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Are you a country mouse or a city mouse? The referenced childhood tale brings together cousin mice who offer each other the foods and charms of their individual dwellings – respectively vying to impress the other. With much reflection, the city mouse contemplates the humble and peaceful country lifestyle of his earthy cousin.
With the current environment as it is, you may be looking to become a country mouse. The past few summers experienced an unprecedented wave of demand for Ontario cottage country properties as vacationing close to home became the norm. As that trend continues, especially for lake front properties, you may be considering downsizing your city home, or simply making a change in lifestyle – an investment in the country life.
While Covid may have been the primary driving force behind the uptake in cottage sales, other motivating factors such as spending quality time with family, a quiet place to ‘work from home’ or simply a more leisurely existence, have all influenced the current market. Since cottages come in all shapes and sizes as well as price points, it has now become easier for you to make that lifestyle transition that perhaps, you’ve always dreamed about.
It used to be that cottages housed old furniture dragged up from the city, or purchased cheaply at garage sales. Mismatched lamps and frumpy rugs were conventional. Today, whether it be a cottage or a condo investment in Ontario’s beautiful and scenic landscape, décor and styles have added indulgence to their repertoire.
“People want their creature comforts,” says award winning Interior Designer Tara Fingold. “Spa showers, heated floors, walk-in fridge/freezer and laundry rooms with multiple machines are commonplace. The cottage has become a place of gathering, a place to entertain,” she says. “Many have even made it their primary residence. Gone are the days where cottages are just a rustic retreat.”
Builder John Schmalz of J.S. Custom Builders agrees. “While the higher end cottages are including many of the bells and whistles, ALL are being built to live in. These are second homes so they must be livable. Home offices and gyms are typical.”
There are plenty of options when it comes to design, using natural woods, large bay windows and sleek white and black accents. “The trend is to present clean lines. People want fresh, bright space. Design and architecture have come together,” says Tara. “Alternatively, there’s the Hampton style Beach House look — mostly white, combined with soft ocean colours of blue and green. Big tall windows are everywhere.”
Both Tara and John have borne witness to this striking new movement toward the country life. “While the areas in Muskoka and Port Carling are still quite popular, regions surrounding the smaller lakes are blowing up,” says John. “People are going farther north, places like Parry Sound or Georgian Bay, in order to afford a country home. In fact, the market for rural properties – some not even lakefront – have just exploded in recent years..”
While the moral of the fabled Country Mouse and the City Mouse suggests it is better to live a humble life than one of luxury, today’s cottagers are looking for both, knowing they can be attainable and affordable. The cottage is just that – a home away from home.
Featured Image By J.S. Custom Builders