Relax at Kennisis Lake H2H Cottage: an Airbnb in Haliburton
There is no better escape in Ontario than heading north to cottage country. Haliburton is a region of nothing but deep blue lakes and jutting granite cliffs all framed by a dense canopy of hemlocks, pines, and maples. If you’re not lucky enough to own a family cottage, the next best thing is to rent one. The good news is Airbnb is flooded with cabin and cottage rentals. Actually, the choice is overwhelming, so if you prefer reading about personal experiences, you’re in luck! This is my recent experience at the dog-friendly H2H Cottage on Kennisis Lake in Haliburton.
Lake Kennisis in Haliburton
H2H Cottage on Kennisis Lake in Haliburton is about a 2.5 drive from Toronto. As the second largest lake in Haliburton, Kennisis Lake is also the most popular and sought after. That’s for good reason- it’s a real beauty!
The crystal clear blue water of Lake Kennisis is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Or, maybe just relaxing and taking in the breathtaking vistas from the edge of your dock. The drawback, maybe for some, is it’s a busy lake, especially on the weekends, when the boaters and jet skies zip back and forth. Yet, that doesn’t stop the canoers and kayakers who quietly glide by closer to the shoreline- it’s a perfect balance.
GETTING TO THE WATERFRONT
H2H Cottage sits up high over the treetops like a giant treehouse. Actually, half of the cottage is on stilts, as the entire property slopes down to the water’s edge. Making the trek to the waterfront is a bit of fun. Carved out through the trees, take the path that zig-zags back and forth with a couple of fun rest spots along the way:
- The firepit for your nightly bonfire rituals and roasting s’mores
- A Hammock Village for the ultimate relaxation of swaying under the trees
- Two elevated decks with Androndiak seating and lounge chairs for sunbathing lakeside
Now that you’ve arrived venture out to the water on the floating dock. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for guests to enjoy. And, that I did! I loved my daily paddle, and it was a great way to check out the other cottages on Lake Kennisis.
The accessibility from the cottage to the waterfront is a good little work-out. Only those who have mobility issues might find it a bit of a challenge.
H2H Cottage in Haliburton
Now for the cottage. H2H sits on the highest elevation of the property which means no matter what room you are in it offers the most amazing views of the top of the trees and Kennisis Lake.
The décor throughout is what I would call rustic contemporary. Big and oversized contemporary pieces of furniture with rustic touches can be found throughout. Natural pine floors and ceilings make it extra cozy. This Airbnb offers a relaxed and comfortable space, exactly what you would expect to find in a cottage rental.
Main Level
A large living space greets you as you enter the cottage on the main level. The entire back wall of the cottage is lined with windows with tree views and a walk-out to a deck. Two small and modest bedrooms face the front of the house – one with a queen-sized bed and the other a double bed. A full bathroom with a shower is also on this level.
An added bonus for this cottage rental is a dedicated home office space. For those that have the flexibility to work from anywhere, like my husband, this cottage rental is perfect for those “working vacations”. Three walls of windows, a live edge desk, and an office chair complete with a large curved monitor offer the perfect set-up for focused work and zoom meetings. It even has good high-speed connectivity that you can rely upon.
Upper Level
The main living, dining, and gathering space is on the upper level of this cottage rental. Surrounded by windows, vaulted ceilings, and two walk-outs to an upper deck complete this space. This is where you are bound to spend most of your time as we did.
One of my favourite spaces in this cottage rental is the dining space. The custom-made live edge harvest table and bench seating are simply perfect! A walk-out to the upper deck and nearby BBQ makes this the ideal entertaining space.
The relaxed living space is central to the kitchen and dining area. I just love when spaces are light and bright like this one is, not to mention the amazing views.
Lazy mornings, breakfasts in bed, or simply admiring the lake views- this principal bedroom is nothing short of amazing. The entire suite features a fireplace, walk-in closet, and ensuite bathroom. Pamper yourself – relax in the jet tub built for two or the large open shower with 2 shower heads.
All Year Round Cottage Rental
Ontario summers are prime time to spend at the cottage. But that peak time comes with more crowds and higher prices. H2H Cottages is an ideal property rental in all seasons. Being surrounded by all of these trees, it would look spectacular in the fall. I can picture it now, a full kaleidoscope of colours. Come winter, H2H Cottage turns into a winter wonderland under a blanket of snow. Snowshoe, cross country ski or walk across the frozen Kennisis Lake, or go downhill skiing at the nearby Sir Sam’s resort. Snowmobilers will love the nearby trails, which are considered some of the best in Haliburton Highlands.
Booking Information for H2H Cottage
Interested in renting this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom dog-friendly cottage?
Visit the Airbnb site for H2H Cottage Co for availability and pricing. Alternatively, you can also book with Cottages in Canada.
Laura, your host, will make sure you have an enjoyable stay. And, don’t be surprised to find a little welcome surprise gift for you, and your guests (yes, that includes treats for your dog).
As a holidaymaker…
Relax, recharge and reconnect at H2H Cottage on Lake Kennisis in Haliburton. Being surrounded by nature is good for our well-being, and that’s the goal for this Airbnb – to put your wellness first. H2H Cottage Co., in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, is the ideal Airbnb for:
- adventure-seekers looking to be on the beautiful Kennisis Lake in Haliburton,
- a couple looking for a relaxing, dog-friendly cottage stay; and
- those who are looking for a working vacation and can work from anywhere.
Thank you to H2H Cottage Co. for gifting me with a free stay. As always, the opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend something if I absolutely love it.
50 Comments
Clarice
Wow! This is place is beautiful. I can imagine myself spending the weekend here. A bonfire sounds fun. I am pretty sure my kids would love it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful property. We look forward to visiting.
Ami Bhat
I love the whole waterfront location – that itself makes it so refreshing. Add to that the space is filled with natural light and is not too cluttered. And the bonus are the activities that keep you occupied around the water. Totally a place I would love to rent
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to hear you like the aesthetic of this cottage rental.
Maria Veloso
What a beautiful place! The lake is my favorite place to be, as I love the diversity of activities they offer. I like how this cottage provides a designated home office space. I absolutely love all the windows, which allow all the light and air to enter and keep the space cool and well-ventilated. I’d like to stay here sometime in the future because of the stunning views, the comfortable rooms, and the tranquil atmosphere.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you like it too! The views are amazing at Kennisis Lake.
Emma
I love that dining table. I would definitely be sat at that playing cards or something. This place is fantastic. The firepit is also amazing. I like a good mix of indoor and outdoor hang out space so this is perfect.
The.Holidaymaker
This is it then! Equally awesome outdoor spaces with indoor spaces. And the dining room was my favourite room in this cottage.
Alison
Oh, this brings back such great memories for me! I spent a lot of time in Haliburton, in fact, I got married there at Redstone Lake! Kennisis Lake is beautiful and this cabin is stunning. What a perfect getaway!
The.Holidaymaker
Small world that you got married on Redstone Lake. What a great memory location for a wedding!
Jennifer Prince
How nice that you did a review like this! We have a few Airbnbs, and I know the owners appreciate the post — it would convince me to stay there. The hammocks are such a great addition, too. Perfect for relaxing with a book or taking a nap!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, it’s a great relaxing place to stay, there’s just something so relaxing about a hammock.
Bea Pinnegar
What a fantastic recommedation! Lake Kennisis sounds like a beautiful place. If I’m ever on that side – I’m definitely staying at H2H Cottage. Hopefully, I get to kayak and paddleboard in the lake soon – Thanks for this guide!
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to hear you would like to stay here when you’re next in Ontario.
Leah
Wow what a beautiful place to stay! I don’t think I’d ever want to leave.
The.Holidaymaker
It’s always hard to leave a place when it’s as beautiful as this.
Lasma
You always find the best properties! I know where to come when I need one 😍 And will save it as well.
The.Holidaymaker
It’s kind of my thing. I’m obsessed with finding amazing places to stay- both close to home and abroad.
Carol Colborn
What a cottage beauty. Everything is perfect, spacious yet cozy. I love that office where I can write! And the views are awesome.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, the home office does have views that might be a bit distracting, but definitely inspiring.
Agnes
Kennisis Lake H2H Cottage looks like a dream. The place and surroundings are just stunning, with so much greenery, quiet, and beautiful. The interior is so cozy and comfy that I would love to stay there. I love the views from the terraces.
The.Holidaymaker
It’s a wonderful place to get away to any time of year.
Petra
This looks so lovely! I also fall in love with that dining room. Such a cute design!
The.Holidaymaker
I know, isn’t that dining room simply perfect!
Noel Morata
I love the total organic vibe and natural quality of this place and all the furniture fits so perfectly in this setting. I would love to visit and stay there a weekend and do a campfire with all those beautiful lites and enjoy the gorgeous views from all the rooms especially the bedrooms. What an inspiring getaway place this is.
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like you would quite like this getaway, and there is no better place than having a campfire at night.
Renata - www.byemyself.com
This is such a beautiful house. I would spend my entire vacation sitting on the bed watching over the lake – this is such an incredible view! I also like the kitchen a lot – it’s rustic yet very post, a unique combination. All in all, I’m sure it’s a great place to spend some relaxing days.
The.Holidaymaker
This is a definite relaxing getaway. Happy to hear you like the interior.
Kelly
I love the Haliburton area and this “cottage” sure looks better and cozier than staying at a resort. Judging from all the greenery, I agree with you that the Fall would be beautiful. I’m also into Winter these days, so that would be my preferred time…..except of course for the drive.
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like you would enjoy this cottage in all seasons. I agree, it will be wonderful in the fall and as the night get colder.
Joanna
I love the remote location of this cabin and its rustic decor. I can imagine spending some cold nights there, with that beautiful fireplace on, and that gorgeous lake view in sight. What a beautiful oasis of peacefulness!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, cozy up in front of the fire on those cold chilly nights are equally as wonderful. That’s why this is such a wonderful cottage in all seasons.
Erin
Wow, I love the views from H2H Cottage! I would definitely want to do one of those lazy mornings you mentioned! And trails sound great too. Looks like the perfect place for a getaway.
The.Holidaymaker
It is indeed the perfect getaway place to stay to recharge and reconnect.
Puloma Bhattacharya
The H2H lake cottage is nothing short of luxury complete cozy interiors and stunning lake views resembling a tree house. The entrance is a beautiful setting decked up with Adirondack chairs and mason jar lighting. The contemporary rustic decor and a dedicated working space is certainly a bonus feature of this cottage rental. Sneaking in an afternoon nap in one of those hammocks is amazing! A completely off grid recommendation to spend a vacation.
Lisa
I love the look of this place – especially the kitchen. I don’t think I’d want to leave at the end of my stay!
The.Holidaymaker
Getaway places are always hard to leave. Especially ones that have great views like this one.
Aireona
I love that interior design and wood. What a beautiful space. I’m sure it was a lovely place to stay.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, the interior has all the cozy feels of the natural wood. Just want you would expect to find in a cottage.
Rhonda
That looks so perfect. Surrounded by the canopy of trees yet right there on the lake. I like this retreat.
The.Holidaymaker
It’s your very own treehouse with a lake. Happy to hear you would like this as a relaxing retreat.
Carolin
Some cool features at this place (e.g. the decoration and I love the huge wooden table). You mentioned that this one here is pet-friendly. Where is the dog? 😀
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, there are some cool features that make this cottage rental in Ontario a little extra special. Pet friendly, you might have missed our dog looking out the window of the bedroom. He was sad to leave this property as much as we were.
Linda (LD Holland)
We are home for most of the summer this year and were thinking about a getaway. The Kennisis Lake H2H cottage looks like something we should consider. A spot on the waterfront would be the perfect relaxing treat. Good to know though that it might be hard to rent in the summer. But that it is a good choice all year round.
The.Holidaymaker
You are in luck Linda, there are some still some availability still for this summer, especially as in Ontario our summer months are stretching longer and longer into the fall. I’m happy to hear this is a Ontario cottage rental you might consider.
Jackie
Wow, this looks just amazing! I would love to vacation on Kennisis Lake in Haliburton, especially at this beautiful cottage. I love all the windows and views to the lake. I also adore the magical fairy lights by the fire pit. (I am going to try this at home!) This cottage has all the features I look for when booking an airbnb: open, light & bright spaces, luxury creature comforts, and a fantastic location. This would be a perfect getaway for the family – especially with all the fun water activities just steps from “home.”
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like this would be the perfect cottage rental for you and your family. And agree, sometimes you get great inspiration from places we stay at.
Marysa
The scenery here is amazing! I would love to stay there and enjoy the atmosphere of the woods surrounding the cabin. And the cottage looks so cozy and inviting.
The.Holidaymaker
It is indeed a private property, not hearing anything but the birds and the wind through the trees.
Barry
I was sold on it as soon as I read about the hammocks swinging in the shade – my way of relaxing indeed. The views from the deck are outsatnding – I think I would just rest, eat, drink and sleep right there the whole time to get the views all day and night.
I do like that very industrial metal and glass lighting arrangement in the kitchen and what a view to wake up to through the bedroom windows.
The great thing here would be to see the difference in the panoramic from Summer to Winter!
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like you would really enjoy this property Barry. The views of the lake from the deck are amazing and many relaxing spots for you to enjoy.