The upstairs of the cottage includes all of the regular comforts of home – 3 bedrooms, 2 double beds and 1 queen, washing machine, clothes line (outside), Wi-Fi, 2 bathrooms, water cooler (water provided), central air, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen with: microwave, fridge/freezer, stove, coffee maker (filters not included), and toaster. Comfortably sleeps 6 people upstairs.
A completely separate walkout basement apartment has been added to the cottage which allows space for 6 more guests (the only access to the basement is from outside, there is no staircase connecting the 2 spaces from the inside). This space has 2 bedrooms, both with double beds, and a pull out couch in the living room. The basement is equipped with a full kitchen (fridge/freezer, stove, microwave, toaster, sink, coffee maker, plates, cutlery, etc), 4 piece bathroom (sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub), smart TV, and small kitchen table with 2 chairs.
With the combined top of bottom of the cottage 12 people can sleep comfortably. The top and bottom will not be rented out separately.
Best’s cottage has a large wrap around deck, perfect for entertaining, equipped with a BBQ (hardlined into a large tank therefore no need to switch tanks), patio set, and large patio umbrella if you’re looking for some afternoon shade.
The cottage is situated on a rolling lot with easy water access at the end of the dock and a separate sandy walk-in area, exclusive to the cottage. The waterfront is a gradual depth, increasing to about 5' at the end of the dock to a virtually weed-free, sand/rock-bottom lake. The waterfront seating includes a landscaped area with a sandy area by the water and a fire pit (1 crate of firewood provided, additional wood can be purchased locally or at the cottage).
Also available to our cottage guests is a separate larger beach (20ft wide) that is a communal space with the bunkies also located on the property. This beautiful beach also gradually ascends into the water.
Depending on water levels the docks will be put in mid May and removed mid October. The 2 kids kayaks, adult tandem kayak, single kayak, adult paddle board, kids paddle board, and canoe, will be available to use May-November. The water mat and floating dock will only be available when the dock is in.
Crowe River flows out of Belmont Lake and Best’s Cottage is close enough to the lake that a short boat ride will take you out into the larger water. This stretch of the river is low traffic due to a conservation water level dam a few river bends away, approximately 1/2 km.
However, you may not want to venture far from this tranquil stretch of water which is great for swimming, fishing and exploring in the paddleboat, kayak or stand-up paddle boards or lounging in the hammock. Watch for kingfisher, loons, turtles, great blue heron and osprey – it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
We are fully stocked with linens/comforters/blankets (but bring your own beach towels) to make your stay comfortable.
With plenty of yard space there's lawn games (KanJam, croquet, washer toss, lawn darts) to play and a volleyball/badminton court with all equipment provided. Foosball and board games are inside.
If you have guests visiting during your stay there is a large lot next to the cottage that is perfect for tents. Please inquire about additional guest pricing.
At the end of your stay garbage and recycling is your responsibility to take with you or take to the 6th line transfer station. 5 min drive from the cottage. Garbage must be in clear plastic bags (provided) and recycling must be sorted between plastics/can and cardboard/paper. Please note the transfer station is closed Wednesday and Thursdays. If you'd like your garbage and recycling taken care of we can for a $50 fee (garbage still needs to be in clear bags and recycling sorted). Failure to take your garbage and recycling with you will result in $100 being taken from your security deposit.
Other Rental Space- we also rent out our bunkies that are on our property approximately 100 feet from the cottage, they have their own amenities, including their own dock, firepit, water toys and yard, etc, all facing away from the cottage. The only shared space is the shared beach and grassed area located in between the two rentals. The cottage has its own large lawn in front of the cottage and behind.
There’s plenty to do in this area of the Kawartha region. Pretty waterside villages, provincial parks, hiking trails, farmers’ markets, and sand beaches are all within an hour’s drive, so take the time to explore too.