2019
Wyvern Boathouse
There is a nice quiet bay on Lake Rosseau I occasionally boat into and drop anchor for a swim. Not far away sits this historic boathouse called Wyvern. I know absolutely nothing about it other than the name emblazoned across the top. Over the years I am finding that many of these historic and unique boathouses are becoming neglected and are in need of some love. The neglect happens for a number of reasons including financial resources, aging owners not being involved and the next generation not caring. It takes a lot of money and care to upkeep these places. Just finding contractors to do the work is another factor. Unfortunately many of these places will eventually be bulldozed and replaced with something modern.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
Hi Ed,
Having worked at Canadian Keswick for 5 summers, I did quite a bit of canoeing around Lake Rosseau and I remember the Wyvern boathouse.
It’s sad that so many graceful structures are falling into disrepair. I’m surprised that the age of these buildings hasn’t awarded them the designation and protection and that’s typically afforded by historical societies.
Contrast Wyvery with the hottest trend in building, which seems to alternate between Craftsman style and starkly-garish Modern Deco condo-like structures – at least in the DC-Northern VA area.
The character and beauty of Cottage Country is worth maintaining. Many of my clients look for “character” in the home they wish to buy because they can’t find it in new construction. The same can be said of cottages and boathouses in the Muskoka Lakes District, where character abounds. Can these properties be preserved when a “new = better” mindset predominates in the minds of investors and buyers? Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Hi Sue – thanks for your comment. Yes, indeed there is a serious problem with the beautiful and historic architecture being replaced. I agree, there needs to be some financial incentive perhaps through a reduction in property taxes for people to maintain the history. It has been fairly easy to get zoning changes and new building permits to rip these places down. Muskoka of old is slowly disappearing unfortunately.
Hi Ed,
I have participated on your blog for years. It made me happy what ever time of year. Your latest post made me think of our family history in Muskoka, and how things get get run down or change. Norwood Lodge on Lake Joseph which started in the family in 1900 has now been sold again, and will be torn down. I certainly appreciate the fact that no one wants a dark old cottage, but another example of how things go on. How we keep the heritage will be difficult.
Please go by Cumberlanrd Bay and take a photo of this iconic cottage; I know I will for the last time..
John
Hi John, thanks for the comment and I appreciate that you have been visiting the Blog over the years. I will get out and have a look. Hopefully I will get a decent photo to post.