle rooms, a stone fireplace, a formal dining room, a sauna and a wine cellar. Lining the water's edge is a vintage single-slip boathouse with a guest suite above. There’s also a second double-slip boathouse witha finished lower level entertainment area.

Richard Scully / Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage, Port Carling
Marilyn Mannion / Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage, Port Carling

Rosseau Lake, Windermere, Ont.

Price: $5,995,000
Beds, Baths: 1+3, 5
Floor Space: 3,500 sq. ft
MLS Notes: Watch the Lake Rosseau sunsets on a four-acre private western point lot that features a 5,000-plus square foot cottage, a one-bedroom guest cottage and a triple slip boathouse with extra living accommodations above. Custom craftsmanship is abundant throughout this Muskoka cottage, including oak floors, reclaimed antique doors, wrought iron, timber detailing and a multitude of built-in cabinets. The double island kitchen has dual pantries overlooking large living and dining areas, both with westerly views over the lake. The private main floor master suite comes complete with gas fireplace and ensuite. The lower level boasts a family room with fireplace, has an adjoining games room and wet bar, as well as three extra bedrooms, one with its own gas fireplace and ensuite.

Bob Clarke / Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty, Brokerage, Port Carling

Muskoka Lake, Walkers Point, Ont.

Price: $2,995,000
Beds, Baths: 5, 4
Floor Space: 5,247 sq. ft
MLS Notes: A rare find in the exclusive Renley Road community, offering wide open southwest views of Lake Muskoka’s East Bay. The five-bedroom year-round residence boasts over 5,000 square feet of crafted stone and natural finish throughout, reminiscent of the 'Arts and Crafts' era of architecture. Some of the cottage's features include exposed timber framing, geothermal heating, double-sided stone fireplace, kitchen with butler's pantry, spacious Muskoka room, a variety of decks and gathering areas and a music room.  There is an abundance of level play areas for kids,adouble slip dock, and covered pergola at the water surrounded by nature at the rear of the property.  This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the most discerning buyer.

Marc Thibodeau / Forest Hill Real Estate Inc., Brokerage, Port Sandfield / MuskokaCottageRealEstate.com

Muskoka Lake, Beaumaris, Ont.

Price: $5,450,000
Beds, Baths: 12, 6
Floor Space: 7,469 sq. ft
MLS Notes: A circa-1913 Beaumaris landmark cottage steeped in history while featuring top-to-bottom modern amenities. A family compound with bedroom suites, a morning room, a grand dining room, a living room with a 12-foot Inglenook fireplace and a sweeping covered three-season veranda. Some interior features include wood floors and milled walls, ceilings and beams. The two-storey boathouse has four open and closed bays. Property features include a lakeside stone terrace, an outdoor fireplace and a sandy bathing cove. Located in a private enclave with golf cart access and boasting over seven forested acres, glorious gardens and a children's playground.

Diane McKee and Sandra Waldie / Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage, Port Carling

Muskoka Lake, Port Carling, Ont.

Price: $4,500,000
Beds, Baths: 6, 5
Floor Space: 5,800 sq. ft
MLS Notes: This turn-key Cape Cod-style cottage offers great views through a wall of windows in the great room. The custom-built, fully furnished retreat features six bedrooms, five bathrooms, five fireplacesand a coach house over the garage. Modern conveniences have not been overlooked; there are three dishwashers, two convection ovens, climate controlled wine cellar, AC, generator, alarm and irrigation systems, central vac and much more. The granite pathways that lead you down to the three-slip oversized boathouse are surrounded by perennial gardens. The boathouse boasts 650 square foot upper accommodations and striking views. Conveniently located near the amenities of Port Carling, on desirable upper Lake Muskoka. With ease of year-round access, expansive size, craftsmanship, all-day sun and great views, this is an offering that will satisfy all tastes.

Donald Evans / Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty, Brokerage, Port Carling

Joseph Lake, Minett, Ont.

Price: $3,995,000
Beds, Baths: 5, 4
Floor Space: 2,900 sq. ft
MLS Notes: Family-held property for over 100 years. Almost five acres of land and nearly 2,000 feet of pristine shoreline (according to MPAC) provide the ultimate private retreat. The custom five-bedroom cottage draws from the details of older neighbouring family cottages, and is full of nooks and crannies that are perfect for reading, catnaps or watching the lake. The 12-year-old cottage is only steps away from the water, with a matching two-storey, three-bay boathouse. Spend your days swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Joseph or hiking the island. At sunset, the cottage is filled with warm light flooding through abundant windows.

Steve Taylor and Thelma Jarvis / Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty, Brokerage, Bracebridge

Muskoka Lake, Muskoka Lakes, Ont.

Price: $3,295,000
Beds, Baths: 3+2, 2
Floor Space: 3,600 sq. ft
MLS Notes: Enjoy the expansive views on this private, landscaped, level lot. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom cottage is a must see. It offers a classic foyer, gourmet kitchen, stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The grand room has a classic stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows offering lake views. Open concept living, hardwood flooring, cathedral and wooden ceilings. The main floor offers a master retreat with a large spa-like ensuite and a second bedroom. The family/games room is located on the lower level with a four-piece bath and three bedrooms for extra space. Sloping Canadian Shield rock lines the water's edge as well as a two-storey double slip boathouse with a kitchenette, two beds, one bath and a view. Large garage and storage shed also accompany this property.

Ben Imrie and Dan Imrie / Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage, Port Carling / iMuskoka.com

If you would rather not take on the full-time commitment of owning a second property, but would like to enjoy the lifestyle for one or two weeks out of the year, renting may be for you. Here are five rental retreats, perfect for a summer or winter getaway.

Otter Lake, Huntsville, Ont.

Price: $5,530 - $7,900 weekly
Beds, Baths: 4, 4
Floor Space: 3,000 sq. ft
Property Notes: Just 15 minutes from downtown Huntsville, this 12-acre private forested property is situated on quiet Otter Lake. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, the cottage sits on an exposed plateau of the Canadian Shield. The dock leads to deeper water for swimming, diving and launching your canoe. Inside, the newly-built cottage is filled with natural light from the 25-foot high floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining/kitchen area comfortably seats 10 at the harvest table and four at the kitchen island. The lakeside terrace has teak chaise loungers and features a large direct connection gas barbeque. For an evening bonfire, it also boasts a natural Rumford fireplace that backs onto the indoor Rumford fireplace. The kitchen features a 12-foot Brazilian granite slab island, and 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. The master bedroom features a king size bed, Scandinavian high-efficiency wood burning stove, a large walk-in closet and a stunning ensuite bathroom with trough style wash basin and oversized walk-in shower with rain head and massaging jets.

CottageVacations.com by Water's Edge

Skeleton Lake, Rosseau, Ont.

Price: $7,500 - $10,000 weekly
Beds, Baths: 5, 5
Floor Space: 4,000 sq. ft
Property Notes: This 4,000 square foot retreat is nestled on 2 acres of land with 400 ft. of waterfront on Skeleton Lake. This cottage features a chef’s kitchen complete with Wolff induction cooktop, Sub-Zero fridge, wall oven and warming drawer, a double-sided fireplace, and several large windows with lake views. The master bedroom on the main floor boasts a three-piece ensuite bathroom and over-sized rain shower. The upper level is perfect for large families with three generous-sized bedrooms and a shared five-piece bathroom. The lower level has a bright and expansive family room and two-piece bathroom with a lakeside bedroom and a three-piece bathroom. The lakeside bunkie, built prior to the main cottage, has two bedrooms, a four-piece bathroom, kitchenette and cozy living/dining area complete with a TV/DVD combo and Sony sound dock. Outside you will find multiple decks, a stone patio and a boathouse dock. Due to the spring-fed nature of the lake, the water is exceptionally clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the fishing is very good for bass, trout and walleye.

CottageVacations.com by Water's Edge

Lorimer Lake, McDougall, Ont.

Price: $6,230 - $8,900 weekly
Beds, Baths: 6, 4
Floor Space: 4,700 sq. ft
Property Notes: A five-bedroom log and timber home, situated on a peninsula connected by a causeway to the shore of this 123-acre property north of Parry Sound. The kitchen features solid maple cupboards, integrated high-end appliances, marble counters, a 10-foot butcher-block topped island with bar stools, a gas cook top, microwave, and a built-in Miele coffee system. The games room features a full-size pool table, wood bar, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV and several seating options around the room. The sunroom with three walls of windows and doors offers bright mornings and afternoons in a mosquito-free space. The master suite boasts French doors that open onto a private terrace. A stone wood-burning fireplace, stone accent wall, elegant and rustic furniture, and beautiful scenery make this space a quiet retreat.

CottageVacations.com by Water's Edge

Lake Muskoka, Bala, Ont.

Price: $3,500 - $4,200 weekly
Beds, Baths: 4, 1+2
Floor Space: 1,500 sq. ft
Property Notes: This newly-renovated family cottage on Lake Muskoka has three bedrooms with queen beds, one pull-out couch and a bunkie with a king size bed. It can comfortably sleep eightto10 people and has three bathrooms (one full). The cottage is fully furnished with satellite TV, wireless Internet and all kitchen amenities and appliances including a dishwasher, a full washer and dryer, water filters, water dispenser, coffee machines, kettle, microwave, toasters and more. Outside you will find a patio area and a large barbeque. A short walkway down to the boat house will lead you to the top of the deck that has a covered gazebo and a large L-shaped couch. At the bottom of the boat house, there are two slips, with space for three boats. There is a shallow, sandy entrance into the water and there is also an outdoor shower.

HomeAway.ca / Nancy Ferriman

Lake Joseph, Mactier, Ont.

Price: $3,640 - $5,200 weekly
Beds, Baths: 5, 3
Floor Space: 4,300 sq. ft
Property Notes: Traditional Muskoka cottage set on Lake Joseph, with 600 feet of lake frontage. The property features a spacious screened porch, decks, patios, lots of space to roam and explore as well as clean, deep water swimming from the dock area. The cottage was originally built in the 1920s with updates and small additions made since then. The main cottage has three bedrooms and a three-piece bathroom. One guest cottage has a double bed and a four-piece bathroom, and the second guest cottage has a queen bed and a three-piece bathroom. The main cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, stove/oven, microwave and dishwasher. Other features include a screened-in porch, living area with stone fireplace, satellite TV, DVD player, telephone and high-speed Internet access. Each of the guest cottages has a kitchen with appliances, and each has a dining area and living area. The shoreline has a rock shelf with limited shallow entry onto a sandy/stone bottom, which deepens fairly quickly. Water is approximately 8feet deep off the end of dock. At the water you will find a dock, a boat with oars and a kayak.

CottageRental.com