A picture is worth a thousand words... pictures of The Gardiner Cottage on Lake Rosseau, Muskoka.
Welcome to my Gallery Page. What can I say... a picture IS worth a thousand words. I have shared some thoughts about my cottage and why I love it so much below but I am not a good enough writer to describe just how beautiful and relaxing it is. So take a look at the pictures then join me below and I'll try to share with you why The Gardiner Cottage truly is my private little Eden.
Cottage Life by Earl Gardiner
Hi! My name is Earl Gardiner and I am the owner of The Gardiner Cottage. I recently purchased it from my family. I have been using the cottage my whole life. It is my favorite place in the world.
I have found that there is never enough time in the day to do all the great activities there is to do at the cottage. Where to begin? It is a daunting task.
I'll start with the lake. The water is clean and beautiful. We have a sandy shallow beach by the shore that is ideal for introducing children/babies to the water. It is ankle deep to start and allows children to walk and/or sit in it with out being frightened or overwhelmed. The southern exposure makes the shallow water warmer than most areas on the lake and inviting to babes and children. I have seen many children fall in love with the water for the first time here. The dock is right beside the sandy beach for parents to keep their drinks on and hang out while supervising the kids. I have a huge old windsurfing board stuffed under the cottage and out of the way that is the favorite toy of many children and adults too. You can put a few kids on it for teeter tottering or dad and child can paddle to the marsh nearby and look for frogs and pick lily pad flowers for mom. Keep your eyes open for the Heron while you are there. Check out the beaver lodge too.
Some people like to go to the middle of the lake to swim if the water gets too warm in the middle of the summer. Sometimes the water is over 80 degrees in July and August. In late June it is often in the 70+ degree area. It is a tradition that we always go in for a dip on the May 24th weekend and Thanksgiving. It is usually somewhat cooler and may require a stiff belt of courage although it does not seem to be a problem for local kids on a sunny day. The cottage shoreline is mostly sheltered from the main lake and as such does not get large waves rolling in. The winds are typically out of the North keeping us sheltered by the hill and the trees behind our property.
Water skiing is ideal right in front of the cottage. There is a channel running from the right of the bay that makes for great sheltered runs. The water often turns to glass in the evening. As you exit the channel there is more shoreline to follow to find that perfect glassy run. There are water ski lessons available 5 kilometers down the road at a local hotel for beginners and experts alike. Every Monday they put on a water skiing show including wake boarding too.
I have a kayak for lakes that really zooms along. It takes about two inches of water and allows you to go to all the nooks and crannies in the lake or marsh. There is also a canoe if you want to take someone with you. It gives you great workout in a beautifully serene environment.
The fishing is fantastic. Not many people fish here. Standing on the dock kids can catch rock bass living under the dock and boathouse. Size does not matter to kids. They are happy if they just catch something. I recommend the dock at the white church directly in front of the cottage. (3 miles away) It's big and has lots of room for a gaggle of kids. You are guaranteed to catch rockies. The best fishing is for small mouth bass. They are the most common fish of size. They taste very good. You can catch them almost anywhere. If you circle our bay including the middle you are assured to hook some in the morning or evening. There is also very good lake trout fishing but you have to go deep. My personal favorite is the Musky fishing. I have caught several over three feet long. I hesitate to mention my spots on line (people want to know) but speak to me and I will give you advice it has taken me 50 years to learn. You will not catch any Musky off the dock.
The water is just deep enough for a boat and motor at the dock. I have a 185 hp boat and motor and I dock it no problem. As much as Muskoka is known for its rock, the bottom of the lake is mostly clay that is very easy on motors. Avoid the rock points and you will have no problems. It is not like Georgian Bay with rocks everywhere. There have been many clay fights in the water as well as many bowls fashioned by creative children.
You can sit in the living room and watch the sunset over the water. It is gorgeous.
My parents purchased these properties fifty years ago when they had a choice of anywhere on the lake. They chose these properties because of the flat lots and southern exposure and shallow sandy beach and shelter from the winds and waves. It is one of the best locations in Muskoka. The Cottage property is flat except for one very large beautiful rock behind and to the side of the cottage as you can see in the pictures. There are lawns front and back. It is easy on the feet, great for kids, and safe for everyone. The grass also helps to keep down the dirt tracked into the cottage. As a result there is less cleaning. Sit in the shade of a tree in the back of the cottage (road side) on hot sunny days, eat meals at the patio table, front or back by the beautiful flower/rock gardens.
The property has 265 feet of shoreline. It is actually two lots and offers more privacy than most other cottages as there are very few empty lots in Muskoka. The vacant lot is well treed and landscaped along the water's edge. There is a beautiful rock point that is ideal for looking at the stars and the water. The point has a little blueberry patch. (The double secret blueberry patch!) It has a great little rock basin with water perfect for keeping bait, crayfish and rock bass in. Kids love to spend hours there. Between the point and the boathouse is a nice flat grassy area with seating by the water's edge for private moments to read a book or admire the view and the flower gardens and trees behind for privacy. The cottage lot has been extensively landscaped and is full of mature trees and gardens and lawns front and back. The vacant lot is mostly untouched except by the waters edge.
My father built the cottage. He was a professional builder. It has the biggest fireplace of any cottage I know up there. It's gorgeous. A large living and dining room are conjoined and have a great view of the waterfront just 30 feet away. The kitchen has a breakfast nook at one end. All of the bedrooms have new beds and or mattresses. The master bedroom has a new queen size bed purchased last year. At the other end of the cottage from the bedrooms is the sun porch. It has large windows all around. Some like it best for sleeping as you can see the stars or the lightning storms lying in bed. It also offers some privacy from the other bedrooms.
The cottage is located on Royal Muskoka Island (It has road access). The Island is the end of the road. The little bit of traffic is just my neighbours. The Royal Muskoka Island Association owns the interior of the island. No condos... thank you very much. There are great play areas for kids and adults alike. The island is ideal for a walk about. You often see deer. There are mountain bike trails, a soccer field, a basketball half court, a barbecue and open space for all to enjoy.
On the August 1st long weekend there is an island picnic that attracts about 300 people with lots of kids of all ages. Games like three-legged race, piggyback, egg on a spoon, tug of war and running races for all ages. Free food and pop, hotdogs and corn are provided. I have been going for more than 40 years. Kids love it .
Well that's it for now. Let me close by saying I have never had anyone visit the cottage that did not want to come back! I hope you give the cottage a try. I am sure you will want to come back too!
Warm regards,
Earl