Château dans les Bois

True to its name, Chateau dans le Bois truly is a castle in the woods. As you pull into the circular driveway, you'll know you've arrived at this magnificent slice of paradise, ready to transition into royalty for your holidays. The front foyer greets you with floor-to-ceiling windows, a comfortable bench for removing shoes on the left, and a brand new washer/dryer in the laundry closet on the right. A main floor powder room adds to the convenience as you venture further into the space.

The handcrafted staircase takes center stage, leading you to the upper level. Beyond the staircase, you'll discover a spacious, airy, beautifully renovated kitchen. Designed and brought to life by Scott McGillivray in 2022 for the hit TV series "Scott's Vacation House Rules," the kitchen boasts modern amenities and a large circular table with stunning views of Balsam Lake. The property owners have since added personal touches, making it warm and inviting, perfect for a lakeside getaway.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the Great Room, with windows on three sides and an open design to the upper level. This room features a smart projector and pull-down screen, ideal for family movie nights or watching the big game. Please note, the projector is for streaming from your own accounts or DVDs only. Upstairs, you'll find three beautifully decorated bedrooms and a full four-piece bath. The primary bedroom offers a seating area with large windows overlooking the lake, perfect for a relaxing morning read. The additional bedrooms are thoughtfully designed for comfort, offering one room with a Double bed and the third bedroom with a double bed next to the window and twin bunks to the other side. Please note, the bunk room also offers access to the loft with 2 twin beds. The loft is to only be used at your own risk and is not recommended for children or adults with physical limitations.

Stepping out onto the back deck reveals more of this vast cottage. A staircase leads to the connected bunkie above the garage, equipped with a twin daybed, a mini kitchenette, a Queen bed, and a three-piece bathroom. Please note, there is a loft in the bunkie with access via a ladder. The loft is to only be used at your own risk and is not recommended for children or adults with physical limitations. The main event, however, is the outdoor space. The expansive deck, accessible from the dining area, features a BBQ, luxurious seating options, and a six-sided picnic table. The waterfront area offers natural stone steps, two campfire pits, seating platforms, and a dock perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Chateau dans le Bois is designed for relaxation and enjoyment, blending luxury with the natural beauty of Balsam Lake. From the well-appointed interiors to the extensive outdoor amenities, every detail has been crafted to provide an unforgettable retreat. Whether you’re gathered around the campfire, lounging on the deck, or exploring Balsam Lake, this cottage offers a royal experience in the heart of nature.

Inside the Cottage

Sleeps 8 (including all children)
Main Cottage: 3 bedrooms (1 king, 1 double, 1 with double plus a set of single bunks, plus twin bed in loft), Pack'n'play (bring own sheets)
Guest House: 1 bedroom with queen, trundle bed (2 twin beds) in den
3 bathrooms (1 4 piece with tub and shower, 1 2 piece powder room, 1 3 piece bathroom with shower only in guest house)
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washer, dryer, two fridges
Heat pumps in cottage and guest house for central A/C and heating
1 large screen projector TV with access to Netflix, Crave, Prime, Apple TV using your own logins (there is no channel reception or DVD player), smart speaker
Yoga loft studio, yoga mats, free weights

Outside the Cottage

BBQ, Chiminea with firewood, patio heaters
Bicycles
Boatlift, marina on the lake
4 kayaks (2 touring, 1 fishing , 1 kids), 3 paddleboards (2 fibreglass high-speed, 1 without tail fin), Jet sled, ice fishing gear

Things you need to know:

This cottage has a valid STR license with the City of Kawartha Lakes; Licence # STR2025-240. which allows for no more than 8 guests to be on the property at any given time during your stay. The Municipality requires rental guests sign a Rental Guest Code of Conduct. It will be sent to you upon booking for electronic signature
A max of 1 dog is welcome at this property
Linens and towels are provided, but please bring your own outdoor towels
Rentals include a cleaning service; however, the cottage must be left in a tidy condition
This cottage faces west, with sun exposure all afternoon and evening
Limited Garbage and recycling pickup – disposal required upon departure

Waterfront

The cottage waterfront is a mix of sand, rock, and plants. We recommend water shoes if you want to wade in as there are the occasional zebra mussels. There are some weeds but it’s mostly clear in the swimming area.

Close-By Attractions

Pickleball and Tennis Courts: Just 500 metres from the cottage is a public pickleball/tennis court (2 mins)
Indian Point Provincial Park: Located on the north end of Balsam Lake, this park features one of the longest undeveloped shorelines in the Kawartha Lakes region. Consisting of a low, limestone escarpment, this lake shore property is an alvar. (3 mins)
Balsam Lake Provincial Park: Park offering boating on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a large sandy beach, good fishing for Walleye, Muskellunge, Large and Small Mouth Bass. Canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals are available, and there are easy hiking trails. (15 mins)
Trent Severn Waterway Lock 35: Surrounded by trees and vegetation, this secluded lock station is a popular spot for a day picnic and some boat watching. (15 mins)
Golf: Several golf courses are located within half an hour of the cottage, Western Trent Golf Club, The Links at Monck’s Landing, and Byrnell Golf Club, plus Wild Country Disc Golf offers a great family activity!
Winter: Ice fishing enthusiasts are welcome here, and the equipment is provided, along with a jet sled. Snowmobile trails and cross country ski trails are nearby too!

At a Glance

Sleeps 8 (including all children)
Pets are not permitte
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washer, dryer, two fridges
Heat pumps provide central A/C and heating
1 large screen projector TV with access to Netflix, Crave, Prime, Apple TV using your own logins (there is no channel reception or DVD player), smart speaker
Pack'n'play
Bicycles, BBQs, Chiminea with firewood
Boatlift, marina on the lake
4 Kayaks, 3 Stand up Paddleboards, jet sled, ice fishing gear
Limited garbage and recycling pickup – disposal required upon departure

House Rules (must meet these to book):
Rents Friday-Friday only during summer season
Sleeps 8 (including all children)
Lead guest must be 30+ years of age
A maximum of one dog is welcome
Linens and towels are provided, but please bring your own outdoor towels
No smoking and parties are allowed
Departure checklist must be completed
A supplemental information form must be completed
Limited Garbage and recycling pickup – disposal required upon departure
This cottage has a valid STR license with the City of Kawartha Lakes; Licence # STR2024-399. which allows for no more than 8 guests to be on the property at any given time during your stay. The Municipality requires rental guests sign a Rental Guest Code of Conduct. It will be sent to you upon booking for electronic signature.
Pets - not allowed
Smoking - not allowed