Real Talk!

· the sound of loons
· wind whispering through leaves
· the way sunlight shimmers across the water
· the droning of bullfrogs
· dragonflies in the air
· enjoying the rain from a screened porch
· children laughing and splashing
· sand shovels and pails
· quiet canoe rides
· water skiing on glassy bays
· sea-dooing around islands
· snorkeling in crystal water
· fishing at sunrise
· sailing gentle breezes
· sun-kissed skin
· sun-bleached hair
· skinny dipping
· berry picking hikes
· watching herons in the reeds
· waterfalls
· diving off rock cuts and country bridges
· visiting historic churchyards
· feeding ducks
· campfires by the beach
· toasting marshmallows and hot dogs on the fire
· sipping cool drinks on a shady deck
· bird sounds in the mornings
· living barefoot
· waving at passers-by
· leisurely rowing a boat
· bocce ball or croquet
· card games and puzzles on balmy evenings
· general stores
· collecting wildflowers
· counting clouds or minnows

There are many perfect days at the cottage. For so many of us, the stuff of cherished family memories.

I find that many of our clients look for a special place that recaptures something they’ve experienced of cottage life… and once in a while, clients come along who have never experienced the luxury of “roughing it”.

I will never forget one particular family. Mom and Dad and a station wagon with three small children- a boy too small to walk yet and two sisters, under eight. We arrived to view what would become their cottage. I expected them to like it… I knew the property well and it was a beautiful place on Steenburg Lake, south of Bancroft, towards Belleville. A stunning lake, really. About 284 hectares in size and close to 20 meters at its deepest part.

The cottage had wonderful features. Nice bathroom, good-sized bedrooms, a fantastic screened porch, with loft bedroom. Open concept living space with good windows and super views. A cozy fireplace. Perfect deck. Great dock and floating raft. Lovely level lot and clean, sandy, child-friendly beach. Good privacy. Easy access. The right asking price.

What struck me at first, was that the girls waited in the car, reluctant to step outside without their parents approval. They actually asked if it was safe. They asked if their parents needed to check for glass or syringes before they walked the lot. They were obviously delighted when Mom and Dad gave them the go ahead and I suggested that we walk down to the beach.

They were awestruck by a frog. They couldn’t believe that they could slip off their sandals and wade into golden sand. They shrieked with excitement at minnows! These kids were from downtown Toronto and had absolutely no idea that places like Steenburg Lake were real!