Cottage Tour

Last weekend McG and I had the pleasure of heading up to cottage country here in Ontario to spend some time with friends.

We don't normally take a summer vacation now that our kids are grown, preferring to save our days to head somewhere warm in the winter.  This was a treat for the soul but also for the eyes.  So sit back, grab a coffee and get ready for a treat

...but REMEMBER...

'WHAT HAPPENS AT THE COTTAGE, STAYS AT THE COTTAGE"

(this cute sign was hung at the entry to the kitchen)

I guess I will start with the view and the deck.  The cottage was built around 1964 and sits on a lake in Gravenhurst, Ontario.  There is a main cottage and a "bunkie" that was made out of part of the garage.  Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of that space.  This is the view as you climb the stairs of the main cottage.  That is the neighbour's dock in the distance.

Once up on the deck, we were greeted with a great place to sit and visit and more great views.
  There was a definite peaceful atmosphere here.

The cottage is, or should I say was, one that originally had honey pine walls and a kitchen that was stylish back in the '60's when it was built.
 Here are two shots of what the cottage looked like when they purchased it a couple of years ago.

Don't you just love those orange Formica countertops??!!

They have put a lot of work and love into making this cottage a place that fits their family and lifestyle.

Now on to how the cottage looks now.
 First up, the Muskoka room or screened-in porch.  A great place to sit and read and I did just that on a couple of occassions.

In order to update the look of the cottage, they painted the walls a soft sky blue.
  They have a great gallery wall started here with some IKEA frames that are going to eventually hold  photos of people they have shared their cottage with and some artwork made by their daughter.
 The floors had yet to be updated when we were there, but they sent me a photo today that shows the floor redone!

This room is the only room in the cottage that retains its original floors.
 The rest have been replaced with a vinyl plank flooring that I swear looks like hardwood and feels like hardwood.  I thought I had a picture of it, but when I got home I realized I didn't. (ugh...I hate when that happens!)

Okay, now on to the amazing new kitchen sporting IKEA cabinets and butcher block counters.
  This is where I started drooling!!
 I have to say, I LOVE ME SOME WHITE CABINETS!!

The walls in the kitchen, dining room and living room areas were painted white, but all the ceilings were left the original honey pine.  I loved the" EAT" sign and the enamelware they had!

Here is a view into the living room/dining room from the kitchen.  I guess you could call it the great-room.  Again this room had been painted white, but still retained its original ceilings and beams

Here's the dining room portion.  It had a church pew against the wall, which was just gorgeous!  It is such a great idea and seats many during mealtime.

This was the original table that was there when they purchased the cottage.  However, they changed out the top with some lumber they stained and attached to the original legs.

The accessories all reflected and enhanced the cottage vibe.

The owners have a great sense of style and their choices in furnishings made the whole cottage experience so "homey".  The living room was no exception with its wood burning stove and great furnishings.

Again, casual comfort...with the added bonus of some modern day conveniences.  McG helped install a countertop over the washer and dryer while we were there.  Isn't it lovely?  It looks just like Carrera marble!

We enjoyed great company, great food and great views while we were there.
 It was a wonderful weekend that made both McG and I sad to leave. 

Now I will leave you with some views of the lake...

Great Adirondack chairs to watch the sunset.

...the morning mist coming off the lake.

Wasn't that a great cottage???

 Have you been cottaging this summer??

Cheryl

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