They came to Muskoka looking for a cozy 2–3 bedroom cottage, two bathrooms, and privacy on a quiet lake. Something simple, reliable, and within 20 minutes of Gravenhurst.
Yet everything in their budget felt just slightly off:
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🚫 Overpriced listings
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🚫 Missing bathrooms
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🚫 Too many costly fixes
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🚫 Not enough privacy
They loved Muskoka—especially Loon & Turtle Lakes—but every showing felt like a compromise. They wanted space to breathe, unwind, and invest wisely… without overpaying for someone else’s renovations.
The Strategy That Changed Everything
Instead of pushing them to “settle,” we explored new options, including something most buyers don’t initially consider: an island cottage.
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🔎 I walked them through the pros and cons
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📊 We compared mainland vs. island holding costs
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📉 We waited strategically through the end-of-season slowdown
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💬 Negotiated patiently (twice)
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💰 Explained how holding a cottage through winter affects listing value
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🧠 Used market data + local relationships with the listing agent
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🏡 Completed diligent inspections (septic, survey, electrical for future Generac + hot tub)
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🌊 Researched shoreline, community vibe, neighbours, privacy
As we dug deeper, an unexpected opportunity started making more sense than anything else…
The Happy Result: A Private Island on Lake Muskoka
They secured a peaceful island cottage on one of the Big Three lakes, just a short boat + car ride from their favourite shops in town.
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✨ Privacy, sunsets, coffee on the dock, and smart long-term value.
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🌅 Sunrises on the water
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🌇 Sunsets on the horizon
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🚤 Close to amenities
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👋 Friendly neighbours
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📈 Solid investment potential
They closed before the end of the year—relieved, excited, and already dreaming about their spring renos (kitchen, bath, floors… stay tuned!)
🌊 Thinking About Your Own Muskoka Move?
Whether you want to invest, relax, retire, or simply reset your lifestyle, there’s more to cottage shopping than scrolling listings. Strategy matters.
If you’re curious about island living, I’ve put together a Guide to Buying an Island Property in Muskoka. Want a copy? Just type “island” in the comments.
Let’s get you where you want to be. Be where you want to be. ✨
*Clients’ real names have not been used to protect their privacy.
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