Spring 2019, it’s that time of year again. With the arrival of black flies, so come those seeking to purchase and own their own cottage. It’s a dream more and more people share, as they seek cottage experiences and memories. For those of us who grew up with cottages, we may have set standards as to what we require in a waterfront property. Some seek the comforts of home while others want to fully unwind and digitally disconnect.
With escalating prices, many cottage seekers feel they have been priced out of the market with perhaps the exception of Water Access Only (WAO) cottages. But who wants one of those?
Getting there
I grew up with a water access only cottage on Kasshabog Lake. Cottage life consisted of a lot of loading and unloading… and loading and unloading again. Every item travelled from the house to the truck to the boat and across the lake, rain or shine. Most weekends, this was as simple as a cooler, bag of clothes and some drinking water. However, upgrade an appliance, replace a bed, or undertake building a new dock. Those trips back and forth to the marina became more involved. <Note: The distance from the parking location is an important factor to consider.>
But still, we managed and in many ways, the parking and loading of the boat became a welcome ritual. One where we left the ‘civilized world’ behind and embraced the ‘getaway’ life. The cottage seemed like a different world and in many ways that became a wonderfully private retreat. We embraced cottage life for what it truly was – a very real and personal connection with the lake and the surrounding land.
Yes, we cursed wet weather – but very rarely was it bad enough to prevent us from taking the boat to our retreat. We always had a selection of yellow rain jackets in the cottage and rain gear in the car, so what’s the issue?
A 14′ deep v aluminum boat with 20 HP was considered the minimum vessel/standard for water access. It will fill up quickly though. When loaded with a couple of adults, some kids, a dog, tools, supplies and food… well, you get the picture. I could only have dreamed of having a pontoon boat with the full enclosure as many island dwellers have today. <Note: check before purchasing WAO cottages that the Marina has room for parking larger boats such as pontoons>.
Getting the Most From Your Local Marina
Most water access cottagers purchase annual docking and parking packages from the nearest marina. Often, the marina’s provide other valuable services to island cottagers including a boat launch, supplies, gas, repairs and storage. Some water access cottagers have formed groups with leased government land arrangements. These “government landings” also require annual dues. <note: be certain to ask your agent about parking to ensure you can take over the current arrangements>.
It’s worth noting that there are several benefits to parking at a marina including security. Government Landing parking is often remote which can lead to theft of gas, or even motors, etc.. Be sure to use a lock to secure your motor/boat, and even portable gas tank. While on this topic, it’s important to understand the marina parking edict. Be sure to have an operating bilge pump (automatic is best). Or better yet – a snug-fitting, supported cover to keep the rain out and your boat above the surface. Every kid that’s worked at a marina will tell you of the dreaded ‘high maintenance’ customers who had boats requiring constant bailing of water. Be mindful of what you’re tying up and leaving at the marina docks. Don’t be ‘that’ customer.
What About Visitors?
Well, that’s another subject where advancements have made WAO cottage ownership easier. ‘Back in the day’, we had to arrange predetermined pick-up times to meet guests at the parking location. Typically, someone was sent over to greet the guests and shuttle them across. As kids, we were all too happy to be given the task, as it meant driving the boat and possibly buying an ice cream while we waited?
At my cottage, we were fortunate enough to actually be able to see the marina through binoculars. Our visitors were to ‘be sure to stand on the end of the dock, wave frantically, and we’ll come right away!!’ There was also a designed pattern of car horn blasts that guests could use to signal their arrival. Two short, too long. The summer Bell laid underwater phone cables on Kosk Lake brought about many changes to lake life; now cell phones have taken all the fun out of the guest arrival experience. <note: be sure to check cell signal bars and coverage at your intended cottage purchase as well as the parking locations.>
The Benefits of WAO
Water access cottaging is not without its challenges. It can require careful coordination with tradespeople as they’ll also need shuttle service. <note: ask at the local marina if they operate a water taxi service? This can make coordinating service calls much easier!>. It can also be argued that island cottages are less prone to break-ins, and more suitable to cottagers with pets including dogs. An interesting side note – years back, we had some island dwellers on Kasshabog Lake who owned exotic pets (Tigers!). Their cottage became a ‘tourist tour’ destination. While I question the owners giving the animals a canoe as a play toy, all in the all, they seemed rather content to life on Kasshabog.
I still own that original family cottage on Kosh. It has only recently converted to road access. Our cottage was obviously not an island retreat but rather located on a shore that only recently was made road accessible. The day I first drove my truck to the cottage was an incredible moment in our cottaging legacy on Kasshabog Lake. As a child, never had I even dreamed we would have a driveway and road at the lake. While I must admit I enjoy the ease and comforts, there is a quality now lost at the lake. It’s one that was imprinted as a kid. The feeling of untying the boat at the marina and heading to that favourite destination on ‘not too distant’ shores.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing any cottage property. Water access cottages do require consideration of a number of unique factors. But they can also represent an opportunity to get into the market and begin making memories.
It’s Time to Consider a WAO Cottage
If you are considering the purchase of a cottage in the Kawartha’s or the sale of your waterfront property, I would be pleased to assist. In addition to my career in sales and marketing, I operate one of the region’s Top Internet Advertising Agencies. In this day of online real estate marketing and digital property search, I feel this is an extremely valuable skill.
I’ve been cottaging in the Kawartha’s for 50 years. Owning both water/road access cottages, as well as having built/renovated permanent waterfront residences on Kasshbog Lake and elsewhere in the Kawartha’s. I’ve tournament fished throughout the Kawartha Lakes and am extremely familiar with the region. This enables me to help many people locate the cottage of their dreams. From docks to decks, plumbing to electrical systems, I’ve got the experience that is invaluable in making a cottage purchase, or in helping to market yours. You can reach me at 705.933.9191
