Availability and Booking
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Please note that this property books Sunday-Sunday only during high season
At a Glance ↑↓
- Sleeps 6 (max 4 adults)
- 3 bedrooms (1 double, 1 with bunks, 1 king in boathouse)
- Unlimited Wi-Fi, Smart & 'dumb' TVs, standard DVD player
- Dishwasher, washer/dryer
- Kayak 4 adult/2 child (60lb/90lb) PFDs
- Generator
- Up to 2 well-behaved pets welcome
Overview ↑↓
There are all kinds of Muskoka cottage rental vacation homes - from rustic to modern, tiny to gargantuan, hunt camp to a mansion-on-the-lake. Every once in a while, we come across something that is truly, absolutely, a cottage. Kenholme is exactly that. This IS your grandfather's cottage, well, the owner's grandfather's actually, but it's been in the family for decades and has always been a treasured spot. For the first time, the family is ready to share it with a lucky few families.
If you've ever driven through Gravenhurst along Highway 11, you will have crossed over the Gull Lake Narrows - one of the prettiest spots in Muskoka. Kenholme is very much a part of this wonderful location, conveniently located on the north shore of Gull Lake. It is just a few kilometres off the main road and a very easy drive as the cottage road is paved (note, this means that cyclists can bring their road bikes!).
Upon arrival, you'll see that we were spot on in calling this a most traditional cottage. It is located right at the water's edge - something that modern setback limits do not allow - so you are always really close to what you came here for. Boardwalks and decking take you through the trees and all around the cottage to the waterfront. The decking at water's edge is the perfect place to while away the hours, jumping in for the occasional cool dip, watching a boat or two pass by, perhaps heading out to explore the lake - it's just a couple of km to paddle to take you into town - we suggest doing so at least once and rewarding yourself with ice cream.
Inside, you'll find the look that popularized cottaging in the mid-20th century; wood, wood and more wood. The furniture is rustic and eclectic, but clean and comfortable - perfect for kicking back in true cottage style. Two bedrooms will see you to slumberland in the main cottage. The living and dining areas run the length of the cottage and the windows take full advantage of the lake view. You'll find yourself spending lots of time in the sunroom - we can't imagine a better place for a cold drink or coffee along with a good whodunit novel. The kitchen has a couple of surprising features - a dishwasher for starters - not seen in every cottage. At the far end of the kitchen, you'll also find a washer/dryer. Although this cottage is a throwback and some of the décor may show its age, you aren't lacking for amenities here. We did mention it has Internet as well, didn't we?
Wait, we almost left out the boathouse bunkie! Above the garage-style boathouse is a self-contained suite that includes a queen bed, kitchenette and 3-piece bathroom. This might be the perfect spot for the couple who wants to join your group but also seeks a little privacy and a mini-getaway to call their own.
Exploring the area is a snap and begins with nearby Gravenhurst. You'll find whatever you need here in terms of shopping and restaurants, and its just a 10-minute drive. You might want to explore Bracebridge and Huntsville just a little further up Highway 11, or venture over to famous Kee to Bala to see who is playing this week. No trip to the area is complete without a trip to the famous Weber's for burgers, fries and a shake, and the Candy Shoppe right on 11 is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. For those seeking some entertainment, there's usually something happening at the historic Gravenhust Opera House.
Looking for a traditional cottage at a price that won't break the bank - look no further!
Inside the Cottage
- Sleeps 6 (maximum 4 adults)
- 3 bedrooms (1 double, 1 bunks; en-suite king in boathouse)
- 2 bathrooms (4-piece with Jaccuzzi tub and shower over, 3-piece with shower stall)
- Fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher
- Living room with Smart TV & standard DVD player, 'dumb' TV in boathouse
- DVD library, board games
- Unlimited internet
- Dining table with seating for 6
- Washer/dryer
- Generator
- Window AC units in boathouse bedroom & cottage living/dining area
Outside the Cottage
- Deck with patio furniture
- Propane BBQ
- Dock
- Kayak, 4 adult/2 child (60lb/90lb) life jackets
Things you need to know:
- Up to 2 well-behaved pets are welcome at this property
- This cottage is licenced for short term rental in the Town of Gravenhurst. The Municipality requires rental guests sign a Rental Guest Code of Conduct. It will be sent to you upon booking for electronic signature.
- Linens and indoor towels are provided; please bring your own outdoor towels
- A post-rental cleaning service is provided; however, the property is to be left in a tidy condition
- The cottage has a southeasterly exposure
- STR licence number STR23-107
Waterfront
The water is clear and deep right off the waterfront decking. There is also a rocky, shallow entry off to one side. Swimming shoes are recommended here. The diving board is to be used with caution and has a weight limit of 150 pounds.Trivia
Between 1940 and 1946 Gravenhurst was home to a German prisoner-of-war camp known as Camp 20. The camp was also referred to as Camp Calydor and Muskoka Officers' Club. Many describe Camp 20 as a vacation for the prisoners of war. The camp had a swimming area fenced in on Lake Muskoka where the prisoners could bathe. By the end of the first summer, Camp 20 held 489 prisoners. They were taken around Gravenhurst to work on various projects. The prisoners built a set of stone steps leading down to the waterfront, which can still be seen at Gull Lake Park today. They also built a lighthouse in the park.
In 1942 the Royal Norwegian Air Force moved its training camp (Little Norway) from Toronto to Muskoka airfield off HW11 near Gravenhurst. The Norwegians remained in Gravenhurst almost to the end of World War II in 1945.