|
From the flower filled exterior to the delightful waterfront; the attractively presented accommodation, to the year-round activities available in the local area, Shangri-La has a lot to offer. Located on beautiful Lac Metayer, just a few kilometers from Gracefield, this cottage is easily accessible from Ottawa at any time of the year and is bound to be popular with families wanting all the benefits of the lake, yet just a short drive from the city.
The cottage is located on a disused road leading to a local sandpit so naturally there is a lot of sand, which makes the flowering shrubs and tubs stand out, creating a welcoming entrance to the cottage. Once inside there is a tiled hallway and then you‘ll be immediately taken by the massive windows overlooking the lake. The dining and living areas have cathedral ceilings and magnificent views over the water and with a gentle breeze wafting in through the open windows, it’s easy to imagine a lot of time being spent reading a book or playing a game of cards….and yes…relaxing. To the side of the living area is the master bedroom with a private balcony so whoever gets first pick can enjoy the views from there with a morning coffee .
The very well-equipped kitchen is to the side of the dining area and should please even the fussiest of cottage chefs. It is stocked with plenty of pots, pans, dishes and small appliances so all you have to do is bring your ingredients and you’ll be on your way to preparing a culinary masterpiece. Of course there is a dishwasher to help with the clean-up at the end of the day. Sliding doors from the kitchen lead to a deck with a screened gazebo for enjoying evenings outdoors.
Stairs lead up to a loft area where there is a queen bed and down to a family room and two additional bedrooms – one with a double bed and twin bunks, and the other with a queen. A wood stove in the open area will warm up the place on those cooler fall and winter evenings. There are two bathrooms – one on the main floor has a whirlpool tub, and separate shower, while the lower level has a two piece and shares the space with the washer/dryer.
On the lakefront side there are steps leading half-way down to the water then a gradual slope for the rest of the way. The lake bottom at the shoreline is soft and not suited to wading, however swimming is good off the end of the dock with clean and clear water. There are some submerged logs in the vicinity of the dock so diving is not recommended. Lac Metayer is a small to medium sized lake and Shangri-La occupies a pristine spot in a quiet bay. There is a pedal boat for exploring.
The local town of Gracefield is just 2kms and has a good sized general store, several restaurants and cafes and is the hub for many of the lakes in the area. Bring your bikes and explore the section of the Gatineau Valley Linear Park that runs from Gracefield to Messines and Lac Blue Sea. In winter, Mont Ste Marie is only 20 minutes away so it’s a great base for your downhill fun too. In fact you can be as active or as passive as you like at this location and you will still feel rejuvenated as you head for home.
And don’t forget to bring your pet – well behaved dogs of all sizes are welcome here.
|
