DOCK Cottage: a Muskoka Scandinavian Cottage
Stop your search! I’ve found it – an amazing Muskoka Scandinavian cottage rental called DOCK Cottage. This cabin rental in Muskoka is the ideal vacation rental for a couple’s getaway.
Say hello to this minimalist Muskoka cabin that is warm, white, welcoming and yes, waterfront! This is DOCK Cottage, and all about my wonderful, winter stay here.
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Lake of Bays Muskoka
Muskoka, the sought-after area of Ontario’s cottage country, is more than just the popular Lakes Joseph, Muskoka and Rousseau. There are actually 1600 lakes found in Muskoka!
Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, it includes cute towns like Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Huntsville, plus the townships of Georgian Bay, Muskoka Lakes and Lake of Bays.
DOCK Cottage lies in the Lake of Bays township in the tiny town of Baysville.
This community is known not only for Lake of Bays Brewing Co. but having the second-largest lake in Muskoka, and more importantly the cleanest.
That’s what makes any Airbnb on Lake of Bays so popular- the clean, clear lake.
DOCK Cottage is a waterfront property on the long, winding Muskoka River at the narrows of Lake of Bays. The Baysville bridge and dam of the Baysville Narrows are one of the prettiest views you can expect to find in this area, and luckily it’s a short walk from this Baysville Airbnb.
Muskoka Scandinavian Cottage
Let’s take a tour of the newly renovated DOCK Cottage, shall we?
The Interior
It’s a minimalistic style. Modern, but the big difference is the decor is warm and inviting. Scandi-inspired design always uses a blend of textures and soft neutral colours to make an otherwise modern decor feel cozier. Mission accomplished!
The entire cottage is wrapped in this warm white panelled wall and ceiling throughout. Step inside this Muskoka vacation rental into a galley-style hallway with a closet and stackable washer/dryer hidden behind sliding barn doors.
Leading you to the open-concept kitchen, dining and living space which is super cozy and stylish. The large island with seating for 6 is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while gazing out to the lake or to enjoy your pre-dinner drinks as you wind down the day.
Enjoy the waterfront view from the plush Saffire blue sofa or 2 streamlined chairs that seem to curve to your spine. On those colder northern days, cozy up by the Norwegian-style fireplace.
The modern white shag area rug is super soft, almost like Alpaca fur under your feet. My dog, oh yes, DOCK Cottage is dog friendly, ditched his bed to lay on this soft rug.
The Bedrooms
DOCK Cottage is a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage. The larger of the two bedrooms faces the front of the cottage. You’re bound to receive a good night’s sleep from this memory foam Queen-sized bed with linen duvet bedding.
Then there’s the smaller bedroom which is super cozy, faces the waterfront and gets lovely afternoon light. The double-sized bed makes this perfect for a small family with a child.
This second bedroom also serves as a home office with a small desk. For those that can work from anywhere, DOCK Cottage makes for a great “working holiday” location.
The cottage’s only bathroom has a walk-in shower with a rain showerhead and all the products are provided.
The Artwork
What I might love the most about this Muskoka dream cottage is the artwork.
There are lots of nods to Canada! From the vintage Canadian ski posters to the old Hudson’s Bay blanket. Media art hangs from the wall in a Plein air-esque style depicting a typical Muskoka scene.
All of it adds to the vibe and makes DOCK Cottage stand out from the rest of the Airbnbs you might find in Muskoka.
The Amenities
The hosts at DOCK Cottage aim to make your stay as comfortable and fun as possible. Hey, they stay here too! That means there are a lot of perks! Here are just some of the things you’ll find here:
- 50″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix
- Sonos Bluetooth sound system
- Strong signal Wifi (20 Mbps)
- Game console: Nintendo Switch, plus a great selection of board games
- Record player with a good mix of records
- New kitchen appliances (gas oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker) and dishware, cookware and cutlery
- Fully stocked fridge (condiments, sauces) and spice drawer
- Kayaks
- Outdoor hot tub, shower and firepit
Muskoka Lakefront Cottage
Ahhhh, lakes in Ontario are simply the best. There’s just something in our Canadian DNA that pulls us north to be surrounded by nature and its quiet lakes.
That’s why for most, renting a lakefront cottage in Muskoka is a must. DOCK Cottage is waterfront and has a clear view of the water from the cottage. In fact, it sits close to the water that from the backyard you can hear the rustling sound of the water lapping up against the shore.
A small amount of steps leads you down to the floating dock perfect for launching a canoe or kayak, sitting in a red Muskoka chair or jumping off into the water.
PLUS, the waterfront faces the west, so you know what that means – perfect for sunset watching!
Another bonus is that there are no cottages on the other side, so the waterfront views are simply of the Muskoka River and tall pine trees.
Top 10 Things to Do at DOCK Cottage
- Gather around the outdoor fire pit and eat s’mores
- Relax in the hot tub with views of the lake
- Go paddling with the use of the cottage’s kayaks
- Connect over some board games
- Listen to some tunes from the turn table and solid record collection
- Read a good book
- Do some star gazing under a dark sky
- Take a shower…outside in nature
- Grill up a delicious dinner on the BBQ and dine al fresco
- And, walk to the historic Baysville bridge and dam for a photo op!
Book with DOCK Cottage
If you too want to enjoy a Muskoka getaway at DOCK Cottage check out their current pricing, availability and other information.
FAQs
Where is DOCK Cottage located?
DOCK Cottage is located in the tiny village of Baysville, on the Muskoka River at the narrows of Lake of Bays. Historically, and still today this is a popular route from Toronto through Algonquin Park and onward to Ottawa making this an ideal cottage location.
How private is the lot at DOCK Cottage?
DOCK Cottage sits on a quiet dead-end road with very few cottages. There is only one cottage that is partially visible on the side of the property.
What are the top things to do in (and near) Baysville?
1. Stroll the Baysville riverfront and watch in awe the Lake of Bays dam
2. Grab a brew at Lake of Bays Brewery Co.
3. Go treasure hunting at Miss Nelle’s Antique Cafe
4. Shop at Yummies in a Jar for some delicious jam, mustards, and vinaigrettes
5. Admire some art at The Murden Gallery by local artist John Murden
6. Go hiking at Bigwind Lake Provincial Park
7. Play a round of golf at the exclusive Bigwin Island Golf Club
8. Find some hidden artwork on the side of buildings around the village
9. Visit the community Farmer’s Market on Friday afternoons (June to August)
10. Head into town and stroll the cute downtown in Bracebridge
What are the best restaurants in Baysville?
The most popular restaurant in Baysville is the Cast Iron Restaurant, offering a family-friendly pub food menu. For the best coffee shop head to Miss Nelle’s Antique Cafe where Muskoka Coffee is always on brew (or for purchase) and a light meal or baked good.
As a Holidaymaker
DOCK Cottage isn’t your typical cabin rental in Muskoka, it’s an experience! From the waterfront views to the outdoor firepit and hot tub, this Muskoka cabin is super stylish with its Scandi-inspired decor. And, it’s within walking distance of the tiny village of Baysville.
Thank you to the hosts of DOCK cottage for gifting me with a free stay. I only provide an honest review of my impressions and experience. My opinions are my own.
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