CHOOSING YOUR IDEAL SPOT: COTTAGE COUNTRY CONSIDERATIONS
When selecting a waterfront property, factors like exposure and location play crucial roles. Prioritize your needs and understand that compromises may be necessary. Prices generally decrease as you move farther from the GTA, but exceptions exist. Consider your driving tolerance, especially if you'll use the property mainly on weekends.
Size of Lake
Is boating a significant aspect of your cottage vision? Are you considering long-distance travels across interconnected lakes or on expansive bodies of water? The size of the lake plays a crucial role in determining the volume and size of boats frequenting it. Being situated on Georgian Bay or the Trent/Severn system may entail higher boat traffic near your cottage, whereas smaller lakes generally offer a quieter atmosphere, often appealing to property owners seeking a tranquil cottage experience.
River versus Lake
Riverfront properties typically come at a lower cost compared to lakefront ones but often limit activities like sailing and waterskiing. However, they offer attractions such as paddling, kayaking, or peaceful fishing along a serene river, which appeals to many.
Water Access
In Muskoka, there's typically a notable price gap between water-access-only properties and those on the mainland. However, island cottages are often cherished for their privacy, absence of cars, enhanced security against burglaries, reduced presence of mosquitoes and blackflies, and a stronger sense of community. Drawbacks may include challenges with year-round use (though not insurmountable), longer and more challenging commutes, a narrower resale market, and higher costs for construction and renovations.
Navigating Terrain: Topographical Considerations
Sites with steep slopes typically offer excellent architectural opportunities and stunning views but are also the costliest to develop and may pose challenges for seniors. Families often prefer some level ground for play areas. Consequently, level lots are in high demand and often come with a premium price tag.
Shoreline Dynamics: Factors to Consider
The slope of the shoreline, whether gently sloping or dropping off steeply, influences the type and size of watercraft you can accommodate, the length of dock needed, and the safety of small children. A shoreline that deepens rapidly can be ideal for swimming, while one with a gradual slope might limit boat size or require off-shore mooring. Additionally, consider factors like the bottom composition (sand vs. rock) and weed growth, as a weed-free shoreline in spring may change by late summer. The presence of fish habitat might dictate where docks can be placed, following approved areas.
Shaping Your Search: Evaluating Shoreline Characteristics
Typically, longer shorelines offer more privacy, though this isn't always the case. A straight or point-of-land shoreline usually provides more privacy per foot compared to an equivalent length in a bay. Privacy is a key consideration for most cottagers. If they can attain the desired level of privacy with 150 feet of frontage, why incur taxes on a 250-foot lot?
Navigating Water Levels: Understanding Fluctuations
In general, Muskoka experiences minor annual water level changes, primarily during spring run-off. Unlike regions such as the Trent-Severn Waterway, Georgian Bay, and parts of Haliburton and the Kawarthas, Muskoka Lakes' water levels are minimally regulated. This regulation is mainly aimed at managing spring flows rather than facilitating navigation, as is the case in other areas.
Understanding Shore Road Allowances in Muskoka
A shore road allowance refers to the original 66-foot right-of-way surveyed along the shores of most lakes in Muskoka. These allowances are owned by the Crown and managed by various municipalities. They are legally designated for pedestrian or vehicular travel only. In numerous instances, adjacent property owners have acquired the rights-of-way, granting them ownership of the land up to the shoreline. Consequently, this results in the absence of a continuous right-of-way around most lakes at present.
Exposure Considerations: Maximizing Your View
Are you interested in watching the sunrise or sunset? If so, you'll need visibility to the Northeast for sunrise and the Northwest for sunset. While a due south exposure provides the most direct sunlight hours, afternoon sun may be limited unless facing Southwest. Exposure also impacts whether you'll experience predominantly onshore or offshore breezes. Larger lakes tend to have prevailing winds from the Northwest. Properties with sunset exposures typically come at a slightly higher cost.
Choosing Your View: Length vs. Proximity
While it's a matter of personal preference, longer views are generally favored. A shorter distance to the opposite shore might result in passing boats being closer to your dock, and you may overhear activities in cottages across the water. Properties with longer exposures typically come with a slightly higher price tag.
Access Considerations: Municipal vs. Private Roads
Choosing municipally maintained year-round access is preferred but often pricier in both upfront costs and ongoing property taxes. While most properties can stay open in winter for less than the tax premium, liability arises with private road access. Insurance rates may be lower for year-round accessible properties. For private roads, gather maintenance details and costs. Deeded access is ideal; consult your lawyer if considering a property without it for potential trespass access issues.
Property Infrastructure: Septic Systems and Water Supply
In Muskoka, properties typically rely on individual septic systems. During a home inspection, the age and condition of the septic tank and tile bed are typically assessed. If the system predates 1972 and hasn't been upgraded, it likely features a steel tank requiring replacement. Additionally, many cottage properties source water from lakes or rivers. If this water is intended for drinking, installing an ultraviolet purification system or similar treatment is recommended. Mortgage lenders often mandate a safe drinking water source as part of mortgage conditions.