Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8167.2 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Explore the area
Huntsville, ON
Muskoka Heritage Place
Place, Muskoka Heritage Place
10 min drive
Huntsville Civic Center Algonquin Theater
Place, Huntsville Civic Center Algonquin Theater
12 min drive
Lions Lookout
Place, Lions Lookout
12 min drive
Muskoka, ON (YQA)
Airport, Muskoka, ON (YQA)
44 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka
☀️ 400 ft. of private waterfront with dock for full sun exposure and stunning sunsets 🏊♀️: Shallow, sandy shoreline – great for kids, dogs, easy lake access 🚤: Boat friendly, launches nearby 🛶: Kayak and water toys 🌲: 3 acres of privacy surrounded by trees and nature 🔥: Firepit by the lake, cozy wood-burning stove inside 🛏️: Sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms 💻: Wi-Fi and Smart TV 🚗: 10min drive to Downtown Huntsville's restaurants, shops, activities ⛳️: Many nearby golf courses
Step back in time and spend your summer at a historic Muskoka lakefront cottage - a property that’s been featured in several history books and cherished by generations.
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville, this classic cottage sits on the south shore of Fairy Lake at the end of a quiet private lane. Built in the early 1930s, it blends near-century-old charm with modern comforts, offering a peaceful retreat on 3 private acres with a dock and shallow sandy waterfront. The cottage comfortably sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms, making it ideal for families or small groups looking for a traditional Muskoka experience.
Enter through the original antique front door into an open living and dining area that stretches across the entire width of the cottage. The cozy living room features comfortable seating, a wood-burning stove, television with Wi-Fi streaming, and a selection of board games for relaxing evenings indoors. The dining area includes a large wooden harvest table perfect for shared meals and family gatherings. From here you can access the screened-in porch through a charming Dutch door or through the front porch entry.
Just off the dining room is the spacious kitchen, which opens onto the back deck and BBQ area, ideal for summer cooking and outdoor dining. The main floor bedroom (with a queen bed) is located beside the living room.
The second floor includes three additional bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed, along with the cottage bathroom, which has been recently updated.
The property offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Guests can park up to four vehicles in the shaded parking area among the trees. Closer to the lake, a stone firepit sits on the large lawn - perfect for summer evenings roasting marshmallows and enjoying the stars. Please follow local fire regulations during your stay.
To the left of the cottage (when facing the lake) is a flat plateau area ideal for lawn games and outdoor activities. Behind the cottage you’ll find a back deck with BBQ, clothesline for drying swimwear or hand-washed items, and outhouse that supplements the indoor bathroom. For laundry needs, two laundromats are available in nearby Huntsville.
The cottage sits in a quiet bay on Fairy Lake, making it especially peaceful for swimming and relaxing. Water depth around the private dock is typically knee-to-waist deep for an average adult during summer, and the lake bottom is mostly sandy. Guests are welcome to enjoy dock chairs by the water and storage bins with water toys and life jackets. Please note: the boathouse shown in photos is not accessible to guests.
Fairy Lake is one of the four main lakes in the Huntsville chain and connects to Lake Vernon, Peninsula Lake, and Mary Lake (via lock system). Guests may dock one motorized watercraft at the cottage during their stay. Nearby boat launches are available on Brunel Road and at the marina across the lake on Highway 60.
To help keep rental and cleaning rates reasonable, guests are asked to bring their own linens, including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and bath and dock towels. There is no laundry on-site. Between guests, the cottage is thoroughly cleaned, and all hand and dish towels are freshly washed.
For the protection of both guests and the property, the cottage driveway is monitored 24/7.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Lake view
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No loud noise after 10:30pm. Our neighbours are our friends and we want to ensure they enjoy their cottage time too.
Absolutely no campers/RV's/tents allowed on the property. The max number of guests is 8, based on the total number of beds available in the cottage.
We are on a septic system. All guests must follow the water usage rules provided. Failure to do so may result in the well drying up and water issues.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Huntsville
Located in Huntsville, this cottage is on the waterfront. Big East River Provincial Park and Arrowhead Provincial Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Huntsville Civic Center Algonquin Theater and Back of Beyond Equine Centre. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery - 11 min drive - 8.8 km
Huntsville Civic Center Algonquin Theater - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
Lions Lookout - 12 min drive - 8.4 km
Arrowhead Provincial Park - 17 min drive - 16.7 km
Getting around
Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 48 min drive
Restaurants
Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen - 14 min drive
McDonald's - 13 min drive
Subway - 14 min drive
Tim Hortons - 13 min drive
Tim Hortons - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka?
As of 25 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka on 23 June 2026 start from AU$659, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private Waterfront Family Cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka located?
Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Muskoka Heritage Place, Huntsville Civic Center Algonquin Theater, and Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area. Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course and Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved our stay at Methven Cottage. The property is beautiful and stacked with stuff to do everything you could want to do on a wonderful vacation. While it did get very uncomfortable due to the heat, that is to be expected in an older property without air conditioning. The owners were also very accomodating and even sent up a plumber to deal with out kitchen sink problem. They were incredibly helpful to our joyous experience.
Noah P.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thanks, Noah! We hope your group found the fans in each bedroom helpful given the heat wave that was occurring during your stay. Glad we were able to get the plumbing issue addressed swiftly. We’d welcome you back in the future!
Fairy Lake is amazing! This lake is shallow and warm with a sandy bottom. It's perfect for kids and anyone who doesn't love the cold water.Methven cottage has an amazing rustic vibe that we enjoyed. The screened-in veranda was perfect. The cottage has small fans in every room, so no trouble sleeping. My only recommendation would be to consider providing linens and towels, as most properties at this price point often do. The kitchen needs a deep clean and stocking up of essentials like paper towels, foil, etc but other that that we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Jennifer P.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2025
Thanks, Jennifer! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your time! It’s tough to provide linens for 6 bedrooms with no laundry on site and quick turnovers, but we will see what options may exist for this in the future. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Beautiful property tucked away on a very quiet and peaceful lake. Kitchen stocked with all the supplies you need to cook at home. We greatly appreciated the kayak and all the board games which made of a very fun stay! The cottage is rustic, spacious and cozy; perfect for your family or friends getaway!
Denise J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2023
Thanks, Denise, for your positive review and feedback! We are so glad you and your group enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor spaces during your stay. We would certainly welcome you back for a future stay!
What a week! We had the best stay at Methven cottage. A big group of us said goodbye to summer there and it was everything we dreamed of. Sarah and Matt are super friendly and communicative and the cottage is a Canadian summer dream!
Can’t recommend enough! We’ll probably be back next year!
Roxy N.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
Roxy, it's wonderful to hear how much you and your group enjoyed your time at Methven Cottage! We totally agree - it's a great place to bring a group of friends together and enjoy a classic Canadian cottage experience. You were fantastic guests and we'd certainly welcome you back again next year!
Beautiful rustic cottage on a quiet lake with spectacular sunsets! Hosts are very responsive and helpful. Kitchen is well equipped. Wifi is excellent. No air conditioning so if the weather is really hot/humid and if the nights don’t cool off, it might get stuffy upstairs. Lots of windows to open and fans provided in every room. Suggest bringing your own pillows. We had great weather and slept comfortably! In addition to being at the dock, the front porch and yard provide relaxing spaces for people to enjoy being outdoors. Our group of 10 had a great time staying here! Thank you for sharing this lovely cottage with us!
Anita S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2025
Thanks, Anita! We’re thrilled to hear that your group had such a great time. We appreciate your feedback on the pillows and will aim to upgrade them at the end of the season. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Cottaging in the area as a child made it important to me to be in a natural area unspoiled by the major developments in the Huntsville area-cottage was not only spacious enough for our children and grandchildren but also charming -featuring all the amenities we needed -great BBQ area and waterfront and hosts were always available to chat and we had all the cottage info in a binder as well -enjoyed puzzles games and meals around a large table that could accommodate us all -beautiful century cottage
Cathie G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2023
Cathie - thank you for choosing Methven Cottage for your summer vacation! You and your family were absolutely wonderful guests. We greatly appreciated how well you treated the cottage as well as your open communication. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future!
We came to Methven as a family to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It was the perfect spot. We felt like we were brought back in time in the cozy, cottagey vibe and everyone enjoyed themselves. The property is lovely, the swimming is perfect for people of all ages, the lake is serene and the cottage is set up perfectly. We loved the fireplace, and the outdoor screened in area. We played board games and cards at the big harvest table, and slept so well with the windows open to the fresh air! The proximity to Huntsville made it easy to get provisions, and go out for meal. The hosts were so responsive and helpful. We are so happy we visited.
Charlie S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2023
Charlie, thank you for the positive feedback! We agree that Methven is a perfect place to celebrate notable milestones - congrats to your parents on 50 years of marriage! We appreciate how well your group treated our historic property and would welcome you back in the future!
A memorable and intimate getaway! The location is absolutely perfect – right on the water, yet just a short drive from downtown Huntsville. But honestly, once we settled in, we didn’t feel the need to go out much.
The rustic charm of the cottage made it easy to fully relax and focus on, well, each other. It was spacious enough to easily accommodate 10 guys. Whether it was enjoying the serene mornings on the deck, or those quieter, more intimate nights by the fire, the atmosphere made it feel like our own little world.
The bedrooms were cozy and we really appreciated the comfort they provided. The secluded nature of the property meant we could fully immerse ourselves in every moment together without interruption.
The road on the way in is a tight fit, and can be a little hairy in certain spots, so take it slow.
Jordan S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2024
Jordan, we’re so glad you and your group enjoyed the vibe of Methven and its unique secluded location just a short drive from town! We’d happily welcome you back again. Best wishes!
I can't say enough about this rental property. We had six adults and four children stay for three nights, and we had plenty of room to sleep, eat and play. The character and history of the cottage made our stay extra special, and it was well stocked in all the necessities. Despite being only 10-15 minutes from downtown Huntsville, the cottage felt secluded, as if we had our own private sanctuary in cottage country.
More than anything else though, the cottage had everything we needed for our family vacation, and there were no surprises. That is due in large part to the clear and ongoing communication with the owners (Sarah & Matt) before, during and after our stay. They were always available to answer any questions we had, and we always knew we would get a timely response.
My only hesitation in writing this review of the Methven cottage is that more people will be interested in booking it in the future and we might not get our preferred dates again:) Until then though, we are already planning our future stay, and feel fortunate to have found our perfect spot going forward!
Mike
Mike S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2024
Thank you for the very thoughtful review, Mike! We love hearing how much you and your family enjoyed the cottage and look forward to welcoming you all back again!
Staying at Methven Cottage is as good as classic family cottages get! From your trip down the winding forest road to the end of the wide historic dock, this cottage welcomes you to put your feet up, take in the beautiful views of Fairy Lake and relax. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom making it excellent for swimming and paddling. In the cottage, we were greeted with fresh flowers on the table, historic photos and wide open windows. There was also a beautiful farmer’s sink that made clean up easy. In the morning we enjoyed hunting through the pantry for special coffee mugs to enjoy on the dock and watch the sunrise. There might even have been a few loons but, some secrets are better left unsaid. The beds were comfy and the screened in porch had a unique door that connected to the kitchen making it easy to go back and forth. Several jugs of water were left for our use and a full tank of propane for the barbecue . Huntsville was also just a short drive away and has excellent restaurants, ice cream and golf. The hosts were incredibly kind and generous . This is a rare opportunity to experience a historic Canadian getaway and we were so grateful for our stay. You will not be disappointed.
Kathy S.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2024
Hi Kathy, we are thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed your time at Methven. Amazing that you had some loon sightings! They’re a positive sign that the lake is in good health. We would welcome you back anytime! All the best.
Locating this cottage in a galaxy not too far away. There is nothing more Canadian than staying at the Methven Cottage, a place that boasts a storied history on Fairy Lake.
If you prefer geometric boxes with straight lines, nouveau furniture and modern décor this venue is not for you. However, if you're into familied history, tradition, rustic pine, creaking floors and secret doors, French windows, country porches, nooks and crannies, crackling fires, attention to deal and ultimate privacy - welcome to the Methven Cottage! And let's not forget about "the Jinx"!!!
I can't say enough about my experience, and from the minute I arrived I began planning my warp speed return. There was also a nice surprise upon arrival.
The location on the lake is spectacular, without any rocks or weeds and a very easy entry into the water. More than enough room to park a larger vessel too.
The owners are great communicators, and have been a pleasure to deal with - no nonsense.
Huntsville has everything you need, and only a short 10 minute drive away. The marine is fantastic as well if you plan on renting, and the cottage is directly across the lake.
Cheers,
D'O'
D'Arcy O.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2022
D’O’ - A big thank you to you and your group for being such incredible guests! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the rustic charm of Methven Cottage and found its history to be an added appeal. We’re certainly biased but must agree that our spot on Fairy Lake with such close proximity to Huntsville is idyllic. We look forward to having you back again!
About the host
Hosted by Sarah and Matt Coulter
Owners of an historic Muskoka cottage property. Sarah works in member relations and communications, and Matt is in real estate. We live in the Greater Toronto Area and are lovers of food, travel, and miniature dachshunds.