THE GARDINER TEAM’S
2022 SPRING NEWSLETTER
Muskoka Cottage Real Estate Market Update 2021/2022 Record-Breaking Sale By The Gardiner Team Muskoka Cottage Watch Update What’s Been Happening In Muskoka? Muskoka’s Restaurant Scene Sugarloaf – How To Destroy An Island’s Beauty Your Generosity Matters Selling Cottages In a Continuing COVID-19 Marketplace The Dock/Boathouse Bubbler Problem Solution - “ Bubbler Buddy” Early Season Cottages For Sale and Wanted
Muskoka Newsletter, Spring 2022
CottagesInMuskoka.com
2021 MUSKOKA REGION COTTAGE REAL ESTATE
MARKET REPORT The Muskoka and area recreational real estate market has changed dramatically in the past few years and particularly during the pandemic. At the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis the entire real estate market in southern Ontario came to an abrupt halt. At that time, in the early spring of 2020, it was hard to image that the market would not only recover but would out-perform in an unprecedented fashion. The charts below provide stunning illustrations of just how dramatic this change has been. The data represents the entire Muskoka and area waterfront market. MUSKOKA WATERFRONT SALES BY YEAR
It will be no surprise that based on the evolution of the market over the course of the pandemic that the average sale prices for waterfront recreational properties have increased exponentially since 2019, as illustrated below. AVERAGE SALE PRICE 2021 (YTD Oct. 31)
$1,163,416
2020 (YTD Oct. 31)
$930,400
2019 (YTD Oct. 31)
$760,420
2018 (YTD Oct. 31)
$731,708
Sales, Number of 910
1,000
761
744
750 544
576
2012
2013
892
631
761 597
594
500 250 0 2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
MUSKOKA WATERFRONT LISTINGS BY YEAR Number of New Listings 1,800
1,498
1,527
1,592
1,702
1,489 1,214
1,350
1,028
1,131
1,060
2019
2020
994
900 450 0 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2021
The various sub-markets, Muskoka Lakes, Huntsville/Lake of Bays, Algonquin Highlands, Haliburton, with minor variations, have performed in sync with the overall market. In retrospect the change in the market seems obvious and inevitable - the need and the desire to escape the density of large urban centres, the search for space and sanctuary, the desire and ability to work from home/cottage, and as we have discovered, in the upper price points, the acquisition of trophy properties, becoming a further asset class of those fortunate enough to be able to purchase high end properties.
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In just four years the average sale price for all Muskoka waterfront properties sold has increased by an eye-popping 59 percent, with the bulk of that increase taking place since 2019. The other startling change in the Muskoka and area recreational marketplace is the almost unbelievable decline in available inventory. Less than 10 years ago the average sale time for recreational properties was more than a year, with some properties taking two or more years to sell. Even at the beginning of the pandemic on average there were 6.1 months of inventory. As of October, 2021 the months of inventory have declined to 1.7 months, a drop of 72 percent in only two years. In October of 2021, there were 323 active waterfront listings for the Muskoka region, a decline of more than 65 percent compared to the same period in 2019. The Lake of Bays recreational market, although similar in many respects to the broader market and the Muskoka Lakes and Huntsville markets, diverges moderately. What is most striking is the months of inventory in the region. Like all submarkets the length of time that it takes for properties to sell has improved dramatically since 2012, but as of October 2021, months of inventory comes in at 3.8, in sharp contrast to 1.7 months for Huntsville waterfront, 1.9 months for the Muskoka Lakes and 1.7 months of inventory for the recreational waterfront marketplace as a whole. Explanations do not immediately present themselves, but it could be ventured that the Lake of Bays market falls between the very expensive and high-end Muskoka Lakes market and the less pricey Haliburton Highlands marketplace, becoming an option for those that can’t afford the Muskoka Lakes but don’t want to venture to the Haliburton Highlands. It should be noted that even Haliburton properties have moved into the pricey category, although not as pricey as those selling on Lake of Bays and the surrounding smaller lakes.
Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 22
The market has performed similarly in the Muskoka Lakes region, although the price point is substantially higher than all the other submarkets in the region, and inventory levels are lower. At the end of October there were (on a year-to-date basis) 2.3 months of inventory, although active listings declined by more than 40 percent. The average sale price for all recreational properties sold in 2021 in this area, including smaller lakes, was $1,928,465, an increase of almost 10 percent compared to 2020. Average sale prices on Lake Rosseau, Joseph and Muskoka, the region’s most sought after and most pricey properties continued their upward trajectory throughout the year, reaching historically-high levels. As the chart below indicates, the average sale price for properties sold on the big lakes is now approaching $4,000,000. It is interesting to note that from 2006 to 2018 increases in average sale price were moderate. However, even before the pandemic, prices were starting to diverge from the historical pattern. During the pandemic they exploded.
$4,000,000
Average Sale Price
$3,325,000 $2,650,000 $1,975,000 $1,300,000
21 20 20 20 19 20 18 20 17 20 16 20 15 20 14 20 13 20 12 20 11 20 10
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
20
Although these numbers are startling, the average price for sales on Muskoka’s big lakes pales compared to the luxury market of the Hamptons. Muskoka’s big lakes, regularly referred to as the “Hampton’s North”, are often compared to the Hamptons ( a 2-hour drive from New York ). In the third quarter of 2021, the average sale price for all properties sold in the Hamptons was $US11,889,000, making the Muskoka big lakes look inexpensive by comparison. 2021 has been an outstanding year for Chestnut Park and its agents. In 2021 Chestnut Park engaged in more than $600,000,000 in volume of sales, by far the strongest year in the brokerage’s history, 15 percent higher than 2020, and more than 100 percent higher than 2019. Chestnut Park’s agents have clearly
Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
captured the lion’s share of the recreational property market share in Muskoka. In Port Carling, Chestnut Park’s office outdistanced the nearest competitor office by almost 80 percent in dollar volume sales. Peering into 2022, inventory shortages and rising prices will continue to make headlines and to plague the waterfront marketplace. Buyers have shown a continued interest in a virtual, tech-focused real estate experience – and aren’t necessarily in a rush to go back to the old way of buying cottages. Virtual tours, high-quality videos, detailed floorplans, and browsing listings on an app are just a few examples of pandemic-fuelled cottage-buyer tools we believe are here to stay.
OUTSTANDING PROPERTY SALE BY THE GARDINER TEAM
Late this past summer we had the pleasure and privilege of assisting a long-time client with the purchase of one of the most beautiful and tasteful estate properties in Muskoka. This incredible property was a hands-on development by two passionate lifelong Muskoka cottagers. Their fundamental objective was to incorporate all the design elements of stone, wood, glass, natural terrain, views, water, and most of all, privacy, into one magnificent property. Their objective was achieved in spades, and our client fell in love with it.
Cottages, regardless of their size and grandeur, have always been part of the southern Ontario dream. The pandemic has focused even greater attention and increased the desire to own a recreational property. Owning such a property not only enables buyers to own and enjoy lakeside property, but collaterally to invest in what is becoming a distinct and limited asset class. Mortgage interest rates will undoubtedly increase in 2022, but their impact will be negligible. Recreational property purchases are discretionary, and rates have a much lesser impact than on housing prices in an urban context.
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MUSKOKA COTTAGE MARKET WATCH NUMBER OF LISTINGS AND SALES Unit Sales Volume - Summary of Waterfront Freehold Houses MLS® Listings and Sales for the last 4 years by area as reported by The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®
AREA / TYPE
# OF WATERFRONT SINGLE FAMILY LISTINGS
# OF WATERFRONT SINGLE FAMILY SOLDS
2018
2019
2020
2021
2018
2019
2020
2021
Muskoka Lakes Twp
331
383
377
279 -25%
180
184
283
209 -26%
Bracebridge
144
162
129
139 +8%
95
100
99
109 +10%
Gravenhurst
133
191
157
150 -4%
89
90
122
103 -15%
Lake of Bays
224
234
148
139 -6%
115
89
114
103 -10%
Huntsville
176
205
165
161 -2%
86
86
121
115 -5%
Total Muskoka
1044
1175
976
868 -11%
565
549
739
639 -13%
Lake Joseph
55
78
83
41 -50%
32
28
45
31 -31%
Lake Rosseau
68
85
76
45 -40%
32
41
56
34 -39%
Lake Muskoka
180
203
178
166 -7%
101
93
133
95 -28%
Lake of Bays
135
150
93
72 -22%
58
58
74
49 -35%
77
111
89
66 -26%
30
37
64
39 -39%
Huntsville Big 4*
* Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, Vernon Lake
SALES BY PRICE RANGE Unit Sales Volume - Summary of Waterfront Freehold Houses MLS® Listings and Sales for the last 4 years by area aand price range as reported by The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®
AREA / TYPE
# OF LISTINGS
# OF SOLDS
2018
2019
2020
2021
2018
2019
2020
2021
Muskoka Lakes Twp Over $5M
26
45
40
43
8
13
25
21
$2.5M - $5M
61
81
80
68
24
32
51
51
$1M - $2.5M
115
137
128
109
68
69
97
92
Bracebridge Over $5M
0
2
1
3
0
0
1
1
$2.5M - $5M
3
5
3
7
3
1
2
5
$1M - $2.5M
17
15
24
49
10
7
18
39
0
0
2
5
0
0
0
2
Gravenhurst Over $5M $2.5M - $5M
6
10
10
19
2
1
5
11
$1M - $2.5M
32
38
48
73
15
13
35
53
26
43
43
51
8
13
26
24
Total Muskoka Over $5M $2.5M - $5M
70
96
93
94
29
34
58
67
$1M - $2.5M
164
190
200
231
93
89
150
184
260
275
143
99
158
132
134
84
LOB’s / Huntsville Under $1M
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Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 22
THE BIG LAKE* COTTAGE SALES BY YEAR AND PRICE RANGE $1M - $2.5M
$2.5M - $5M
$5M+
200
150
100
50
0 2018
2019
2020
2021
*Joseph, Rosseau, Muskoka, Lake of Bays, Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, Vernon Lake
AVERAGE PRICE OF LAKES MUSKOKA, JOSEPH AND ROSSEAU, LAKE OF BAYS AND HUNTSVILLE BIG 4* LISTINGS OVER $1M Average Original List Price Average Final List Price Average Sale Price
$4M $3,666,810 $3,299,519
$3.5M $3,154,247 $3M
$2,92,805
$3,348,716
$2,881,569 $3,096,589
$2.5M
$3,608,233
$3,178,749
$2,821,229
$2,566,741
$2,560,327 $2M
$2,312,589
$2,826,335
$3,120,931 $2,762,758
$3,120,820
$2,280,480
$1.5M
$1M 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
*Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, Vernon Lake
Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
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What’s Been Happening
In Muskoka
The winter of 2020/2021 was relatively short compared to the norm for Muskoka, with a normal amount of snow. The spring melt was much more orderly and controlled compared to that of some recent years. There was significantly less flooding and waterfront structure damage than, for example 2019, as we did not have simultaneous warm weather, frozen ground, and heavy rainfall to contend with. The Canadian Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a somewhat normal winter for Muskoka this winter—whatever “normal” is. We have already had some snow on the ground in late October. Make sure you are prepared for the snow to come, by having arrangements in place for snow removal from your driveway, walkways, and roofs, and ensure your dock and boathouse are prepared for possible high water in the Spring. See last year’s Newsletter for some suggestions in this regard.
impact on cottage real estate here in Muskoka. We continue to deal with a major surge in buyers looking, sometimes desperately, for an enjoyable safe-haven or sanctuary for their families. We continue to experience an unprecedented level of cottage usage this year, starting last winter and the early Spring. We have never seen so many people using their cottages while there was snow on the ground. This heavy cottage usage continued over the summer and fall, and we expect this situation to continue throughout this winter. Some of the consequences of this situation have been busier than normal food stores, a very strong rental market, including winter rentals, and great difficulty in obtaining a tee off time at any of the local golf courses. Golf memberships at any of Muskoka’s golf courses are in high demand with extensive waiting lists for memberships at some courses.
The summer of 2021 was fairly typical for Muskoka. Nice temperatures, not overly hot, with a little more than usual rainfall. Overall, the past year has been a wonderful time to own a cottage in Muskoka, and these conditions have certainly contributed to the unprecedented level of demand we have seen in real estate activity this year.
Due to the COVID-19 situation and the general restrictions on travel, we were not able to enjoy our normal winter travels. We hunkered down in our Muskoka bubble and found ways to enjoy winter. Jim became pretty creative with the snow blower! We have had to cancel several business conferences we had planned on attending. Instead of attending conferences we have been attending business and technical webinars via Zoom. In some ways we are finding webinars to be more productive and focused than in-person conferences. Not as many distractions !
Of course, we can’t write about the general real estate market in Muskoka without mentioning the effect that COVID-19 has had. This is not the forum to delve into the repercussions the pandemic has had on our lives in general or the real estate market in particular. Suffice to say, it has had a dramatic
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😁
We would like to thank our many Seller and Buyer clients who
Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 22
contributed to our success this past year. We thank you all for your business and your referrals of family members, friends, and business colleagues to us for their Muskoka real estate needs. The referral component of our business continues to grow year over year, along with repeat business from past clients. We sincerely thank you all! Our Team member, Lesley-Anne Goodfellow, once again had an outstanding year of condominium sales in both Bracebridge and Huntsville, along with an increased number of residential sales. With her background as the builder’s sales representative for her father’s many condominium projects, Lesley-Anne has an intimate knowledge of the various condominium projects in Muskoka and is well positioned to assist both local residents and retirees who are transitioning to Muskoka, plus cottagers who are selling their recreational properties but still want to maintain a presence in Muskoka. Lesley-Anne maintains a long list of eager buyers willing to jump at a suitable new condo offering. Our daughter Amanda’s real estate career continues to flourish with Canada’s #1 Royal LePage real estate team - the HeapsEstrin Team in Toronto. She is an amazing REALTOR and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Increasingly, she has been able to assist our clients with their Toronto residential real estate needs. Amanda often provides advice to Mom and Dad as well.
Our son Shawn, his wife Shelley, and our two grandsons, continue to travel extensively. They are in Zimbabwe as we write this newsletter, to visit Shelley’s parents and family and to attend Shelley’s brother’s wedding. They are both vaccinated and cautious because of the boys’ tender ages. They have had to endure multiple COVID-19 tests along the way, but it is all worth it to spend time with her family, whom they had not seen since last year. Shawn’s construction business and Shelley’s executive recruiting business continue to thrive. We rely on an extended comprehensive network of professionals who are part of our extended Team, to provide an exceptional level of service to our clients during the many phases of their real estate transaction. We would like to extend a very special thank you to all the lawyers, bankers/mortgage brokers, home inspectors, surveyors, website gurus, Real Estate Board staff, Chestnut Park (Port Carling) office staff, Chestnut Park (Toronto) marketing support staff, insurers, co-operating real estate agents, brokers and cooperating real estate office staff who contribute to bringing our real estate transactions to a successful and efficient conclusion. A heart-felt “Thank You” to you all!!
FREE Cottage Evaluation If you would like a FREE, confidential evaluation of your cottage property for estate planning, potential sale or insurance purposes, just let us know. We are always available to provide this service.
Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
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Muskoka’s restaurant scene Muskoka’s normally vibrant restaurant scene has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation. It is beyond the scope of this newsletter to provide an update on the current situation with every restaurant in Muskoka. I would suggest you refer to a specific restaurant’s website for the latest update on their service offerings. The good news is that there have been very few outbreaks of the virus in the District of Muskoka. The very few cases that occurred at restaurants have been dealt with swiftly and professionally, allowing the restaurant to re-open quickly. Wherever possible, local restaurants adapted their business during the summer months, to a combination of inside, patio and takeout options. Reservations are suggested. A FEW NOTABLE CHANGES IN THE MUSKOKA RESTAURANT SCENE THAT HAVE COME TO OUR ATTENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: BRACEBRIDGE In Bracebridge, there have been a few changes. The best news, for me personally, is the opening of The Big River Baking Co., located on Taylor Rd., just east of the downtown lights. This is a lovely new shop with divine baked goods. It’s like walking into a small village Patisserie in France, right down to the freshly baked croissants and baguettes. Try the sourdough bread with brie and cranberries! The new Starbucks has opened to long lineups at times and there are signs in the window of the next-door unit that there will be a Mexican taco shop opening there soon. There is a sign on the door of the old Kelly’s Kitchen Pub on Manitoba Street that it will re-open as a chicken wing specialty restaurant. Most restaurants are operating at reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, but some are still closed as they don’t have the space to operate within the restrictions (e.g. Sully’s and River Walk). PORT CARLING In Port Carling the restaurant scene has remained largely unchanged, although all restaurants adapted their operations to comply with COVID-19 protocols. Portside Fusion seems to be doing well under the new ownership. Their patio was particularly busy during the summer. The Muskoka Bistro (previously Ella’s) has closed and has re-opened under new ownership as Beveragino. The big news is that the Tim Horton’s location has ceased operation and the property has been sold, re-opening as a real estate office. This is sad to see, as there was so much time, effort and expense put into trying to make this franchise operation a success. We are guessing that simple demographics were working against them. GRAVENHURST The Gravenhurst restaurant scene appears to be stable, with no material changes that we are aware of. HUNTSVILLE The big news on the Huntsville dining scene is the opening of Gangnam Korea. If you enjoy, or have never tried, Korean food, you must give this place a try. They specialize in chicken but have other menu items also. It’s worth the drive! Don’t forget to try their homemade kimchi and pickled radishes to accompany your chicken dish. BAYSVILLE I must give a shout-out, again, to the Cheezus Murphy and The Grateful Bread food truck located in Baysville. They have fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches in a variety of styles. We have enjoyed getting our favourite sandwich here and then going down to the small park by the river, just below the dam, to enjoy it. The sandwiches are big and drippy so bring lots of napkins! They have moved to a new location at the garden center, just to the north of Baysville. We are hoping the Cast Iron Restaurant will re-open for inside dining soon. At the moment they are doing curbside pickup.
Our Personal Favourites: We are regularly asked what dining spots we frequent and recommend. Here’s what comes to mind at the moment. This list is constantly evolving, so please let us know if you have a favourite place we may have missed and/or should give a try. BRACEBRIDGE Main Street Deli, The Old Station, Pasta Tree & Smoke House, Marigold Unique Flavours, Wabora, Lake of Bays Barrelhouse, and Sully’s. Great places for Breakfast are Fresh Kutz, Nick’s, Marge’s, and South Muskoka Golf Course (summer only). PORT CARLING Turtle Jack’s, The Water’s Edge, and Portside Fusion (usually open during the winter). Pete’s, located in the parking lot across from the Bank of Nova Scotia, is an institution for great sausages, burgers, and peameal bacon sandwiches (Jim’s favourite!). Pete will always great you with a smile and is open year-round. GRAVENHURST The Oar, Dock of the Bay (summer only), Carey’s Pub, The Frosty Pint, Sushi-By-The- Water (on Hwy 169) and Rombo’s Family Restaurant. BALA Moon River Lookout (closed at the moment), Cottage Cravings (great for lunch) with a hot- chocolate bar in the winter and ice-cream in the summer, and the Lakeside Cafe. BAYSVILLE Cast Iron Restaurant, Cheezus Murphy and the Grateful Bread food truck. HUNTSVILLE Tall Trees Muskoka, Marigold Unique Flavours, That Little Place by the Lights, and the food trucks around Canvas Brewing. ROSSEAU Crossroads ORILLIA Era 67, 125 Breakfast Club (worth the drive!)
Sugarloaf - How to Destroy An Island’s Beauty This spring cottagers on Lake Joseph were shocked to discover that the owners of the property on Sugarloaf Island had destroyed its natural beauty through blasting of Precambrian Shield granite and widespread elimination of forested areas. As a result of a public outcry the Township of Muskoka Lakes issued stop work and remediation orders, but it will be impossible to restore the island to its original natural beauty. The destruction on Sugarloaf has exposed weaknesses in the development process in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. For example, Township staff have the right to deem a development to be minor, and when they do, staff approves site plans without any notice to the public. Planning staff approved extensive (some say horrific) blasting and tree removal for Sugarloaf to permit construction of an addition to a cottage and a septic system. The Township has not created any guidelines as to what is minor. Just as shocking is that the Site Alteration By-law that regulates blasting, which gives the Planning Director authority to approve blasting under a site plan that only Planning Staff gets to see.
Although the Site Alteration By-law declares that the Director should not grant a permit for blasting where it would harm the natural environment, the Township has not created any guidelines or policies governing or defining harm to the natural environment The Township does not even require a blasting permit. All these critical decisions are made by planning staff in effective secrecy. Muskoka cottagers will cast their votes in the Fall of 2022, with Sugarloaf in mind. People will ask whether Council has introduced a Licensing By-law for contractors so their licence can be suspended if they breach bylaws that protect our environment They will ask if the Site Plan and Site Alteration By-laws have been amended so that the granting of permits to blast rock and destroy trees will be properly regulated or reviewed by Planning Committee. These are questions that candidates for Council should be asked to answer. For further information and photographs visit Change.org and search for the Sugarloaf (article contributed by Roger Oatley).
Your Generosity Matters Great health care in Muskoka is about having the best people with the best technology in the best environment. Supporting your local Muskoka hospital is an investment in people, in your and your family’s future, and in life. It’s a way to make an impact in your community, for today and for tomorrow. The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation relies on the generosity of local and seasonal donors to purchase new or replacement equipment. It is a common misconception that all hospital needs are covered by your tax dollars. This is not the case. Your donation is required in order to ensure that the hospital is utilizing current technology equipment. Throughout the pandemic, hospitals have adapted to continue to deliver high-quality health care, but it’s important to recognize that this has come with a huge price tag, in addition to funding new or replacement equipment. Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to meet infection prevention and control requirements, numerous facility renovations are required at the South Muskoka Hospital. All porous countertops need to be changed, carpeting removed, flooring upgraded, and nursing stations renovated. Funding these important and necessary upgrades is only made possible through donations from the community, both permanent and seasonal residents.
Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation encourages our community to invest in the highest standard of health care, including everything from lifesaving equipment to health care education and urgent renovations and repairs. This year, they will invest over $2.5 million in new equipment and renovated facilities. Many people don’t realize how important donors are to the range of services a community hospital can offer. Generosity from people like you is what ensures our hospital can be there when they are needed. Cottagers often don’t think about the local hospital until its services are urgently needed by a family member or a guest. Quality health care and a well-equipped hospital are so important to a community, and your donations can help with important upgrades from diagnostic imaging to ICU beds, new technology, new equipment, and more. If you are able to help, please contact Executive Director, Leah Walker, by phone or email at 705.645.4404 x3103 or leah.walker@mahc.ca to discuss how you can support your local Muskoka hospital.
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Selling Cottages In a Continuing COVID-19 Marketplace As you will have read in the Muskoka Market Update section of this newsletter, the cottage market this year has been extraordinary, and we expect the sales pace and challenges to continue in 2022. If you are a cottage owner who has been considering the sale of your property, now is perhaps the time to capitalize on current market conditions to maximize the return on your cottage investment. The Gardiner Team is well positioned to assist you in obtaining the best possible sale result by utilizing the most current digital real estate technology, together with our long-term experience. The Gardiner Team, with 25 years of experience, has consistently been at the forefront of utilizing the most up-to-date technology and marketing approaches to meet our client’s expectations. This expertise has paid handsome rewards for our cottage-selling client’s during these COVID-19 times. We have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to sell cottage properties in a contactless manner utilizing FaceTime showings, virtual tours, high quality still and drone photography, and digital floor plans. If the buyer is not comfortable, or cannot, due to COVID restrictions, visit the property in-person, it is possible for them to familiarize themselves with the property, utilizing these digital services. This may be sufficient for them to make an offer. This is a particularly useful approach for out-of-province and overseas buyers. When an in-person showing of a selected property is required, strict COVID protocols are adhered to. Masks are worn, any surface that is touched is cleaned with a sterilizing wipe, hand sanitizer is used by everyone entering the buildings. The number of clients entering the buildings is restricted to 2 persons and they are requested to not touch any surfaces, light switches or doors, and to not use washrooms. When conducting the showing we will open doors, turn on lights, etc. if requested, utilizing a sanitizer wipe. The objective is to ensure that best COVID practices are employed for the health and safety of our buyer clients, ourselves, as well as the property owners. If you have been thinking about selling your cottage property, we suggest you contact us to discuss how we can maximize the results of the sale for you. These extraordinary seller- market conditions will not last forever. Now is the time to act!
making the cottage search easy! If you, a family member or a business colleague are in the market for a Muskoka cottage property, or you just want to keep tabs on what’s happening in the Muskoka cottage real estate market, please let us know and we will be happy to set you up on our automated cottage search service. This FREE service will email you MLS® listings for newly listed properties, or currently listed properties that have just had a price reduction, that match your custom search criteria, up to 24 hours before they appear on REALTOR.ca. You will be the first to know!
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If you would like to be added to this free service, please give us a call or let us know by email at GardinerTeam@gmail.com, with the subject line “Cottage Search”. Please include your basic search criteria, such as desired investment range, desired lake(s), minimum number of bedrooms and washrooms, etc. and we will tailor your search to these criteria as much as our system will allow.
Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 22
The Dock/Boathouse Bubbler Problem Solution - “ Bubbler Buddy” As a follow-up to articles I’ve written in previous newsletters concerning serious issues with dock/boathouse bubbler systems, there’s finally a made-in-Muskoka solution to Muskoka’s ongoing bubbler concerns during our active winter months regarding unsafe ice, open water, and damaging spring ice movement. A bubbler containment system, Bubbler Buddy, is just that. A bubbler containment system developed locally here in Muskoka. Bubbler Buddy is a full-service company that sells, rents, installs, removes, and fully services this bubbler buddy system. They also offer season long monitoring to ensure it’s working to its full potential. The bubbler containment system (Bubbler Buddy is a floating barrier that surrounds your dock and boathouse anchored into the lake. It works with any operating bubbler that is normally used. The bubbler buddy system allows you to bubble your dock structure to keep ice away all while containing and controlling the amount of open water created and/ or unsafe ice. With the system in place, it allows for the lakeside water to freeze solid right up to the barrier. It also allows the water to freeze to the shore outside of the system, creating a natural freeze up allowing for safer ice at your shoreline. Without the bubbler buddy system in place, bubbling your dock creates an unsafe ice environment around your waterfront, such as open water, which is potentially a major insurance liability problem.
to take responsibility for your shoreline during the winter season and give yourself the best possible protection you can. The damaging problem with bubblers is when the spring thaw starts. The shoreline ice melts away from shore prematurely caused by uncontained bubblers. This creates thick floating ice masses that can be moved about by winds and currents. This ice can come crashing into your dock/ boathouse structure causing major, sometimes irreparable, damage. If every bubbled dock had a Bubbler Buddy system in place, the ice would freeze to shore more naturally creating increased stability in the ice and thus allowing the lakes to naturally thaw from shore. This would ultimately decrease premature dangerous floating ice masses. Protect your investment, create safer ice for everyone, including animals, snowmobilers, and families out for a walk on the ice, and help stop the negative effects of bubblers. Any inquiries regarding Bubbler Buddy can be sent to Andre at andre@bubblerbuddy.ca or 705.644.1144 More info at www.bubblerbuddy.ca
With the continued increase of cottage rentals, full time cottage residency and winter activities on our lakes it should be a priority
Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
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coming soon - EARLY SPRING COTTAGES
FOR SALE and WANTED
Lake Muskoka | $4,495,000 | 1726 sq. ft. This beautifully totally renovated and re-furnished, winterized 3-bedroom, 2 bath cottage won’t last long. The renovation from the bare studs inwards includes new sprayed insulation, windows, walls & ceilings, flooring, kitchen and washroom cabinetry, appliances, furniture, cooking utensils, etc. All new! Move in and enjoy! Located only minutes to Port Carling and with easy year-round access. Situated on an expansive 209foot lot with perhaps the best island dotted, southerly view in Muskoka. A newer 2-slip boathouse (3-slip potential), huge water’s edge sundeck, cleared space for a large Bunkie, granite landscaping and a backup generator complete the package. Call Jim or Iris for further details.
Lake Muskoka | $4,795,000 This finely crafted, newly built 3,500 sq. ft., 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom winterized cottage/home is currently having the final touches applied. It will be ready for late-May occupancy. Situated only 50 feet from the water’s edge, there is an expansive open lake, sunset view from all principal rooms, deck, and patio, with gentle access via 8-foot-wide granite steps to the single-slip boatport with sundeck above. The oversized Muskoka Room and front deck will be a favourite place to hang out. The builders/owners have “sweated the details” on this project, including the finishings and furnishings, so that you can enjoy your cottage experience to the fullest. The large, 3-car, insulated and heated garage provides ample space to store and work on your toys. Located just minutes to Bracebridge on Stephens Bay, this property enjoys easy year-round access from the GTA. Call Jim or Iris to arrange a showing.
cottages wanted! We have many eager cottage buyers at all price points waiting for their new family cottage property to become available for sale. If you are considering the sale of your cottage, please give us an opportunity to discuss how we would safely market your property with the least inconvenience to you and your family, to achieve the best possible financial results. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with our Opinion of Value of your cottage property under the current market conditions. You might be surprised at its value! If you would consider selling your cottage, please contact us.
to view our available cottage listings visit: CottagesInMuskoka.com
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Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 22
Lake Muskoka | $7,995,000 This superbly maintained, Adirondack-themed cottage is a rare gem amongst the Muskoka diamonds. Tastefully designed, furnished and outfitted by Peaks & Rafters, you will feel comfortably at home the moment you arrive. The 4,424 sq.ft. of living area, with 5 bedrooms (3+2) and 3 bathrooms, along with a chef-inspired kitchen and generous-sized principal rooms, will amply suit the needs of you and your guests. The huge, oversized, 3-slip boathouse with its massive sun dock and 1 bedroom guest suite on the 2nd storey is nicely situated on the 300+ foot waterfront to maximize privacy. It will be the favourite gathering place during the day and for stargazing at night. Tasteful granite landscaping, a 2-car garage and excellent privacy are a few of the additional features of this wonderful property. Located in a quiet, private, area of Walker’s Point, this property features a sunny southwest exposure with an openlake, island-dotted view, well away from the heavily traveled boat traffic routes. Call Jim or Iris if you have any questions regarding this lovely property.
Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
Brandy Lake | $1,395,000 | 2280 sq. ft. With 2280 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this long cherished winterized family cottage is being offered for new ownership. With direct access from Hwy 118 and being minutes away from Port Carling, you’ll easily be able to enjoy all that Muskoka has to offer. This water’s edge cottage has been lovingly maintained and enjoys a long view down Brandy Lake, with good privacy on its 100 feet of water frontage. The cottage is mostly furnished and equipped. Adding a few missing pieces will make it your own. Call Jim or Iris for further details.
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with us the team
JIM GARDINER
IRIS GARDINER
LESLEY-ANNE GOODFELLOW
Broker
Broker
Sales Representative
705.646.7358
705.646.6367
705.787.6110
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CottagesInMuskoka.com Gardinerteam@gmail.com CHESTNUT PARK® REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE
110 Medora Street, Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0 Office: 705.765.6878
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Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 22
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Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2022
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