Nestled in a beautiful, unspoilt setting, this stunning, spacious property offers state-of-the-art interiors, entertainment and space for the whole family. Just a three-hour drive from Toronto, it’s an ideal place to holiday with relatives and friends.
During the pandemic years, Toronto businessman Edward Gobran decided he wanted to build a property where his family could make long-lasting memories. The result is The Bunkie, an impressive five bedroom cottage perched high upon Spring Lake in Ontario. Managed by property company Cottages in Canada, this stunning home offers a quintessentially Canadian cottage experience.
With five bedrooms, one of which houses four bunk beds – perfect for younger visitors – The Bunkie comfortably sleeps 18. The property is unmistakably designed with several generations in mind, the two storey cottage is spacious, with a number of different spaces for groups to hang out in.
Upstairs, there’s the beautiful open plan kitchen and lounge which overlooks the stunning Spring Lake. We visited in autumn when the trees that lined the shores were a beautiful array of autumn colours; ruby reds, vivid golds and burnt oranges. A perfect little island sits in the middle making the vista worthy of any postcard. As the hub of the house, this open place space is where Edward has designed a stylish, practical kitchen with all the appliances you could ask for, a grand dining table taking centre stage, and a comfortable set of sofas nestled in front of a large flat screen TV and fireplace.
This room extends out onto the top deck, where guests can take a seat on the quaint outdoor picnic table and classic Muskoka chairs to admire the spectacular view. On this deck is the first of two barbeques (more on the second later), where I’d highly recommend hosting at least one dinner. Golden hour lights up the deck spectacularly, whilst the sun sets over the lake, leaving the most incredible sky. Back inside, the living room adjoins a Muskoka room – a must for luxury lakeside cottages. It is perfect for activities like birdwatching, reading and escaping from the family if needed!
Heading downstairs, there’s yet more space to enjoy. On this level guests can spend time in the games room, which boasts a table tennis table, TV and selection of arcade games as well as the outdoor hot tub. With 18 staying under one roof, things could get a little hectic, but the design of The Bunkie ensures this is unlikely to happen. In addition to the many spaces, the property’s high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows mean the property feels spacious, while the state-of-the-art design keeps it cosy, warm and intimate.
As is the case with most rooms at The Bunkie, the master bedroom comes with a stunning lake view and so does its adjoining bathroom. The interior here is understated and, quite rightly, lets the views outside do the talking. With rich blue bedding, the linens cleverly mirror the gorgeous colour of the water beneath. The property’s wood panelled exterior also continues inside, with exposed wooden doors and rustic wood flooring. In the en-suite, guests can relax in the freestanding bathtub, whilst taking in unbeatable views of the lake.
With up to 18 people to entertain, Edward has carefully curated an experience that suits everyone. A flight of wooden steps from the property winds down to a private dock, where guests can choose between kayaks, paddleboards and an array of floats. We loved our mornings spent kayaking around the surrounding shorelines and islands. To make the most of the lakeside position, there’s also a barbeque and dining table on the deck, as well as a cool bag equipped with paper plates, cups and cooking utensils, so guests can conveniently dine by the lakeside.
After a day on the lake, a cosy campfire calls, surrounded by wooden chairs and piles of logs to burn. It is a picture perfect setting to toast marshmallows and tell fireside stories. If you’re looking to explore the local area, a number of stunning Provincial Parks await. We drove to visit Arrowhead Provincial Park, which more than filled our desire for hiking and exploring. Here, you can walk along the scenic paths, go biking, or take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the vibrant autumn colours. Whilst there we were lucky enough to hear wolves howling and see signs that we were sharing the trail with local bears! Don’t worry, you’re not likely to encounter one in person.
In a nutshell
The Bunkie provides a perfect blend of comfort, nature, and convenience for a memorable getaway. The property’s elevated perch which overlooks rows of forest makes it feel almost like staying in a grand and luxurious tree house. And, let’s be frank, isn’t that appealing to all of us, no matter what our age?
Factbox
For more details of the property visit cottagesincanada.com/37898.