Cottage of the Week: $4.3 million for an Algonquin-style lodge on a lake flanked by granite cliffs

Location: Haliburton Price: $4,295,000 Size: 4,000 square feet on 16 acres Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2+1 Parking spots: 3 Real estate agents: Nicole Purdue and Tara Doyle, Sotheby’s Realty

The Place

A five-bedroom, two-plus-one-bathroom, four-fireplace getaway in Haliburton sitting on 16 acres of private land. It sits on the southern tip of Kennisis Lake—a super-clean body of water that’s roughly 4,100 acres in surface area. Surrounded by a pine forest and a 30-metre granite cliff (thrill seekers can find rock-climbing pins embedded throughout), the property also comes with a separate three-car garage and 300 metres of shoreline.

The History

Affectionately named Sunset Cove, this residence was built in 2004. Its owners had a simple goal: to design a showcase for as many lake, sunset and woodland views as possible.

The Tour

Here’s the lake-facing exterior, backed by the cliffs and topped by an insulated steel roof that can withstand extreme weather. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the façade, providing ample gazing opportunities.

The detached, heated three-car garage is also used as storage and for the owners’ woodworking projects.

Here’s the foyer, where pine floors and an elegant staircase greet residents. Ironwork artisans from the Haliburton Highlands crafted the silhouetted forest railings.

Now for the grand living room. It has vaulted ceilings and a jumbo window wall. The canoe-shaped iron chandelier is a nice touch.

A nod to the cliffs outside, this granite fireplace spans two storeys. The door on the right walks out to the backyard deck, and the door on the left leads to a second living room.

In the dinner-party-ready kitchen: a wine fridge (and wine-cork details across the drawers), granite counters, a gas cooktop and a row of three single-hung windows above the farmhouse sink.

The sellers debated whether to swap out the dining room’s candelabra chandelier for something electric, but the moodier lighting prevailed. During the summer, those French doors in the background open for alfresco dining.

Rustic earth is a big inspiration in this two-piece powder room. Its textured walls echo clay blocks, while the reclaimed vanity and heavy bowl sink resemble the surrounding forest. The birds perched atop the taps add whimsy.

This is the sunroom. It’s another airy lounge space, this time with a propane fireplace.

Down the hall is the office and reading nook.

A quick detour outside reveals this octagonal gazebo of sorts attached to the side of the house—a huge screened-in, three-season space.

This is the main bedroom. Like the rest of the place, it’s loaded with windows.

The main bathroom upstairs has a glass shower, a double vanity, a soaker tub and a vintage stained glass chandelier.

Descending to the lowest level highlights this walkout living room with yet another fireplace for maximum coziness.

The lower level also has two guest bedrooms. This one is crowned by dramatic beams.

Finally, what cottage experience would be complete without some group schvitzing?

Have a home that’s about to hit the market? Send your property to realestate@torontolife.com.