Cayman Marshall Collection Winter 2020/21 by Preferred Publishing

Urban Rustic Living Presents

WINTER 2O20/2021

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Welcome to 2021, a year that brings new hope, along with a lot of questions that, as we look forward to the coming months, we don’t have answers to yet.

demographic shift in the area, which will withstand short-term volatility over the next year or so. And that alone is reason for optimism.

As I write in my article in this issue, crystal ball gazing – especially when it comes to the financial and housing markets – is never easy, nor even especially wise. I don’t pretend to be a political or economic expert, but I do know about Muskoka real estate. And everything I’ve seen and read indicates that we are on the vanguard of a strong

My thanks to our talented editorial team, who have put together another beautiful issue of Cayman Marshall Magazine to enjoy by the fireside as the snow falls outside. And of course you’ll find all of our up-to-the minute listings of great properties in Muskoka and beyond. Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Todd Adair*

President Sales Representative

What better place to embrace all that winter has to offer than Muskoka? From ski hills to skating rinks, snowshoeing to snowmobiling, there is always something to do right outside your front door. And after a day of activity in the crisp winter air, curl up beside the fire with a warm drink and a great read, with the latest issue of Cayman Marshall Magazine.

Kallan Koch Chief Editor

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This issue marks the beginning of 2021, and after the trials and tribulations of the year just ended, many of us are ready to face the new year with a fresh perspective. Why not freshen up the room in your lake home to make it truly a restful retreat? Tary Roossien takes us through the steps of transforming your bedroom into a luxurious and cozy sanctuary, and also gives us tips on how to

layer a bed to give it that showroom feel. Of course, to make a home truly cozy and comfortable in all seasons, it takes more than a few pillows and blankets, no matter how pretty. BASK Insulation and Drywall offers a clear explanation of the different types of insulation you can choose when building or retrofitting your cottage, and what works best in Muskoka’s unique climate – which can range from 30-plus in summer to minus 30 in winter. Whether you've been enjoying the many winter activities that Muskoka offers this time of year, or you've put your cottage away for the season, we hope you'll find plenty of inspiration for the 2021 year in our 25th edition of the Cayman Marshall Magazine.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

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CAYMAN MARSHALL

THE COLLECTION

WINTER 2020/2021

Urban Rustic Living Presents MASTERING THE PERFECT BEDROOM

EDITORS Todd Adair* Kallan Koch Lauren Lowe ART DIRECTOR Kelsey Kennerell GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cathryn Haynes PHOTOGRAPHERS Andre Carriere Michael Cooper Micheal Muraz Mark Wilson ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kallan Koch CONTRIBUTORS Todd Adair Martha Uniacke Breen David Lasker Sarah Pountney* Leslie Smith Charlie Vanderpol* Tim Winegard Published in Canada FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL info@caymanmarshall.com caymanmarshallcollection.com All square footages are approximate. Some square footages include living space in the lower level. Information is subject to errors and omissions. Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale. Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage www.caymanmarshall.com Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PERFECT MARRIAGE

Gilbert + Burke's Award-Winning Design

COVER STORY

REAL ESTATE

G O I N G T H E E X T RA M I L E

E X P ECTAT I O N , B E YO N D

TO RO N TO L I ST I N G S

T H E LU C RAT I V E LAKE HOUSE

U R B A N RU ST I C L I V I N G P R E S E N TS

Mastering the Perfect Bedroom

IN THIS ISSUE 12

M U S KO K A T R E E S O LU T I O N S Preserving Paradise: Pre-Development Considerations for Cottage Country

C OZ Y U P W I T H F E V E R-T R E E

T H E P E R F ECT M A R R I AG E

Winter Cocktail Recipes

Gilbert + Burke's Award-Winning Design

H I D D E N C O M F O RT

Why Insulation is Your Best Investment

T H E T RU M P E F F ECT Four Years On

Finding Your Dream Property, with Help from Cayman Marshall's Jeff Liddle Luxury Living in The Bahamas

The Cottage That Pays You Back

R E N TA L L I ST I N G S

M U S KO K A L I ST I N G S

O W N YO U R O W N P I EC E O F M U S KO K A H I STO RY

E XC LU S I V E L I ST I N G S

PRESERVING PRE-DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR COTTAGE COUNTRY By Tim Winegard of Muskoka Tree Solutions

The preservation of Muskokaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forests and wildlife is crucially important for our ecosystem, and it is up to us to consider ways we can limit the negative impact on the environment. As an abundance of new builds are on the rise, Muskoka Tree Solutions identifies an important stage to consider before breaking ground.

he waterways, forests, and wildlife of the Muskoka region captivated artists like the Group of Seven and Robert Bateman. Their artistic depictions of this rugged, wild area have woven themselves into the regional and broader cultural landscape, attracting generations of Canadian and international travellers to the region. Many visitors come for a chance to wake up to the eerie call of loons on the lake, to listen to the wind flowing through the needles of towering pines, or to glimpse a rare eastern wolf as it pads across the frozen lake and disappears into the trees. These visions of Muskoka have inspired many of us to not only visit the area but to purchase, rent and develop cottage properties.

Developing a home or cottage property from the ground up is a dream come true for many, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride of ownership that can be hard to match. However, the process also comes with a number of challenges as we try to balance the practical, financial and environmental pressures of a new build. For example, do you work to preserve as many trees throughout the build process as possible, or clear the land for a blankslate building area and plant afterwards? Every alternative comes with merits and drawbacks. Nonetheless, a diverse range of services exist in the region to help would-be developers make informed decisions prior to turning the ground.

Muskoka Tree Solutions works with homeowners and developers to identify trees of significance, with regard to their structure and function within the broader forested landscape. Our professional arborist services can help avoid unnecessary setbacks and reduce future expenses by developing detailed tree preservation and removal plans prior to clearing the building site.

resistance to disease, visual aesthetics and function within the ecosystem, and 2) develop a preservation plan to ensure that high-value trees are not negatively impacted during the development phase of the project. Ultimately, this leads to fewer unexpected future expenses for tree care on the property.

Two overarching goals of this process are to: 1) identify trees that are of high value with regard to their longevity, structure,

The native trees of the Muskoka region have individual attributes that lend to their overall value for preservation

TREE VALUE

during the cottage development process. Maple, oak, pine, birch and hemlock are long-lived species that can provide valuable shade and wind protection to the cottage, food and shelter for wildlife, and aesthetic value to the cottage environment. Poplar, white spruce and balsam fir offer great aesthetic value but can pose shorterterm risks, as their growth rate and susceptivity to disease constrain their overall longevity. The process of working with an arborist provides peace of mind if one chooses to preserve tree species

WINTER 2020/2021 13 â&#x2013;

adjacent to the building site. By considering not only the more desirable species to be selected but also their individual structures and growth forms, your preservation plan can contribute significantly to reducing future expenses in tree maintenance or replanting, while increasing the health and safety of your cottage property. BREAKING GROUND Before development begins, consider how close is too close. For example, a treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s root system can extend beyond the reach of its canopy branches. As a result, roots can impact foundations, underground utilities or be inadvertently damaged during the development process. This leads to a decline in the health of the tree, higher maintenance costs and ultimately a reduced life expectancy. White pines shed their needles twice a year, which can lead to needle buildup on roofs, sap droplets on outdoor furniture, and the potential for winter ice damming if needles are not removed before winter. Hemlocks provide great shade and aesthetic value, but are easily snow- and wind-loaded, which can lead to branch and trunk failures. In this case, they are often best preserved on the predominately leeward side of the building site. Despite these examples, many of these species live healthy productive lives for decades, or even centuries when their growth patterns and physical structure allow. After all, if we removed all the trees that could potentially impact our property infrastructure, there would be little left of our cottage community forests. As a result, it is important to make informed decisions on which trees should remain or be removed prior to the build.

fter trees to be preserved have been selected, it is imperative, prior to equipment and materials arriving on site, to develop exclusion zones around high-value trees to help prevent damage to both the trunks and root systems of the trees. Equipment or materials parked or placed on these expansive root systems can lead to soil compaction, which manifests itself in tree decline often years after the build. Arborists work with developers throughout the process to ensure that measures are taken to preserve these trees so that a newly built home or cottage fits immediately and neatly into the broader forested landscape.

14 WINTER 2020/2021 â&#x2013;

That being said, removing, pruning and replanting trees may all still be a necessary part of the phases of development.

Many of us feel developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guilt for the removal of trees for the building site, driveway and cottage infrastructure, but an arborist can help balance the impact by encouraging habitat preservation along the shoreline, and by advising how you can seasonally manage the gardens and forest on your property for wildlife and long-term health.

Ultimately for many of us, developing a dream home or cottage is a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Making informed decisions by consulting with professional arborist services like Muskoka Tree Solutions (muskokasolutions.com) reduces uncertainty and increases the enjoyment of the process. We encourage you to reach out and start the discussion.

For more information, contact Tim Winegard from Muskoka Tree Solutions at 705-388-TREE or email timothywinegard@gmail.com

WINTER 2020/2021 15 â&#x2013;

Cozy Up with A Fever-Tree

Winter Cocktail T

his year, connecting with friends and family has never been more essential. Creating memorable moments calls for special ingredients, which is where the premium line of carbonated mixers from Fever-Tree comes in. Fever-Tree was first established in Britain back in 2003, when founders Tim Warrillow and Charles Rolls noticed people were becoming more sophisticated about choosing high-quality spirits, but then drowning them in poor-quality mixers. They reasoned that if three-quarters of your drink is mixer, shouldn’t it be the best? Thus Fever-Tree was born. The unrivalled taste and quality of Fever-Tree products is the result of focusing from the start on procuring the finest ingredients from natural sources. The company’s first product, Premium Indian Tonic Water, is formulated using the finest quinine, which they harvest from the bark of cinchona trees found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the 1600s, with the world plagued by malaria-carrying mosquitos, a Jesuit monk called Agostino discovered that native Indians who would chew the cinchona bark when they had a fever would see their fever subside. In the 1800s, the first “Indian Tonic Waters” were created when British soldiers stationed in India mixed their daily ration of quinine with a spoonful of sugar along with some local spices and citrus. The remarkable cinchona is known colloquially in India as the fever tree, inspiring the company’s distinctive name.

16 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

Over the years, innovation has been at the heart of the company, and the two founders continued to search the world for other premium ingredients. The company is committed to sourcing only the highest quality ingredients: ginger from the Ivory Coast, India and Nigeria; bitter orange from Mexico; and lemons from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Fever-Tree products contain no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours, and are GMO-free. The makers’ dedication to purity and quality sets their mixers apart from other everyday mixers on the market, which often contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. In Canada, Fever-Tree's full portfolio includes 14 different mixers, all carefully formulated to bring out the flavours of the finest spirits. The selection ranges from award-winning tonics, including the recently introduced Refreshingly Light Cucumber Tonic, to ginger ales and ginger beers, club soda and sparkling lemonade. You can find Fever-Tree at leading retailers, bars and restaurants across the country. The six refreshing cocktail recipes here are inspired by classic winter favourites with a Fever-Tree twist – each features Fever-Tree’s delicious, spicy ginger concoctions, including Ginger Ale, Smoky Ginger Ale, Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, and Refreshingly Light Ginger Beer. Here’s to cozying up with a great-tasting drink by a roaring fire, with friends far and soon to be near again.

Ginger

Cognac INGREDIENTS: > ¾ Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Ale > ¼ Cognac > Plenty of ice > Gourmet cherries

METHOD: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour in the measure of cognac. Slowly pour in the Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Ale, give a gentle stir and garnish with gourmet cherries.

WINTER 2020/2021 17 ■

Ginger

Margarita INGREDIENTS: > ¾ Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Ginger Beer > ¼ Tequila > 1 squeeze lime juice > ½ oz. simple syrup > Coarse salt > Lime wedge

METHOD: Rim a small serving glass with fresh lime juice and dip in coarse salt. Add tequila, lime juice, Refreshingly Light Ginger Beer, simple syrup, and ice. Stir gently and garnish with lime wedge.

18 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

cocktail aficionados will insist that it must be served in a copper mug for the authentic drinking experience.

Perfect Storm INGREDIENTS: > ¾ Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Ginger Beer > ¼ Dark Rum > Lots of fresh ice > Limes

Moscow MULE

INGREDIENTS: > ¾ Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Ginger Beer > ¼ Premium Vodka > Ice > Juice of 1 lime

METHOD: Squeeze the lime juice into a Mule mug (an OldFashioned glass will do) and drop in the spent rind. Fill until overflowing with ice cubes and pour in the vodka. Finish with the Premium Ginger Beer and serve with a stirring rod.

METHOD: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in dark rum (can be spiced) and add a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Then pour the Refreshingly Light Fever-Tree Ginger Beer and garnish with a lime wheel.

WINTER 2020/2021 19 ■

Rye & SpiceD INGREDIENTS: > ¾ Fever-Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale > ¼ Canadian Whisky > Plenty of Ice > Slice of Orange

METHOD: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour in the measure of whisky. Slowly pour in the Fever-Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale, give a gentle stir and garnish with a fresh slice of orange.

Smoky Ginger INGREDIENTS: > ¾ Fever-Tree Smoky Ginger Ale > ¼ Vodka > Plenty of ice > Cinnamon stick

METHOD:

20 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in the measure of vodka. Slowly pour in the Fever-Tree Smoky Ginger Ale, give a gentle stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

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GOING THE EXTRA MILE Finding Your Dream Property, With Help from Cayman Marshall’s Jeff Liddle Especially when it comes to a country property, you can’t always tell when you’ve found the future site of your dreams. That’s when the expert eye of an experienced REALTOR® like Cayman Marshall’s Jeff Liddle can really come in handy. The way Randy and Susan Smart tell the story, the first time they saw their property, near South Portage on the shore of Lake of Bays, they say tactfully, “it didn’t fit our vision.” They had arrived a few minutes early for their appointment with Jeff to discover a wild, overgrown site, strewn with exposed boulders and with a precipitously steep, rocky hill right where you would want to build a larger home. The existing cottage on the site had been there in one form or another for almost 100 years, and there were signs of porcupine habitation everywhere. And even though the land included a nice expanse of lakefront, the dock was too close to the neighbours’ to provide the privacy they were seeking. By the time Jeff arrived for the walk-through, the Smarts were already getting in their car, ready to move on. Randy and Susan had been Muskoka cottagers from an early age. Randy’s grandmother had owned a cottage on Clear Lake since 1959, and he and his cousins had spent every summer

there since childhood. The couple wanted their two sons to enjoy the same classic Muskoka cottage experience, and for years had owned their own Three Mile Lake cottage. But when they got older and decided to retire to Muskoka themselves, they reluctantly realized it wouldn’t be suitable for long-term living. For one thing, they wanted a roomier property on a larger lake; bigger lakes can often provide more privacy than a smaller lake, where you inevitably see your neighbours most days. (That’s great for kids growing up, but not necessarily for a peaceful retirement retreat.) And they worried the layout of the cottage might not be right as they got older. They had met Jeff a few months earlier when he responded from Cayman Marshall to complete a property assessment. Jeff helped them make an offer on a property they had already been interested in; they lost out on that sale, but being impressed with his approach, hired him to ultimately find their dream retirement spot. And that’s how they came to check out the Lake of Bays site. Fortunately, Jeff had the expertise to notice a few things they had overlooked. “Just give me twenty minutes to walk around with you before you decide,” he told them.

Jeff’s advice gave them plenty to think about. As they toured the site, Jeff pointed out many advantages of purchasing an established lot. While the land was rocky and overgrown, it also had one of the best lake views in the Bona Vista area; with a combination of careful rock blasting and selective tree clearing, they could create a wonderful property. And despite its location on one of Muskoka’s most desirable (and priciest) lakes, the two-acre plot was well within their budget. Jeff’s advice gave them plenty to think about. Susan was the first to see the possibilities and was the driving force for taking on such a large project. A few days later, they returned to look at the property again, and decided to tear down, remodel the land and rebuild.

WINTER 2020/2021 23 ■

“Muskoka is where I wanted to be.” Despite only being 34, Jeff has over a decade of experience already and is a top producer in his industry. After earning his business marketing degree, Jeff moved from his native Ancaster to Muskoka to begin his working life in the Golf Pro Shop at Deerhurst Resort; he’d grown up with a cottage in the area, and as he says simply, “Muskoka is where I wanted to be.” But golf is a short season, of course, and then you have to figure out what to do during the winter, he says; by 2008 he realized he had the choice of returning to the city to pursue a life in business, or find a new career here in Muskoka. Around the same time, his parents decided they wanted to buy a retirement property in Muskoka; looking at properties with them awakened his interest in real estate. He obtained his license and initially, struck out on his own. “Unfortunately, 2008 was a recession year,” he laughs now. “But I figured if you start at the bottom there’s nowhere to go but up!” Jeff’s knowledge of the region, especially the Huntsville/Lake of Bays area, was already well established when Todd Adair approached him to become one of the original trio of agents that would form Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc. in 2012. The two had worked together before, and Todd knew he’d be a valuable asset to the brand-new firm.

24 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

“People don’t always understand what exactly a REALTOR® does and how they can help you,” he says. “Besides the million little things we do behind the scenes, we also see thousands of properties per year and have a clear idea of what’s out there and what the potential of a property like the Smarts’ can be, where the typical buyer may not.”

tradespeople in Muskoka is they all know each other – once you hire one, they can recommend other reliable ones they have worked with. I built quite a connections network and got to work with some really talented people.”

After buying their new property, the Smarts hired local architect Sandy Ebbs, who worked with Bill Nunn of Bill Nunn Designs to custom-build the new cottage, which combines timber-framing and modern construction methods such as double-roofing to blend classic comfort and looks with up-to-date technology. Randy, a born tinkerer, did much of the finishing work on the house himself, from the board-and-batten siding to the deck and railings. All the rock they blasted to clear room for the cottage and make the slopes a little safer, was reclaimed and reused in the property landscaping.

Looking out through the great room’s expansive windows at the garden and grassy slope that leads down to the water, the full magnificence of the view they almost passed up –which on a clear day offers a wide lake view with Bigwin Island rising in the distance – is one of the pleasures of what truly is their dream property.

To build the cottage, Randy chose to tackle the job of being his own general contractor. “I have limited construction experience, but I have plenty of project management experience from my working days, so I decided to do it myself. And the great thing about working with great

“It's such a peaceful place,” says Susan. “We love the quiet, and the wildlife: we’ve had deer, moose, bears and porcupines visit us, and ducks every spring and fall.” “And we really liked working with Jeff,” adds Randy. “I’ve dealt with a lot of different people during my career, and I really enjoyed working with him. He’s honest and upfront, which we really liked, and he has a lot of experience with the Lake of Bays area. He’s very professional, and we felt very strongly we wanted him to be the one we would work with.”

WINTER 2020/2021 25 ■

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HUNTSVILLE, ON

“T here are not many builders out there that can take on a project of that scope and magnitude.” – CATHY BURKE Gilbert + Burke co-owner

T he Perfect Marriage GILBERT + BURKE’S award winning Lake Simcoe residence melds classic timber frame construction and contemporary style, with truly stunning results. By David Lasker

e wanted contemporary, she wanted a natural lake feel. But they’re both delighted with the Lake Simcoe retreat that design-build firm Gilbert + Burke (GB) created for them.

“It’s a fusion with a lot of contemporary elements,” Cathy Burke, the firm’s co-owner, says of the house’s tall timberframe vaulted ceilings with intersecting planes of Douglas-fir decking; expansive windows with big, boldly expressive exterior Douglas-fir framing; and B.C. granite inside and out. Such unusual details helped the project win the prize for best custom-built home over 4,000 square feet in the 2019 Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards. “There are not many builders out there that can take on a project of that scope and magnitude,” she says. “It’s a pretty big place.”

WINTER 2020/2021 27 ■

ndeed, with its boathouse, coach house and main dwelling with three-car garage, the residence is a small campus. Notable features include the lower level gym, room-sized golf simulator and sunken home theatre (offering unobstructed sightlines to the second row of seating), with cove-lit ceiling that is illuminated to represent a starry sky.

GB has offices in Huntsville, Lindsay and Orillia, serving clients in and around Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Simcoe, Parry Sound and southern Georgian Bay. Its staff of 15 includes an architectural technologist, construction manager and registered interior designer. GB’s impressive 2019 Awards haul included prizes for best builder and best website. It was while browsing that site that their Simcoe Lake client was smitten with a previous house by GB senior designer Peter Groza. “Each of our houses is one of a kind, but we do have some signature looks, especially when Peter does the design,” Cathy says. “At Lake Simcoe, we turned what would typically be a sharp, boxy contemporary house into a hybrid,” Peter says. “We retained the contemporary, flat-roofed feel while adding teepee rooflines, with steep peaks blasting right through the ceiling plane to give a cottage-like, lakeside feel. The two styles blend together quite nicely and complement each other.” The house’s most distinctive feature is the big bold oversize central gable over the great room, facing the lake. “We dropped the roof right down and cut the elevation in half to give the house an updated Muskoka cottage feel.” Right from the front door, fascinating design details abound. The foyer walls are not conventional, white-painted drywall. Instead, they comprise stacked long wide planks with shadowlines in between, giving the walls a linear, streamlined look. Then, just below the top of the walls, the top-plate timber – a transitional band of Douglas fir planking descending from the ceiling vault – further emphasizes the room’s horizontality. In the great room, subtle cove lighting washes over the line where the pitched ceiling springs from the wall. “Adding ambient atmosphere is important with a timber ceiling,” Peter says. The screened porch boasts a tall vertical notch in the stone wall for storing firewood, which plays off the rectangular fireplace aperture. From there, your attention is drawn up to the timber framing that

28 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

T he house’s most distinctive feature is the big bold oversize central gable over the great room, facing the lake. supports the four-sided, pyramidal roof, and how the sides intersect to form triangles at the bottoms. “Again, we’re taking a style of timber framing and making interesting compound angles to suit this particular building,” he explains. “Making the room slick while giving it that Douglas-fir timber look satisfied both parties.” Throughout this house, as in most of his projects, “We oversize the beams and spread them out, rather than use skinny little toothpicks close together. It’s not that we use more material; it’s just that our material is larger and spaced out more. This makes for a clean, non-busy contemporary look that gives the building substance and depth.” WINTER 2020/2021 29 ■

nother characteristic touch is what he calls “windowscaping.” The key, he says, “is to balance steep gable ends with windows and walls, and how much wall you have above and beside a window, while shaping the building to maximize sightlines out to the view. I specialize in proportioning; most people don’t recognize disproportionate walls when they see them.”

No room showcases his aesthetic approach more daringly than the dining room – an almost surrealistic, Alice in Wonderland-like tall, narrow space that, in lesser hands, would make guests feel like they were sitting at the bottom of a well. However, by pairing long wood planks along the upper part of the flanking walls, he is able, visually, to balance the room’s height.

Gilbert + Burke’s impressive 2019 Awards haul included prizes for best builder and best website. “Changing materials on the way up makes a tall room – which is what they wanted for getting some ‘wow factor’ – seem well-proportioned,” he says. On the exterior, innovative features hide in plain sight: maintenance-free prefinished HardiBoard cement-fibre panels in lieu of wood siding, and Euroshield roofing that uses shingles made of recycled rubber, warranted for 50-plus years. GB imported West Coast granite ashlar (masonry facing made of large square-cut stones) for the structure and landscaping, despite the abundance of locally available Canadian Shield granite. They did so because the lady of the house admired the BC stone’s subtle blue tones, which contrast against the local rock’s pinks and browns. It was, so to speak, yet another instance of Gilbert + Burke acting as architectural marriage counsellor with this award-winning residence. 30 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

Keep your power on even when the power’s out.

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Hidden

COMFORT: Why Insulation is Your Best Investment By David Lasker

You may not think much about insulation unless you are building or renovating. But it’s the only barrier between you and Muskoka’s harshest elements. That’s why, at BASK Insulation and Drywall's Simone Marsden explains, getting it right the first time is worth the investment.

32 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

“How fathomless the mystery of the Unseen,” wrote Guy de Maupassant, master of the 19thcentury short story. For most of us, no aspect of homeownership is as unseen and mysterious as insulation. Yet getting it right will make a huge difference in comfort and lowering your heating and cooling costs; getting it wrong can prove costly to fix once the home is finished. “In our northern Muskoka climate, it’s important to keep condensation out and to regulate the temperature difference between inside and outside,” says Simone Marsden, general manager at BASK and an acting director on the Muskoka Builders’ Association Board. She is the “S” in the family-owned, Port Carling-based BASK Insulation and Drywall. BASK specializes in services to islands. “We have our own barge and tugboat, and that helps tremendously with scheduling and completing jobs on time,” she explains. “Our average spray-foam truck, a Ford F-550 with a 16-foot box on the back, costs over two hundred thousand dollars with equipment. When you have that going across a body of water that’s 250 feet deep at five knots, there’s a lot of liability and risk. You have to know what you’re doing. You have to watch the weather. You have to have a good team to support you.”

“In our northern Muskoka climate, it’s important to keep condensation out and to regulate the temperature difference between inside and outside.”

- Simone Marsden BASK GENERAL MANAGER

BASK also offers drywalling services like boarding and taping. “Contractors and homeowners are excited that we are doing drywall because it is naturally something that comes after insulation,” she says, pointing out it’s one less phone call and one less thing to think about logistically for the customer. Simone and her team decide how much insulation a project needs, depending on where it’s located – township bylaws vary – and whether the dwelling will be seasonal (meaning summer use only), three seasons (spring, summer and fall), or four seasons. Construction drawings will also specify required R-values. BASK’s in-house estimator ensures that

the buildings are insulated according to bylaws and construction documents, while also fullfilling the customer’s desired insulation requirements.

The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness and density.

Some seasonal dwellings may not call for insulation. “However,” she says, “we recommend always insulating for controlling moisture penetration into the building envelope. A four-season dwelling requires R60 insulation over a flat ceiling, R31 minimum over a vault or cathedral ceiling and R22 in walls; a three-season structure, with the water shut off in winter, falls somewhere in between.” Remember, insulation helps keep a cottage cool in summer as well as warm in winter. Insulation also helps save on energy costs. The “R” refers to R-value, a rating of an insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow.

Remember, insulation helps keep a cottage cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. Insulation also helps save on energy costs. Ventilation is another factor in a wellinsulated home. “All these parts have to work together,” she says. “If you have an under-rated HVAC [heating, ventilation

and air-conditioning] system, then, yes, you’ll have condensation problems from cooking, doing laundry and even just from your breathing because the house is so tight. You need air exchange, even in your attic, for insulation to work properly.” There are three choices of insulation material, Simone explains. “Spray foam does it best. It makes the tightest seal.” The process combines two chemicals at the tip of a spray gun to create polyurethane foam that expands and solidifies in place. It insulates and seals gaps, and acts as a vapour barrier. The material sticks to concrete, wood and other surfaces and is sprayed into wall cavities, crawl spaces, onto roof tiles, under basement slabs, around footings and even around heating equipment such as duct work. “Spray foam is installed at 120 degrees under high pressure. We will only install it

in two-inch passes which allows it to cool properly.” All of BASK’s spray foam installers are licensed through a body called UFC, Urethane Foam Consultants, and are trained in how to install spray foam properly. Elastochem, BASK’s local chemical supplier out of Brantford, also ensures the products that BASK is installing are of the highest quality. As Simone says, “Between the guys at UFC, our supplier, Elastochem, and the guys working for us that are spraying foam, BASK really does have a great team to deliver an amazing product. We are proud to have a made-in-Canada solution.” For flat attics and cathedral ceilings, she often recommends the blownin-blanket system (BIBS), a method that blows loose-fill fibreglass insulation through a hose and out a nozzle into the cavity, behind fibre mesh netting attached to the studs, resulting in a seamless blanket of insulation. Both methods – spray foam and BIBS – are acceptable for use in Muskoka, as they both fill voids and air gaps around wiring, fixtures, and plumbing. That attribute is lacking with fibreglass batts, the third and cheapest method of insulation. (If you feel a cold draft in winter near your electric outlet covers, chances are your home was insulated with fibreglass batts.) In autumn, cottage owners are often plagued by invasive wildlife. Here, spray foam helps compensate for its higher initial cost by being mostly

critter-proof. “There’s nowhere for mice or squirrels to burrow in spray foam, because it cures to a hard, plastic-like material,” she says. On the other hand, “Fibreglass in BIBS or batts is like a mouse hotel.”

Surprisingly, despite the multimillion-dollar cost of high-end Muskoka homes, most of them stop short of insulation nirvana. “They’re not perfect, but 90 per cent is still good,” she says. Simone’s ideal is double-wall construction, because it eliminates thermal bridging, or breaks in insulation over the studs. Thermal camera imagery in a typical 2 X 6 wall shows the telltale signs of this effect: warm orange colours between stud cavities, but cold blue colours over the studs themselves. With a double wall system, you completely eliminate the cold blue colours that indicate heat loss. “This year, we saw a double wall on just two projects,” she says.

The energy and environmental benefits of a properly insulated home are proven. Therein lies another of BASK’s services: removal of insulation that has been disturbed, or prior to a renovation. BASK will come in with a very powerful vacuum system and clean out the attic space, providing a clean space ready for re-construction.

She points out another advantage to the method: “With a continuous sealed building envelope across the entire wall, you can run your electrical and plumbing on the interior wall when you use spray foam. You don’t have any heat loss because there’s insulation over everything.” Sure, investing in top-grade insulation when you build (especially a year-round cottage) may not seem as glamorous as the things you can see, such as cedar shingles or a great architectural design. But of all the elements that go into your new cottage, it may well provide the best return. The energy and environmental benefits of a properly insulated home are proven. And here in Muskoka, where the temperature can range from minus 30 in winter to plus 30 in summer, nothing will keep you as comfortable – no matter what the time of year.

For more information on insulation, and spray foam in particular, visit baskinsualtion.ca or elastochem-ca.com.

WITH GORDON BAY MARINE!

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS

GORDON BAY MARINE has come a long way since founder Bruce Hatherley first started repairing neighbours’ boats from his tiny boathouse shop at the north end of Lake Joseph. Sixty years later, that little boathouse is now part of the largest full-service boat sales and service dealership in Ontario, offering everything you need for carefree summers out on the water. GBM’s huge, gleaming sales floor showcases fourteen of the best brands in the boating world. Visit our retail shop for great things for the cottage, from barbecues and hot tubs to outdoor furniture. And when summer ends, our ATV and snowmobile showroom keeps the fun going all winter long. The company’s reputation for service is unmatched. Along with our factory-trained technicians and well-equipped service bays, our fleet of workboats can provide repairs dockside, along with a company

float plane for remote service, and trucks for secure pickup and delivery. We also offer offseason storage and much more. Looking to turn heads on the water? Check out the Donzi Classic Series. These breathtaking speedboats are virtually unchanged from legendary boat designer Don Aranow’s original vision – they’re the marine equivalent of a classic Corvette sports car. For watersport enthusiasts, Malibu is the athlete’s choice and the industry leader in innovative surf technology, with features like Power Wedge and Surf Gate, which let you precisely control the wake either from the cockpit or from a wrist controller on the skier’s arm. Drop by and check out the newest boats for 2021 in our safe, fully sanitized showroom. We’ll help you get ready for your best summer ever!

VISIT GORDONBAY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

From Snow Drifts… to White Sand Beaches By Sarah Pountney Imagine for a moment that you gaze out your window on a cold January afternoon. But instead of drifting snow and bare trees shivering in a bitter wind, the scene dissolves to palm trees swaying gently in a warm Caribbean breeze, crystalline blue water, and a white sand beach that seems to stretch for miles and miles. You’re not dreaming. You’re at your private residence in a brand-new, Canadian-developed beachside condominium, located in one of the most historic and highly desirable areas of the Bahamas. Cayman Marshall has joined with one of Canada’s most prestigious developers to offer an exclusive opportunity to be part of a unique resort community, located right on the beach in an area known as the “Riviera of the Bahamas,” just a short ride from the Nassau airport and minutes from downtown.

38 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

STARTING AT $585,000 USD

“We wanted to be part of this opportunity because we felt our clients would be attracted by the fact that it’s a Canadian developer, a Canadian design team, and of course, they’d be working with Cayman Marshall, which is a Canadian real estate brokerage,” says Cayman Marshall CEO Todd Adair. “Plus, it’s rare to find such a prime opportunity in this location that’s so attractively priced, and that offers investment potential as well." The new development combines luxury boutique hotel living with a number of exclusive beachfront residences. It’s located within walking distance of the largest casino in the Caribbean, as well as a world-class golf course and over two dozen fine restaurants. The vibrant city of Nassau is just a short distance away, for downtown strolling and shopping. Paradise Island and other local points of interest are all at your doorstep.

The design team is also all-Canadian, who have earned international reputations for quality and cutting-edge vision. Architecture is by Makow Architects, a Toronto-based team of talented architects and designers led by principal architect Stan Makow. The design philosophy of the firm holds that well-executed architecture evolves from an interior layout, where spaces flow naturally from one to another. Interior design is by the well-respected HOK, whose design shows the influences of the unique natural beauty of the Bahamas, infusing local cultural cues with breathtaking contemporary design.

Private condominiums range from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, with all the luxuries of private beachside living. Amenities include an infinity pool that seems to pour right onto the beach, a fully equipped fitness centre and spa, theatre, and exclusive seaside dining, minutes away from the heart of downtown Nassau. But what makes the new development unique among some other properties in the area is that it offers a unique opportunity to not only enjoy your winter vacation home, but to provide a safe and productive investment when you are not occupying it. The developer has chosen to partner with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which specializes in marketing and distribution for a key number of independent luxury hotels worldwide. Owners who choose to become part of this unique form of investment may occupy their residences for up to three months of the year, and let their property generate tax-free rental income for the balance of the year. Small Luxury Hotels of the World prides itself on selecting only the finest boutique hotel destinations. Their philosophy is that bigger isn’t always better, and that the experiences of a small boutique hotel provide a more personal touch that leaves a lasting impression on guests. The company carefully selects each hotel they partner with to celebrate its unique character and charm, with one common feature: a consistently high standard of luxury and quality.

"It’s rare to find such a prime opportunity in this location that’s so attractively priced, and that offers investment potential as well." SMHW manages the program and handles all the details, providing full transparency to owners through its online registration system, along with a very generous return. The program gives you maximum use and enjoyment of your Bahamas home without restrictions on usage or resort fees. More than ever, this is the year when the escape to a safe, luxurious and warm-weather destination will be more cherished – and more important – than ever. Speak to your Cayman Marshall representative to find out more about this truly golden investment destination, set within the crystal waters of the Caribbean.

40 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

HIGH-QUALITY CUSTOM HOME INTERIOR FINISHINGS CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE! barrietrim.com | info@barrietrim.com | 705-739-2200 Showroom @ 52 Saunders Road, Barrie, ON Follow us @barrietrim

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – TORONTO LISTINGS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/TORONTO

L E A D E R S I N L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E

ULTIMATE TORONTO CONDO, 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, ALL THE ROOM YOU NEED

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/toronto or Find us on Instagram

$1,325,000

THE COTTAGE THAT PAYS YOU BACK 44 WINTER 2020/2021 â&#x2013;

uring the pandemic many international cottage owners are not able to use their property due to travel restrictions and closed borders. Renting out their cottage is a great way to offset expenses and make a passive income. The pandemic has affected many businesses; many may have lost money due to economic strife, so the opportunity to rent out a cottage may be a new source of income to weather difficult times. Passive income: by hiring Cayman Marshall to take care of all your marketing needs, to ensure the best return for each rental property, is a way to make an income that requires little work on the homeowner's end. Make your investment work for you: with real estate prices climbing, many who cannot afford purchasing have turned to renting cottages as an alternative. The idea of renting is becoming increasingly popular due to the cost of ownership and the inability to travel. TAX BENEFITS OF RENTING, SUCH AS AGENT FEES AND SERVICES – You can deduct expenses for any service you use to facilitate your rental business, such as hiring a property management company to collect rent for you.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS – Some of the main expenses for your short-term rental are likely related to repairs and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Most of your repair and maintenance expenses are tax deductible, and they can include the cost of furnishing the rental, replacing windows, buying cleaning supplies, laundry costs, or any other expense related to maintaining your rental. UTILITY COSTS – As long as your rental agreement does not require your tenant to pay for Wi-Fi, gas bills, water, or electricity, you can deduct utility costs for your rental on your taxes. INSURANCE – You can add any insurance premiums you pay to protect your rental property to your list of applicable tax deductions. LOCAL SERVICE COSTS – Do you pay someone to plow the snow, clean the pool, or maintain the garden at your short-term rental? You can deduct all these expenses on your taxes. THE MORTGAGE ON THE PROPERTY – Any interest you pay on the mortgage for your short-term rental can be deducted from your taxes.

LEARN MORE BY VISITING https://propertyvalet.ca/property-management-services-blog/short-term-rental-taxdeductions-what-you-need-to-know/

WINTER 2020/2021 45 ■

LEADERS IN MUSKOKA

LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/RENTALS

270 FT., 2 ACRES, NORTHEAST EXPOSURE, 4 BEDROOMS, 3+1 BATHS – SILVER LAKE

$12,000/WEEK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/RENTALS

FAMILY COTTAGE, 6 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$14,000/WEEK

MUSKOKA HIDEAWAY, 3 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$16,000/WEEK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

DEER LODGE, NORTHEAST EXPOSURE, 6 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

$18,000/WEEK

BEL AIR OF MUSKOKA, SOUTHWEST EXPOSURE, 8 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE OF BAYS

$20,000/WEEK

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/RENTALS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

MUSKOKA COTTAGE ON PRIVATE LAKE, 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS – COOPER LAKE

$20,000/WEEK

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$20,000/WEEK

CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/RENTALS

ROCKLEA TIMBER DREAM, SOUTH EXPOSURE, 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – PARRY SOUND

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

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LAKE MUSKOKA GETAWAY, 9 BEDROOMS, 6.5 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$29,000/WEEK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/RENTALS

BEACHWOOD, 7 BEDROOMS, 7 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

$45,000/WEEK

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS M.CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/SEARCH/RENTALS

DRIFTWOOD, SOUTHWEST EXPOSURE, 6 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

$45,000/WEEK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.caymanmarshall.com/search/rentals or Find us on Instagram

Fine Craftsmanship, Strong Relationships

LUXURY HOMES, COTTAGES & BOATHOUSES IN MUSKOKA PATTYMAC.CA | 705-765-1919 | 3785 MUSKOKA ROAD 169, PORT CARLING, ON P0B1J0 | INSTAGRAM @PATTYMACMUSKOKA

Alex Gakos / Shutterstock.com

THE TRUMP EFFECT FOUR YEARS ON By Todd Adair

When Donald J. Trump was elected President of the United States in 2016, no one could predict what it would mean for U.S. (and indeed, international) politics, the economy, and for Canada.

Fast-forward to 2020. We’re in the midst of a global pandemic and uncertainty in both the financial and housing markets. I’m constantly being asked the same question: going into 2021, what happens now?

By the following spring, here at Cayman Marshall My answer has been the same for months: “Let me we made a surprising discovery. While of course a answer that after the U.S. election.” (Or to be more certain proportion of Americans specific, ask me after January, supported their President, many when the next President is sworn of our American contacts had in.) For me, the U.S. election a new interest in Canada, and presented a significant and defining specifically Muskoka – to, as moment for the housing markets, one of them memorably told a even here in Canada. Cayman Marshall rep, “get out of NO ONE COULD Trumpville.” Sales that summer to What would have happened if PREDICT WHAT IT American purchasers were up by Trump was re-elected? Friends who WOULD MEAN FOR more than 50% over the previous know me know I am not exactly U.S. (AND INDEED, year. (See our article, “The a Trump supporter, but I actually Trump Effect Reaches Muskoka,” believe that, for a variety of reasons, INTERNATIONAL)

2016

Cayman Marshall Magazine, Spring/Summer 2017.)

POLITICS, THE ECONOMY, AND FOR CANADA.

things would likely have carried on strong and healthy through 2021.

WINTER 2020/2021 55 ■

A NEW ADMINISTRATION TAKES OVER IN JANUARY. BUT, COUPLED WITH THE EFFECTS OF A CRIPPLING PANDEMIC THAT HAS DOMINATED ALL OF OUR LIVES DURING THE YEAR JUST PAST, THE SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE CONTINUES.

2020 On the other hand, a Biden win brings with it a healthy dose of uncertainty. You don’t have to be a genius to to realize that Trump was likely to challenge the results if defeated. The worst possible scenario, where opposition to the election result leads to civil unrest – whether minor or major – could have a direct negative effect on money markets, and therefore the luxury real estate market. Anyone who doubts that need only look back to 2008, when real estate prices in Muskoka and elsewhere dropped by as much as 25%. There are other uncertainties facing us this year as well. While the truly heroic efforts of scientists across the world have delivered not one but several safe and effective vaccines, Covid-19 will still continue to be a major part of our lives, at least in the short term. Most experts say it will be well into summer before a majority of Canadians have been immunized, and pandemic precautions, from mask wearing and social distancing to intermittent business closures, will still be a reality for a while yet. Still, I am an optimist at heart, and there are reasons for hope. The election of Joe Biden does hold the promise of better

56 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

days ahead, or at least a return to some semblance of normalcy – however you want to define “normalcy.” And the combined effects of a controversial President and the economic and social effects of Covid-19 made 2020 a banner year for Muskoka real estate. If you had to work from home, the reasoning went, why not work from the serenity and peace of your Muskoka cottage? (And if you didn’t already own property in the area, it was a strong incentive to purchase.) Crystal ball gazing – especially concerning the markets – is never easy, or even always wise. But I’m fairly confident about one thing: this burgeoning demand for property in Muskoka is not just a temporary uptick due to politics, or Covid, or even, to some extent, market volatility. I think we’re on the vanguard of a permanent demographic shift. So many people, Americans and Canadians alike, have told me they’ve fallen in love with the Muskoka lifestyle

and have no plans to leave. Executives who chose to ride out the pandemic by telecommuting from their cottages discovered that not only was it an efficient way to conduct business, but it provided unexpected perks – like being able to spend more time with family, and trade hours in traffic for extra time by the fire or watching the sun set over the lake. More than a few have decided to make Muskoka their permanent home, turning our area into something like a bedroom community, but with trees and clean air. And this won’t change any time soon, even with a vaccine and a new guy in the Oval Office. If you’ve been debating whether to take the plunge and invest in a Muskoka home, whether seasonal or permanent, there’s no reason to wait and hope for a correction, even with the continuing drama down south. What indicators we can see show that demand will continue to increase, probably for years to come. And that’s true whichever side of the border – and the political divide – you feel at home in.

Christos S / Shutterstock.com

THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF A CONTROVERSIAL PRESIDENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF COVID-19 MADE 2020 A BANNER YEAR FOR MUSKOKA REAL ESTATE, THE LIKES OF WHICH WE’D NEVER EXPERIENCED IN OUR HISTORY.

While cottag e country is blanketed in snow, let me help you uncover your cottag e dream! Good advice is not a moment in time đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018; đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018; đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;đ?&#x2020;&#x2018;e in partnering to build a

long term mortg ag e advisor relationship with my clients. Whether you are purchasing your first property or your sixth, I take a holistic approach to

optimize a financing strateg y across all your real estate holding s. Please g ive me a call or reach out by email. I would be pleased to discuss your needs.

Martin Karens

MBA, CPA CMA

@MartinKarens.CIBCMA

705-389-1845 / 905-845-6945 martin.karens@cibc.com

CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

L E A D E R S I N L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E

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1,950 SQ.FT., 0.16 ACRES, 60 FT., 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – PARRY SOUND

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$659,000

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900 FT., SOUTH EXPOSURE, 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA VILLAS

$699,900

900 FT., SOUTH EXPOSURE, 2+1 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$899,900

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

PARRY SOUND

$949,000

SOLD: HUNTSVILLE HUNTSVILLE

$1,195,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

SOLD: PARRY SOUND

900 FT., SOUTH EXPOSURE, 2+1 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA VILLAS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$999,900

OWN YOUR OWN PIECE OF

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK… One man’s passion for thoughtful repurposing leads to an extraordinary domicile | By Leslie C. Smith Lady Eaton used to gaze proudly at the four antique French tapestries that once graced her King City estate. The chancellor of Trinity College, Gerrard Brakenbridge Strathy, would survey his large Rosedale property through leaded ornamental windows. Executives at CIBC’s Toronto headquarters once gathered in a mezzanine cloaked in the same white oak panelling.

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

MUSKOKA HISTORY

These antique materials and much, much more were all meticulously sourced, restored, and given a new home by businessman (and Maple Leaf Gardens part-owner) Terence Jeffries. His retirement project – turning a nondescript cabin located on a 96acre site in Raymond, Ontario, into a fantastic homage to the classic English

country house – began in 1974 and likely continued until his death in 2010. As his daughter, Nancy MacKenzie, relates in a recent interview, her father was stationed in England during WWII and fell in love with the manor house esthetic. He decided to sell his Toronto house and concentrate on recreating this look in the middle of the Muskokas. “When he first drew up the plans and showed them to my mother, there was this big garage but no kitchen,” MacKenzie laughs, adding that Shirley Jeffries soon rectified the mistake. Growing up at YD Manor (an anagram of Raymond, one of Terry’s little inside jokes) was a charmed experience for their two daughters, Nancy and Kelly. “It’s a lovely spot,” MacKenzie says. “The two incredible fireplaces are great for gathering all year round, and we used the huge screened-in porches a lot during the summer.” A third-floor loft enlivened by wood inlay in a giant checkerboard pattern saw many games played there over the years. Outside

trails ideal for long hikes or snowshoeing also provide habitat for deer and other wildlife. The long meadow and hemlock forest out back made for “amazing hide-and-seeks.” For water sports, Skeleton Lake is just a short drive away. Among the many amenities YD Manor offers are two large basement workshops, where Terry would personally renovate the old entryways that make up the bulk of the home’s millwork. One of his best finds were the original doors from Toronto’s famed King Edward Hotel, which Terry bought for $10 apiece back in the ’80s. “They were covered in plywood,” MacKenzie remembers. “He stripped that away and there was this gorgeous wood underneath.” The doors themselves were turned sideways to become panelling with raised surface interest. In these days when interior design has been pared down to a bland fare-theewell, how wonderful it is to find such a rare historic and artistic gem for sale. It’s proof that building character takes real time and effort.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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6,500 SQ.FT., 96 ACRES, 3 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – RAYMOND $1,399,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

SOLD: BIGWIND LAKE BIGWIND LAKE

$1,349,000

SOLD: LAKE VERNON LAKE VERNON

$1,399,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

900 FT., SOUTH EXPOSURE, 3 BEDROOMS + DEN, 3 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA VILLAS

$1,459,900

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

HUNTSVILLE

$1,495,000

SOLD: FAIRY LAKE FAIRY LAKE

$1,498,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

SOLD: HUNTSVILLE

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$1,550,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$1,779,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$1,589,000

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$2,285,000

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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE GLENN BURNEY LODGE DEVELOPMENT, 12 UNITS – GEORGIAN BAY

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

STARTING AT $1,695,000

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE GLENN BURNEY LODGE DEVELOPMENT, 12 UNITS – GEORGIAN BAY

STARTING AT $1,695,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

KITCHENS . FURNITURE . HOME DECOR . FASHION

13,000 SQ FT SHOWROOM . 30 HOWLAND DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE 705.789.0448 . thecuttersedge.com

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$2,295,000

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SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

$2,349,000

SOLD: GEORGIAN BAY GEORGIAN BAY

$2,390,000

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$2,495,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$2,499,000

LAKE OF BAYS

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$2,585,000

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

$2,595,000

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$2,750,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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A STUNNING 98 ACRES, 9,034 SQ.FT., 6 BEDROOM, 8 BATHS GETAWAY JUST FOR YOU! – MUSKOKA LAKES

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$2,790,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$2,895,000

SOLD: KAHSHE LAKE KAHSHE LAKE

$2,990,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

2,400 FT., 40.25 ACRES, SOUTH EXPOSURE, 3,870 SQ.FT. MAIN LODGE WITH 9 OTHER CABINS ALONG WITH YOUR OWN PRIVATE GOLF COURSE – WAHWASHKESH LAKE

$2,990,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$3,100,000

FAIRY LAKE

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

SOLD: FAIRY LAKE

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

$3,195,000

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$3,495,000

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$3,495,000

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2,417 SQ.FT., .73 ACRES, WEST EXPOSURE, 225 FT., 3 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$3,495,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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479 FT., 6.72 ACRES, 2,260 SQ.FT., 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$3,695,000

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$3,795,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$3,999,900

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SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$4,295,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$4,595,000

$4,495,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$4,740,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

SPRAY FOAM, BLOWN-IN INSULATION, DRYWALL ALSO SERVICING ISLAND PROPERTIES

705-765- 0123

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BAS K IN S U L AT IO N . CA

C OV E R STO RY

the perfect

ACCORDING TO TARY ROOSSIEN, FOUNDER OF URBAN RUSTIC LIVING IN HUNTSVILLE, CREATING THE COTTAGE BEDROOM OF YOUR DREAMS IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK— IT’S ALL ABOUT FOLLOWING A FEW SIMPLE RULES, AND LAYERING ON THE LUXURY.

B Y M A RT H A U N I AC K E B R E E N

Setting the Stage

t’s a well-worn cliché that we spend a third of our lives sleeping. But at the cottage, often our bedrooms are the locale for other activities as well: reading, watching the sunset (or sunrise, or the stars), or simply retreating for a few minutes of quiet away from a houseful of family or friends.

Choosing a wall colour is a great place to start. Tary often recommends soothing, calm neutrals, especially for cottage bedrooms. “Often the most important feature in the room is the view,” she points out, “and a soft wall colour is a beautiful backdrop.”

Tary Roossien, decorator and founder of Urban Rustic Living in Huntsville, has lots of great ideas for bedrooms made for sweet cottage dreams. The store has one of the region’s largest collection of bedding essentials – from custom and in-stock furnishings and rugs, to quilts, bedding, pillows, and a fabulous assortment of accessories and other finishing touches. Tary and her team of designers also offer complete design and decorating services, whether for one room or your whole home. Recently, we sat down and asked her to tell us what goes into creating a great bedroom.

SILVER SATIN

WICKHAM GRAY

Some of her go-to favourites (all from Benjamin Moore Canada, which the store carries) are Silver Satin (OC-26), a wintry pale grey; Wickham Gray (HC-171), a cool grey that’s beautiful with white trim or natural woods; or Pale Oak (OC-20), a warm, taupey beige. “I’ve also been seeing a resurgence of accent walls, especially for the headboard wall,” she adds. “Darks like Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20) – really, a rich navy – or Charcoal Slate (HC-178) look great with clean whites or grey or dark woods.”

PALE OAK

GENTLEMAN’S GRAY

CHARCOAL SLATE

Cast Some Light “Layering” your room lighting gives you a range of moods and options for different activities and times of day. For overhead lighting, placing a chandelier or pendant over the bed rather than in the centre of the room immediately ups the glamour quotient, and illuminates the room just as well as a centred ceiling light. You’ll want to supplement it with more focused light sources – twin bedside lamps (or, if space is an issue, wallmounted sconces or plug-in articulated lamps), and perhaps a floor lamp or two if the room is large.

And So to Bed The bed is the star player in most bedrooms, so it’s worth investing in the best bedlinens and other bedding essentials you can afford. Urban Rustic Living prides itself on having just about the largest collection of bedding in Muskoka: everything you need, including custom headboards and other bedroom furnishings, and a positively vast selection of pillows. As an alternative to a wood or metal bed frame, a headboard is essential as a place to prop pillows, rest your head, and to act as a visual anchor for the

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URBAN RUSTIC LIVING PRIDES ITSELF ON HAVING JUST ABOUT THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF BEDDING IN MUSKOKA

bed. The store can custom-design your headboard in the perfect size for your needs, in your choice of fabric, shape and style, and finishing touches such as tufting, buttons, nailheads and other detailing. Now it’s on to the most luxurious part: your bedding. “Linen is huge right now,” observes Tary. “It may be an investment, but once you’ve slept on linen sheets, you can never go back.” Linen is hypoallergenic, cool on warm nights, machine washable (in fact, it gets softer with repeated washing), and feels wonderful against your skin. If you’ve been skeptical of “faux feather” pillows and duvets in the past, you’ll be amazed at how the technology has advanced. Today’s versions have all the luxury and comfort of natural goosedown, with none of the drawbacks: they’re hypoallergenic, never absorb moisture or mildew (a consideration in Muskoka’s damp waterside environment), and easy to clean – not to mention vegan and cruelty-free.

Finishing touches Tary says no bedroom should be without a rug underfoot, even if the floors in the rest of the cottage are bare. It pulls the room together visually and adds coziness. Make sure it’s big enough to extend several feet out from the sides of your bed, to give your toes something soft and warm to land on when you rise in the morning! If space allows, add a reading nook. A comfy chair with a side table and a table or floor lamp gives you a perch to decompress and read, have a cup of tea, or just be quiet for a while. A bench at the foot of the bed not only gives you a place to sit to put on shoes, but makes a great landing spot for a suitcase or to stash extra pillows when you go to bed.

Subtle texture abounds in this elegant bedroom. To keep the feeling restful, colours were kept within a muted palette of white, grey and soft griege. But look more closely, and you’ll see plenty of understated contrast, to keep things visually interesting: a traditional nailed headboard in a classic shape, paired with the contemporary look of chrome bedside lamps and a lucite chandelier; chevron detailing on the accent wall and the strong diamond pattern of the duvet; a vaulted ceiling set off by crown moulding at standard ceiling height, adding a cozy human scale while keeping things airy and light.

Lastly, don’t forget to add some of your own personality! Urban Rustic has a wealth of wonderful accessories, art and other objects, to place alongside your own treasures found while travelling, antiquing, or exploring Muskoka’s great local art galleries. “Especially at the cottage, and particularly if you entertain or have family visit a lot,” says Tary, “it’s really worthwhile to take some time to invest in making your bedroom a wonderful cocoon you can get away to.”

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Making a large room feel cozy without sacrificing openness can be challenging. Tary and her team started by painting the headboard wall a dramatic navy, bringing out the subtle texture of the shiplap detail. The colour repeats in the upholstery of the loveseat, which does double duty: it substitutes for a bench at the foot of the bed, and also anchors a comfortable seating area under the window. At one corner of the room is a fireplace, the other a bookcase, complete with the Old World touch of a library ladder. Supporting players – the rug, which defines the seating area and breaks up the expanse of this big room; the chandelier, which illuminates both bed and seating; and wonderful oversize accessories like the mirror and trio of wooden candlesticks add both personality and scale.

Bringing a ’70s-era cottage up to date really centres on bringing in light and colour, as shown in this irresistible cottage bedroom. The team started by painting out all the pine board panelling in Simply White (OC-117), flooding the room with sunshine. Then they laid on fresh, pretty colour: turquoise bedding and matching pineapple lamps; pillows in turquoise, cream and cranberry, with a bit of texture in patterned lumbar pillows. The starburst-patterned wooden bed was too pretty to cover up with a bench at its foot, so a comfy armchair in one corner (not shown) provides a practical substitute. The design was finished with artwork that has a touch of turquoise, and a farmhouse-chic wood beaded chandelier, completing the artistic, laid-back vibe.

86 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

Layering the perfect bed TA RY RO O S S I E N ’S T I P S F O R A P E R F E CT LY D R E S S E D B E D

Step 1: A Good Foundation

Step 4: The Pillow Effect

Start with a good base: a high quality mattress and foundation. Modern foam and foam/coil styles offer a range of comfort and firmness that will last for years if properly cared for. For extra softness, you might want to add a “feather bed” – actually a mattress topper that

The sleeping pillows are your foundation – use king size pillows for a king bed, and queen size for a queen. The fill is up to you, but Tary finds the hypoallergenic faux-feather pillow is the best way to go. Layer two or more decorative shams and/or pillows in front of

creates the effect of sleeping on a cloud.

your sleeping pillows, stuffed with full inserts for a crisp look.

Step 2: The Head of the Bed

Step 5: The Toss-Up

A headboard creates a foundation for pillows and anchors the bed, especially if you forego a bedframe, or have a frame that doesn’t feature one.

Pile on the toss cushions! Oodles of pillows not only make your bed look ready to dive into, but add colour and pattern. Minimum recommendation: for a kingsize, three Euros (26” x 26”) and one lumbar (18” x 48”); for queen-size, two Euros and one 14” x 23” lumbar.

Step 3: Sheet Music Choose good quality, preferably white sheets (it’s a classic you’ll never tire of). Natural linen, cotton, or high-quality synthetic blends are all good. Always make your bed with the finished side of your flat sheet face down, so that when you fold back the top you see the pretty edging or pattern.

Step 6 Throw Away Add a textured throw, placed casually on one side of the end of the bed – great for pulling over yourself if you’re stretching out for a read or a nap after lunch.

A duvet is key to making your bed look plush and inviting. Fold it in thirds either once or twice to get that lofty, layered look. The classic choice is a white or natural duvet cover – this is where linen really works its magic.

Step 7: Bench Press For a final touch, add a bench or ottoman at the end of the bed. It creates a finished look and makes everything come together. But more importantly, it’s a space to place all those toss cushions when sleeping.

For extra warmth, add a coverlet or quilt, folded and draped across the lower third of the bed. Another option is placing it the full length of the bed, then folded down to half; many coverlets are double-sided, offering a contrasting pattern to complement the front.

26 x 26

24 x 24

An extra tip: For a seasonal changeover, create a neutral foundation through sheets and duvet covers. Then changing out pillows, throws and the coverlet can give you a fresh summer and cozy winter look.

26 x 26

18 x 18

24 x 36

KING BED

KING BED QUEEN BED

WINTER 2020/2021 87 ■

WHAT MAKES AN EXCLUSIVE LISTING EXCLUSIVE? An exclusive listing with Cayman Marshall is a level of service uniquely created to get your luxury property front and centre to interested buyers: quality over quantity. Exclusive listings start with a personalized marketing plan rolled out to the more than 27,000 people in our database and visitors to our website. When you list exclusively with Cayman Marshall, our team will have the sole right to showcase your property for the duration of the listing. Concessions can be made for other brokerages, but only for genuine, qualified prospects. Regardless of whether you’re a motivated buyer or seller, an exclusive listing with Cayman Marshall is a great option for those that want an alternative to MLS.

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

300 FT., 1.39 ACRES, 1,700 SQ.FT., SOUTH EXPOSURE, 3 BEDROOMS, 1 BATH – CLEAR LAKE

$1,299,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

SOLD: LAKE VERNON LAKE VERNON

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$2,995,000

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593 FT. OF HARD PACKED SAND AND BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS – LITTLE LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$3,695,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

360 FT., 5,343 SQ.FT., 3 ACRES, 5 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$6,295,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS M.SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM/SEARCH

310 FT., 5,000 SQ.F.T, 7 BEDROOMS, 5+2 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$8,995,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 304 FT., 2.35 ACRES, 6,700 SQ.FT. , NORTH WEST EXPOSURE, 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 304 FT., 2.35 ACRES, 6,700 SQ.FT. , NORTH WEST EXPOSURE, 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH $5,750,000

LAKE JOSEPH

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SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$6,495,000

LAKE JOSEPH

549 FT., 1.29 ACRES, 7,200 SQ.FT., 6 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$6,995,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

101

$7,195,000

LAKE ROSSEAU

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SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$7,395,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$7,995,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$7,495,000

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$7,995,000

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102

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 300 FT., 2.27 ACRES, 5,958 SQ.FT., 6 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$9,950,000

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 300 FT., 2.27 ACRES, 5,958 SQ.FT., 6 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

$9,950,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

105

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1,092 FT., 40 ACRES, DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY, SOUTHWEST EXPOSURE, LOCATED ON PRIME – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$13,995,000

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106

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 620 FT., 2.81 ACRES, 7,480 SQ.FT., SOUTH WEST EXPOSURE, 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$15,995,000

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 620 FT., 2.81 ACRES, 7,480 SQ.FT., SOUTH WEST EXPOSURE, 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

$15,995,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

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SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage m.searchmuskokarealestate.com/search or Find us on Instagram

$16,995,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL ADVANTAGE “Become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent cannot be dismissed.” – Oprah Winfrey When we opened the doors of Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc. as a small boutique brokerage firm to serve the Muskoka real estate market in 2012, we did so with the intention of redefining the level of service that clients could expect from our real estate professionals. Since then, we have grown into an impressive team of top-producing realtors and brokers committed to ensuring our clients receive the highest level of service when buying or selling property in one of Canada’s most sought-after luxury destinations. We at Cayman Marshall have been entrusted with the most prestigious waterfront properties in Muskoka. As leaders in luxury and waterfront real estate, we have had record sales on many of Muskoka’s finest lakes with sales now surpassing the billion-dollar mark we’ve secured our position as a leader in luxury real estate. We have offices in Port Carling, Huntsville/Lake Of Bays and Toronto. Our in-house IT professionals have developed proprietary online tools and software, interactive and intuitive websites, lifestyle tours, stunning photography and an astonishing network of over 400 local and international referral partners to ensure our clients’ listings get the exposure they need to attract the most discerning local and international buyers.

The Cayman Marshall team celebrating success at Le Westin Resort & Spa in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec last January.

Cayman Marshall was named one of “Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies” by McLean’s Magazine two years in a row (2018 & 2019). We have also been named one of Canada’s fastest growing companies by the Globe and Mail this past Fall. We expect to keep our title as the disrupter in luxury real estate.

We now print four issues per year, with an annual distribution of 200,000. Each magazine is delivered to the front door of homes and cottages of highnet-worth clientele throughout Ontario.

Founded on the principles of teamwork, service and value, Cayman Marshall is the best advantage for buyers and sellers alike in Ontario. If you’re looking for a real estate solution that’s undeniably different, please reach out to myself or one of my teammates and start experiencing the advantage!

We are proud to mention that the Cayman Marshall Port Carling brokerage was just voted (by a large panel of international judges) to be the “Best Real Estate Agency in Canada”, two years in a row – a title that we cherish!

Todd Adair

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

WINTER 2020/2021 111 ■

MEET THE TEAM...

RAY DICKSON**

TODD ADAIR*

President/Sales Representative Todd became the President of Cayman Marshall International Realty in 2012. He then became the majority shareholder and recently purchased the entire company. In Todd’s downtime, you will ﬁnd him buying, building or renovating his own real estate projects, on the water wakeboarding and kite surﬁng, or hacking up the fairways of a local golf course. However, Todd’s most important job is being a husband and father to his family of four.

KALLAN KOCH

JEFF LIDDLE*

Chief Editor

Sales Representative

Kallan is originally from Ottawa but has called Muskoka her home for the past three years. Kallan is an outdoors enthusiast and enjoys all that Muskoka has to offer. With many years of experience in customer service, we are delighted to have her on our Cayman Marshall team!

Jeff entered into real estate in 2008 facing a down market and a recession. Overcoming the odds, Jeff has now become a “top producer” in his industry. Working and living in Muskoka comes with a deep appreciation; it is this appreciation that Jeff portrays to his clients every day.

112 WINTER 2020/2021 ■

JOEL ADAIR*

MIKE ARNOLD*

Broker of Record

Sales Representative

Ray has been enjoying Muskoka for the past 40+ years and is happy to call it home with his wife Johanna and their two boys. His passion for Muskoka is equally shared with everything real estate and his “this is what I do because I love it” approach.

Growing up on the lakes gave Joel a passion for water sports and the outdoors. Toronto has been home for the past ten years, but Joel will always feel at home on the Big 3. Whether trading residential or commercial real estate, Joel’s nearly 15 years in the business gives his clients a wealth of knowledge they can depend on. He is best known for helping clients build strong real estate portfolios and finding exceptional spaces to call home.

With 25 years’ experience in sales and marketing, joining the Cayman Marshall team was a great fit for Michael. His “customer first” dedication to his clients has always resulted in successful long-term relationships. With a passion for boating and water sports, Michael looks forward to enjoying all that the Muskoka Lakes has to offer.

KRISTIN McCREA

MEREDITH PARSONS

SARAH POUNTNEY*

Office Manager/Personal Assistant to Todd Adair

Kristin and her family enjoy calling Muskoka home. In 2015 Kristin began her career with Cayman Marshall and has been lucky to work alongside some of the most talented agents in the business. During her spare time you can find Kristin and her family experiencing all the outdoor activities that Muskoka has to offer.

Designer/Stylist

Licensed Assistant

Meredith was born and raised in Mississauga and spent her summers as a child exploring Muskoka. Meredith developed a love for architecture and design at a young age and was able to turn her passion into a career after completing her education in Interior Design at Ryerson University. With over 5 years of experience in the design industry, Meredith is developing her craft while creating beautiful and timeless interiors.

Sarah was born and raised just North of Muskoka. She enjoys the outdoors on the lakes of Muskoka, and islands of Georgian Bay. Sarah is passionate about travel. She has just returned home from Turks and Caicos Islands where she worked in Private International Banking. With over thirteen years of experience in customer relationship building, she is an excellent addition to the Cayman Marshall Team.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

DAVID BEMMANN**

Broker

With over 13 years of experience, Dave has become a top selling agent of luxury waterfront property in Muskoka. Dave lives on Lake Rosseau and spends much of his time on the water. His commitment to customer service, professionalism and honesty provides his clients with an enjoyable and successful real estate experience.

CLAUDIA SPAHR-KAYE

CAT BROWN*

STEVE HADDOCK* AMANDA HOOKINGS*

Sales Representative

Growing up in Waterloo, Cat was fortunate enough to spend all of her summers at her family cottage on Lake of Bays. Cayman Marshall sought after Cat for her enthusiastic, positive attitude and Cat is now thrilled to be building a career in Sales with the Cayman Marshall Team.

Steve is a strong relationship builder, honest and dedicated to Customer Service. This combined with his intimate knowledge of Muskoka lakes and area has made him a consistent top producer. Steve is an avid cyclist and golfer and maintains residences in Toronto and Muskoka and ties to both communities. His mantra and favourite quote is to “get up, dress up, show up, and never give up”.

MICHELLE STILLAR*

CHARLIE VANDERPOL*

Rental Manager

Sales Representative

Licensed Assistant

Claudia was born in Toronto and grew up in the Durham area. She relocated to Huntsville with her family 6 years ago. She has travelled around the world during her 20 year career in aviation. Working as a corporate flight attendant for ONEX, she perfected her customer service and culinary skills while working for some of the world’s most influential people.

Michelle being born and raised on the northern shores of Georgian Bay loves being on the water and being involved in the real estate market. Her love for renos gives her an inside scoop in the world of home and cottage ownership and being the newest member, looks forward to being a valuable asset to the team!

Charlie made the move over 6 years ago to beautiful Muskoka where she spent time growing up on the lake and always wanting to make Muskoka part of her roots and pursue her career. With many years of experience in customer service and relations, Charlie is determined and focused on customers and the team members of Cayman Marshall, making her a great addition and asset to our team.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

Licensed Assistant Growing up in Toronto, Amanda spent summers going to camp in Muskoka and always enjoyed the atmosphere and beauty the area had to offer. With over six years of experience in customer relations, Amanda is an ideal fit for the Cayman Marshall team.

JESSICA KAYE*

Sales Representative

Jess prides herself on being born and raised in Muskoka, spending summers on the lakes and winters on the snowmobile trails. Jess’ understanding for Muskoka is what helps her succeed in making the real estate transaction successful and enjoyable for all her clients.

CAYMANMARSHALL.COM HEAD OFFICE: 202-97B Joseph Street Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 705-765-5759 BRANCH OFFICE: 133 Highway 60, Suite 8 Huntsville, ON P1H 1C2 705-765-5759 TORONTO OFFICE: 99 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 200 Toronto, ON M5R 3K5 647-696-4733

WINTER 2020/2021 113 ■

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