2021
Cameron Island Boathouse
Scenes from my Seadoo – Boathouse du jour. I love the symmetry of this boathouse on Cameron Island on Lake Joe. I recall this property being for sale in 2010 for under $3M. It’s likely more than doubled in value now especially the way real estate values have appreciated on the Muskoka Lakes in Covid-9 times. There is always some interesting architecture available to take in on the lakes.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2021
Roberts Bay Modern Boathouse
Boathouse du Jour – For the contemporary/modern design aficionados. This boathouse welcomes you as you proceed into Roberts Bay on Lake Joseph. It’s certainly not going to appeal to everyone’s taste however I appreciate it for its simplicity and uniqueness. I think I would have considered removing or not incorporating the pickets around the top sitting area. In my opinion the view outward overrides the ascetics of the design.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2021
Formosa Island a Presidents Place in Muskoka
Formosa Island on Lake Rosseau, Canada was once the beloved summer home of United States President Woodrow Wilson. He began visiting Muskoka in the 1890s with his family. In 1901 he purchased 100 acres near the Royal Muskoka Hotel that included Formosa Island. He was very protective of the land and would send out warnings not to light fires or cut any trees down. He had big plans for the property that included a camp, boathouse, wharf, ice and bath house. He served as the President of Princeton University, became the 34th Governor of NJ and then elected as the 28th US President from 1913-1921. He got a little busy and apparently never set foot in Muskoka after that. There is a curious story that in August of 1914 he signed the guest register of the Bala Bay Inn however there was no official record of him being in Canada as WWI was breaking out. One year before his death in 1924 at age 67 he would reminisce about Muskoka with his wife Eleanor, “ do you remember our picnics there and your mother reading poetry under the pines?” Muskoka continues to be an enchanting place and has touched many people for well over a century.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2021
Cliff Island, Lake Joseph Muskoka Canada
I have been passing by Cliff Island on Lake Joseph for over 15 years and it is easily one of my favorite properties to take in. The property is owned by Americans that have been summering here for well over 100 years. The documentary An American in Muskoka is based on the family and the changes they witness as Muskoka is quickly being transformed into (for lack of better words), a different place. Here are a few current photos of the property. I hope it remains this way for a very long time. To learn a bit more about Cliff Island and the documentary please click on the link for a PDF Cliff Island
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
