Location
The cottage is nestled in a quiet cove on Birch Island in the pristine waters of Bobs Lake in the South Frontenac County. As it is located on an island, the cottage is accessible by boat only. Please note, the rental does not include a boat. Boats can be launched at the nearby Pineshores Marina (1.1 km from the cottage). Boat launching as well as car and trailer parking is also available at the Marina free of charge. With its breathtaking scenery around every corner, Bobs Lake promises to be one of the most beautiful lakes you will ever encounter. And, at just over 322 sq km (12.422 miles), it is one of Canada's largest wilderness lakes boasting 640 km (400 miles) of shoreline to explore as well as many coves and islands. The lake is joined to a number of other bays and lakes, such as Crow Lake giving visitors plenty to explore.
Cottage Details
This is an amazing property! This cottage is beautifully situated 80' from the lake on an acre lot atop a tree-covered hill with a breathtaking view. The cottage has a rustic feel. It is very comfortable and neighboring cottages are well spread out allowing for privacy. The neighbors are rarely around and are quiet and considerate when they are. The three bedroom seasonal cottage was built in the 1970s and boasts a stunning eastern view of the lake which makes for spectacular sunrises and gorgeous mornings as the sun glints off the water’s surface. I love enjoying this time of day with a morning coffee on the deck swing or on an early morning boat or kayak tour of the lake.
Potable Water
Running water in the bathroom and kitchen is pumped up from the lake and is not suitable for drinking, but fine for washing dishes and showering or bathing. Guests will need to bring their own drinking water for their tea, coffee, washing vegetables, cooking, brushing teeth, etc.
Bathroom
The cottage includes a full bathroom with combination tub/shower, sink and of course indoor toilet. Toilet paper is provided for our guests but you will need to bring your own towels, face cloths, luffa, soap shampoo and other toiletries.
Sleeping Accommodations
This is a three bedroom cottage. The main bedroom has a double bed, small closet, dresser and mirror. The 2nd bedroom has a bunkbed with a double bed on the bottom and a twin bed on top, a dresser and shelving unit. The 3rd bedroom has a bunkbed with two twin beds a small closet, dresser and mirror. There is also a futon in the living room that opens into another double bed. In total the cottage can sleep up to 9 people. Guests are also welcome to pitch a tent in the yard if they wish. Linens such as sheets, pillows and pillow cases are not provided. Please bring your own blankets.
Living Room
The living room includes a futon, coffee table, flat screen TV, BlueRay player, 100+ DVDs and portable stereo. There is also a small selection of board games, puzzles, playing cards, and reading material available for those looking to take a break from screens.
Kitchen
I’ve always believed that one of the biggest parts of the whole cottage experience is the food. The cottage includes a well-appointed kitchen and I have endeavored to equip it with everything required to prepare delicious meals for your friends and family, including: plates, bowls, saucers, knives, forks, spoons, placemats, 14 piece knife set, cutting boards, pots, pans, roasting pan, dutch oven, mixing bowls, strainer, skewers, wine classes, beer mugs, glassware, travel mugs, coffee mugs, tea cups, dish cloths, tea towels, and dish soap. Appliances include refrigerator, range/oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker (filters provided). There is also a propane BBQ on the deck (propane provided).
Dining Area
Inside the cottage there is a dining table and chairs that can sit up to 4 comfortably or 6 if you don’t mind getting a little cozy. The kitchen island can also seat an additional two people. There is also a patio set on the large screened porch that can seat up to 6 more people if required.
Nature/Wildlife
For the nature lover, Bobs Lake is home to a host of wildlife including: great blue herons, bald eagles, loons, ducks, hawks, humming birds, finches, woodpeckers, turtles, lake otters, racoons, red squirrels and chipmunks. When staying at the cottage, one of my favorite things is sitting by the fire listening to the loons call to each other as dusk falls on the lake. Some mornings, I will even find a heron fishing off the dock. Groups of turtles can be observed sunning themselves most mornings on the rocks all over the lake. There is even a lake otter that has made its home on the property in the undergrowth along the water’s edge. If you are lucky you just might spot it bringing home its evening catch.
Fishing
Fishing at Bobs Lake is incredible! The lake has been featured on several fishing programs and even on the World Fishing Network! There are also a few vlogs regarding the fishing on Bobs Lake for those serious anglers that want to do their homework before deciding to visit. With hundreds of kilometers of shoreline and covering over 7000 acres, Bobs lake is an amazing lake to fish. There are 15 confirmed fish species in the lake (see links below). There is a drop off approx. 50 meters from the cottage dock that is very popular with anglers. Complementary fishing rods and tackle available at the cottage but this is lower end equipment and so it is recommended that serious anglers bring their own gear. You will also need to bring your own bait. Please note that you will need an Ontario fishing license. The cost of the license varies depending on whether you want a sport or conservation license. Each permits different catch limits. Licenses can be purchased at most outdoors stores or online.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing
https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary/recreational-fishing-licence-information
https://www.anglersatlas.com/place/705570/bobs-lake/fish/burbot
Stuff to do
This area of Eastern Ontario is delightful with winding roads, small towns and Provincial Parks to visit. The historic city of Kingston is under an hour away. With its many museums and festivals throughout the summer it makes a great destination for a day trip. Ottawa is also only 139 km (1 hr 37 mins) away for those that don’t mind doing a little driving. A visit to the waterfront town of Westport should not be missed and the annual Perth garlic festival in the second week of August is also something worth experiencing. The nearby town of Sharbot Lake also offers a public beach, restaurants and coffee shops.
The cottage is a fantastic place for family gatherings and there is plenty to do with the kids. You can take your boat across the lake to the Sunset Country Camp Ground to get an Ice Cream. There are also a number of geocaches in the area for those that are looking for a little adventure. There are two kayaks, a canoe, beach toys, snorkel sets, an inflatable dingy, air mattresses, pool toys, board games, puzzles, playing cards, cribbage boards, etc… You can swim or fish right off the dock, and there is also a swim dock to enjoy. For the more adventurous guests there is a jumping rock (a popular activity on the lake) a kilometer away, just a few minutes by boat. There are also two public beaches a short (1-2 mins) boat ride from the cottage perfect for a picnic, and a swim. This is also a great place to meet other cottagers. Please note that these are underwater during early summer and only become usable around mid-July depending on the water level. The lake is also very large and open in many places making it perfect for waterskiing, tubbing, jet skiing and boating. Other popular activities in the area include hiking, hunting and shooting (on Crown Land) bird watching, and exploring. There is even a telescope at the cottage for our star gazer guests.
Other Amenities
There are a number of unique amenities that come with choosing to stay here. The marina is only 1 km from the cottage and there is no fee for parking your car or boat trailers and or to launch your boat.
Shopping, groceries, LCBO, Beer Store, fast food, hardware store, bait shops and gas can all be found in the town of Sharbot Lake a 20 minute drive from the marina.
The two lakeside decks are a great place to sit and enjoy the gazebo and deck swing. It’s an ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee as you watch the sun rise over the lake and neighboring islands or enjoy a cold beer as you watch the boats, jet skis, water skiers, tubers, and even the odd float plane, take off in the nearby channel.
The 100’ of waterfront, the floating dock and swim raft are ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The docks are also lit at night for safety. Adirondack chairs are provided.
The cozy sunken fire pit area is a great place to roast a few s'mores or spend an evening enjoying a glass of wine in front of a campfire. Folding camp chairs and tables as well as firewood are provided.
There is a small lawn next to the house perfect for children or pets to run around, play, or pitch a tent. There is also a tire swing for the kids to enjoy. There is half an acre of wooded area to explore and a hammock to enjoy a nap or a good book.
Two kayaks and a canoe are available for use by our guests. A number of adult life jackets are also provided. Canadian law requires that there be a lifejacket for each person travelling in a watercraft. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lifejackets.
The cottage's best feature is its location and the surrounding landscape.
Pets
We invite you to bring your pets with you. We ask only that you clean up after them and be considerate of future guests to the cottage.
Conclusion
Welcome to the Rustic Island Retreat. I only hope you enjoy the property as much as I do. If you have any question concerning the property, please do not hesitate to contact Christien.
