4-season private cottage rental
*** WINTER GUESTS: 4WD OR AWD IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED! While the road is plowed/sanded regularly, we cannot be held responsible for vehicles failing to make it up the hilly drive without proper winter vehicles. We make every reasonable measure possible to make your access in as easy and safe as possible***
The space
Welcome to The Rock Pine on Skeleton Lake! One of Muskoka's most sought after and desired lakes. Skeleton Lake is well known for its immaculate clarity, and a maximum depth of 65 meters contrasted by some of the highest and most spectacular shoreline cliffs in the region. Situated with close proximity to Huntsville, Bracebridge, Port Sydney, and Lake Rosseau, guests can be sure to have access to all of the usual amenities just minutes away.
The Rock Pine boasts photo-worthy cliff face views, and a private 150 foot dock (deep enough for swimming and diving) with direct access to the Skeleton Lake public boat launch. Enjoy our new 5-person hot tub, 2 kayaks, 2-person hammock overlooking the lake, 2 fire pit locations, and many more amenities to make your getaway a beautiful and memorable experience.
***Please note- Our water access is via 160 steps and several landings from the cottage down to the dock. While the steps are regularly maintained, and well lit, they do require guests to be physically capable of the long walk up and down to the water. Stair access to the water is prohibited during winter months***
WiFi is now available! Although slower speeds than common in the city, we nevertheless have access to it via Xplornet .
INSTA:@therockpine
*PLEASE NOTE- The property is located off of a municipally maintained road. It is frequently plowed and maintained daily throughout the winter months, however, the entrance to the road is steep, and fairly hilly along the .5km drive to our laneway. 4WD or AWD is necessary during these months.
Our dock access is closed during the late fall to early spring when the dock is out. The stairs to the water can be dangerous during these months. Thank you for understanding.
LIVING SPACE:
Completely renovated in 2020, the vaulted ceilings, open concept layout with floor to ceiling windows truly takes advantage of the natural light and tranquility the property has to offer.
Boutique cottage-style decorating, with a clean, modern touch, you will feel right at home amongst the pines. Enjoy your morning coffee or tea on the leather sofa surrounded in pillows and plush blankets, or a good book in the enormous basket chair large enough to share with your partner. It is a guest-favorite for good reason!
Connect to our Bluetooth Marshall Stanmore II speaker and be pleasantly surprised by the sound quality throughout the 800 square foot space. Download the Marshall app to fully customize the sound to your preferred genre. Leave us some of your favorite playlists, we love finding new artists (especially acoustic versions!) to share with future guests.
KITCHEN:
Begin your day with coffee or tea brewed your way. Our Kurig coffee maker with complimentary pods will start uor morning off right. There is an ESPRO P3 French Press option, as well as a Bodum tea press kettle for loose leaf and bagged tea.
Pour into one of our uniquely handcrafted pottery mugs while you watch the sun peak through the pines.
A fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with touch-screen Whirlpool oven, Henckels pots and pans, Premium Paderno knife block, stoneware dinner set, and brushed gold utensils, The Rock Pine is furnished with most everything to create delicious meals to share with family and friends. Complementary spice rack, oil and balsamic vinegar provided. Please feel free to use anything you wish.
MASTER BEDROOM:
High-ceiling and large patio window views facing the lake, take in the gorgeous sunrise through the pines, and complete privacy from the world. Step out onto the private deck, and enjoy the fresh morning air in the comfy egg basket chair that waits for you, or slip into the gazebo for a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
The master bedroom features a queen size mattress from ENDY, luxury cotton linens and goose down duvet. Made up with 2 shredded micro-fibre pillows and 2 plush goose down pillows to suit your best sleep, you'll be glad your on cottage time!
There is a large dresser with enough space for his and hers, and a hanging rack for sundress summer days.
Atop the dresser is a 43" Samsung 4K Smart TV with Firestick for Netflix, Paramount +, Prime, Disney, and Crave for streaming, as well as an assortment of DVD's and DVD player.
SPARE BEDROOM:
Uniquely designed, and slightly smaller than the Master, our spare room features the same queen size mattress, pillow and bedding. With a large window facing the front of the cottage, watch the birds at the many feeders around the property as you enjoy the quiet tranquility of life at the lake.
BATHROOM:
Charming black and white patterned ceramic tile welcome you into this relaxing space. A deep square soaking bath awaits you, or take a rejuvenating shower while looking out at the pines. Enjoy the warm antique-style Edison bulb lighting, or bring some candles for a spa-like experience. Stocked with septic-safe shampoo, conditioner and body wash, additional toiletries, first aid kit, and hair dryer are provided in the bottom of the vanity drawer.
Super-plush body and hand towels from Brooklinen are provided with compliments for cottage use.
OUTDOOR SPACE:
New gardens and freshly laid sod lead up to the entrance of our picturesque property. Take in the quiet and tranquility of the pines and mossy rocks from our expansive deck. Enjoy dinner from the BBQ with propane provided and ready for use. Take a stroll up the path to the stone surround firepit, where strings of Edison bulbs subtly light the way. Muskoka chairs and stunning cliff side views await you. All guests will be provided with complementary starter kindling and wood.
Take a walk down the 160 stairs along the cliff face to our custom dock, and you will truly feel like you are staying at your own private Provincial Park.
Guest access
The cottage is accessed by a privately maintained road. We have private on-site parking with space enough for 2 vehicles. Our laneway has a short, but steep entry, leading up to the front entrance for easy loading and unloading.
It is recommended to back alongside the garage when leaving, rather than backing down to the road. The laneway is fairly narrow and can be difficult to navigate in reverse.
Guests will access the cottage via a smart lock box with keys, as well as a door pad with an identical key code as backup.
Other things to note
***This space is listed as not suitable for young children due to the nature of the property. While the pathway up to our firepit and several other scenic viewpoints is truly stunning, it is a cliff face, and not safe for children to explore on their own. The cottage is not equipped with safety measures for children, and several breakable items, and woodstove present possible hazards.***
PLEASE exercise caution when near the cliff, and walking to and from the lake. There are 160 steps with some switchbacks that you will need to navigate carefully. While the steps and railings throughout the descent are regularly used and maintained, use in the winter is prohibited. "Use at your own risk" at all times. No horseplay. We recommend that guests planning their stay with the intent to enjoy our waterfront be physically fit enough to comfortably navigate the stairs up and down to the dock.
INSECTS:
Welcome to cottage country. While we rarely see bugs in the cottage, from time to time it happens. Please keep screen doors pulled shut when enjoying patio time to keep this to a minimum. The property is sprayed with an organic repellant every 28 days that greatly reduces the black flies and mosquitos from May to September.
We supply 1 complimentary can of bug spray. Please dress accordingly while outside in the evening to ensure your own comfort and enjoyment.
AC/ HEAT:
We currently do not have A/C but you truly wont need it, as the cottage remains fairly cool in the shade of the trees. From May through October the wood fireplace is disconnected, however we do have newly updated baseboard heaters that keep the cottage cozy year-round.
SMOKING POLICY:
Absolutely no smoking in the cottage.
If you do smoke outside, please dispose of all cigarette butts and do not throw them on the ground. Please leave no trace and respect the space so future guests may enjoy it.
SEPTIC:
We are on a septic system and they can be sensitive. To ensure you do not have any issues, ONLY toilet paper down the toilet. Absolutely NO paper towel, baby wipes, Q-Tips, makeup wipes, etc. We also ask that you do not wash food down the sink.
BATHROOM:
Help yourself to the provided shampoo, conditioner and body gel. We do have a smaller hot water tank so use wisely.
DRINKING WATER:
Our water is from a well and sometimes has a Sulphur smell. If you run the taps for a short time, this will diminish significantly.
In the kitchen there is a brushed stainless steel tap that is reverse osmosis for drinking, coffee, etc.
CLEANING SUPPLIES:
Should you require any tidy-up during your stay, we have a microfiber wet mop in the front closet. We sincerely thank you for helping us keep our space in a similar condition as when you arrived.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING:
Current municipality regulations allow only 2 bags of garbage for pick up per week. We ask that guests leave a maximum of 1 black tied-off garbage bag, and 1 blue tied-off recycling bag in the bear box. It is located at the front of the garage, facing the cottage. We encourage guests to take with them what is reasonably possible. Thank you
