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.
Cottage on 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.
Waterfront Cottage
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 workout, which I loved! 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 of H2H Cottages
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 of H2H Cottages
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 H2H Cottage Co. website for availability and pricing. Alternatively, you can also book 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).
This is one of two cottage rentals with H2H Cottage Co. To read more about the other one on Bitter Lake in Haliburton, check out my article here.
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 of this cottage rental – to put your wellness first. H2H Cottage Co., in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, is the ideal cottage rental 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.
