DEERHURST GOLF COTTAGES
LOCATION: Huntsville, Ontario
DEVELOPER: Skyline International Development Inc.
SIZE: not available
PRICE: from $399,900
CONTACT: To register, visit www.owndeerhurst.com
Earlier this year, National Geographic named Muskoka its number one summer destination, citing its pristine lakes and rugged landscape as the ideal backdrop for tranquil retreats and outdoor adventures.
For those same reasons, many vacationers flock to one of the region’s most prominent year-round destination – Deerhurst Resort – where its new owner recently sold a collection of condominium suites within eight hours. They anticipate the same frenzy for a cottage release this fall.
“There are so many people who go to Deerhurst every year and love it … that we’ve had an amazing response just from the insiders or people who stay at the resort,” says Harley Nakelsky, who is the director of sales and marketing for Skyline International Development Inc.
“There are a couple other cottage projects [in the area], but nothing that has the amenities that Deerhurst has.”
While the developer's last collection, known as the Deerhurst Summit Lodges, offered 120 condo suites, this new one, called Deerhurt Golf Cottages, will entail 39 detached, freehold cottages on one of the two golf courses at the more than century-old resort on Peninsula Lake, just 2½ hours north of Toronto.
“We purchased Deerhurst Resort for a very good deal, so like the Summit Lodges, we’re passing the deal onto the buyers,” Mr. Nakelsky adds.
Priced from $399,900, which is far less than traditional cottages, these cottages will be nestled on top of the Highlands golf course, just a short walk – or shuttle bus ride – from the beach, indoor and outdoor pools, spa and restaurants in the main area of the resort.
“Just down the road, you have access to this amazing waterfront, gym, indoor tennis courts and volleyball,” Mr. Nakelsky says. “You have the resort right at your doorstep.”
The developer also plans to add more attractions, such as an indoor water park or ski-in/ski-out access to an adjacent ski hill.
In the meantime, buyers will receive a one-year membership – valued at $25,000 – with perks and privileges to the developer’s various properties throughout the province.
“You get access to unlimited golf at four golf courses, unlimited skiing at a ski hill and unlimited access to our adventure park at Horseshoe Valley,” Mr. Nakelsky says. “You get all these things that no one else can offer.”
Other lucrative attractions near the resort include ideal fishing and boating conditions in the Lake of Bays, hiking trails at Algonquin Park, and restaurants, a theatre and hospital in Huntsville.
Staying in harmony with the resort’s natural composition of tall pines, maples and granite formations, the cottages will feature exteriors with fieldstone grey and beige tones to moss and juniper green shades, as well as peaked gables, large porches and accent windows.
To accommodate families of all sizes, there will be two to five-bedroom plans – including many averaging 1,400 to 1,500 square feet – optional lofts, a patio with a gas line and barbecue, and two-car parking.
“You can bring the dog up and the kids can all bring up friends because every one of these are going to have tons of … sleeping and living capacity,” Mr. Nakelsky says.
The Design Agency will fashion the interiors, which will have minimum nine-foot ceilings, imported ceramic finishes, oak handrails and spindles and high-efficiency mechanical systems.
“We wanted them to have a traditional cottage feel, so we have very large great rooms, fireplaces in every suite and nice big decks off the back,” Mr. Nakelsky said. “But because they’re just built, we can put in the nicer, modern elements people want in a new cottage, like dishwashers, granite countertops and hardwood floors.”
By next spring, the cottages will be ready for occupancy. Owners can also participate in a rental program managed by the resort.
