Cottage of the Week: $860,000 for a candy-coloured family compound in Bala

Bragging Rights: Though it has a distinct English-countryside vibe (check out those wildflowers dotting the property and the butter-yellow and baby-blue trim), this cottage and its entertainment options are thoroughly Canadian. It’s located just down the way from The Kee to Bala, a legendary concert venue that has hosted the likes of Blue Rodeo, Colin James, Jeff Healy and Kim Mitchell (among countless others).

Big Selling Point: The two bunkies, one with a skylight and large windows and another with lakefront views, allow the cottage owner to give guests some privacy. Oh, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t also point out that the rooftop deck on the boathouse has its own bar.

Possible Deal Breaker: If you really hate the life aquatic, the main bathroom’s mosaic sink tiles and frog mirror could be replaced—though if cute little drawings of water creatures bother you, we’d suggest never ever jumping in the actual lake.

By the Numbers:

• $859,000 • 1349 square feet (main cottage) • 5 bedrooms (total) • 4 bathrooms (total) • 3 bedrooms (main cottage) • 2 bathrooms (main cottage) • 2 one-bedroom, one washroom bunkies • 1 boathouse bar