Featured in Apartment Therapy and Cottage Life Magazine!
Our beautiful cottage, nestled in Muskoka forest, is infused with Australian charm. Explore 300 acres of forest, walk to the river for a dip or simply bask in the sun on our deck.
Books, magazines, games and puzzles are provided.
We've furnished our cottage with mix of new and vintage pieces giving it a laid-back vibe. Swim in the Muskoka River in the warmer months, hike the forest year round and enjoy snowshoe trails in Winter.
The space
Waratah Retreat is a mid-century style forest property only steps from the Muskoka River. Your host, Jen, is an Aussie designer now residing in Toronto.
The cottage is located on an acre block, with stunning Canadian shield rock jutting up to the sky in the backyard. Climb the rock, sit atop it and breathe in the forest scents. Further yet into the yard is 300 acres of natural forest, filled with trails you'll love to explore. Come back down and enjoy the outdoor firepit, or sit on the deck whilst waiting for the BBQ to heat up. An outdoor heater is also provided to warm up those chilly nights so you can spend as much time as possible outside in our private setting.
Back inside, the Retreat is furnished with a mix of handmade, vintage and new pieces (all splashed with vibrant Aussie colour) and filled to the brim with puzzles, games, comics and those books your parents read a thousand times back in the day. You'll even find some classic Australian literature in the mix.
Sit at the breakfast bar, coffee in hand and watch the birds flit about the yard. At the dining table you can enjoy the view further, whilst taking in the vastness of the great room. Watch tv, pick up a book, surf the net via our fast fibre optic internet connection. If you must work at the cottage, rest assured there'll be no interruptions. If you love to craft or read, we have made sure there are plenty of lamps to light your way.
Our bedrooms are furnished with comfortable beds, layered with bright and colourful linen and equipped with small work zones. There is plenty of room to work and play at the Retreat. The windows our rooms are huge, letting those outdoors in. Ceiling fans are in every room and a portable AC unit is provided for the living room for those rare heatwave spells. A gas fireplace in the living room provides cheer in the cooler months, and vintage blankets and quilts abound.
We truly love dogs at the Retreat. We've provided an extra large and comfy bed for their use with a washable cover. Of course, your pups will insist on being wherever their humans are, and we're fine with that. Towels are provided for wet, muddy dogs in the entrance cupboard. Poop bags, a brush and some treats are at the back door for your use, and the garbage can is in the shed out front. Please be mindful of the neighbours and keep all dogs under control during your stay.
The stackable washer and dryer are available free of charge, detergent is provided. Also provided is soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, in the bathroom, which are all biodegradable so we can keep our septic system in tip top shape. If you have allergies and need to use your own that is fine, but otherwise please enjoy our carefully selected products. If you have an "emergency" you will also find tampons and pads in the bathroom drawer.
In the kitchen there are all sorts of baking pans and mixing bowls, as well as a hand-mixer. Cook up a storm and enjoy making meals with the family. We've provided coffee, tea, hot chocolate and lots of cooking essentials. You will also find a coffee grinder, electric bottle opener, barware and marshmallow roasting skewers. There will be basic condiments in the fridge, including margarine. There is even a jar of Vegemite for you to try, if you dare!
The well water at the Retreat is clean and regularly tested, no need to bring extra water.
The Waratah is a striking cousin to the much-loved Protea flower. An Australian native flower, it is big on colour and comes in many varieties.
Waratah Retreat is sure to fulfill the promise of it's namesake flower, a colourful, unique property focused on family time and slowing down.
Our yearning for the Australian bush and the bush shacks of our childhood, led us to this place in Port Sydney. The minute we visited it we knew we were home.
We are very excited to welcome you for your stay at the Retreat. Soak up a dose of Australian charm in the heart of beautiful Muskoka. The best of both worlds.
Follow our story on @waratah.retreat
**Please note (November to the beginning of May) - the road is plowed regularly during the winter months and we will have the driveway cleared as needed. We heavily recommend bringing an all-wheel drive vehicle or one with snow tires as the driveway has an incline and the ice on the driveway could get you stuck if you only have all-season tires.**
Guest access
There is plenty of parking. Our lovely Balsam Chutes neighbourhood is quiet and friendly. Take a leisurely walk to the Chutes and soak up some rays on the rock whilst listening to the rush of the Muskoka River at your side.
Drive 30 minutes to Port Sydney and make a day of it at the quiet, family beach. The big kids can leap from the docks whilst littlies can enjoy the calm shallows. The general store is well stocked and friendly and there is a boat launch at this beach.
Other things to note
We love dogs! At Waratah Retreat, your pup will have the freedom to hop onto the sofa, roam an enormous forest, swim in the river and generally enjoy the vacation as much as you. We provide pet shampoo, a brush, beach towels for clean up, poop bags and even some nice treats.
The whole family can let their hair down at our luxurious and relaxing Retreat.
