Cottage of the Week: $3,500 a week for a lakeside lodge with themed bedrooms
ADDRESS: Esson Lake, about five kilometres from Wilberforce, Ontario
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Haliburton Highlands
AGENT: Available through theedgeofessonlake.com
PRICE: $3,500 a week for up to eight people (July and August); $100 for each additional person
THE PLACE: Dubbed “The Edge of Esson Lake,” this six-bedroom cottage sleeps 16 comfortably and is only a three-hour drive from the city.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: The owners created themed bedrooms inspired by their world travels. The Africa room is adorned with items from trips to Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco and Egypt, while the Asia-Pacific room contains curios from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and India. (Alternatively, there’s also a hockey-themed room for sports nuts and a Coca-Cola room for those greatly opposed to Pepsi.)
BIG SELLING POINT: On those hot summer nights, you’ll appreciate the central air conditioning. On the cool ones, there’s an outdoor hot tub to stave off the chill.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: If you’re a staunch animal activist, you might find the moose head, shot by the owner himself just north of Thunder Bay, a bit off-putting (or you can try to think of it as communing with nature).
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $3,500 for up to 8 people for a week (July and August)
• 16-foot bow rider and water skis for an additional fee
• 6 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• 2 small boats (a canoe and a pedal boat)
• 1 games room
• 1 hot tub
142479 The property is centrally heated and can be used in the winter. It has nearby snowmobiling trails and skiing Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake18/ june12cotwessonlake18 0 0
The property is centrally heated and can be used in the winter. It has nearby snowmobiling trails and skiing
142480 The cottage has an outdoor hot tub and a fire pit Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake17/ june12cotwessonlake17 0 0
The cottage has an outdoor hot tub and a fire pit
142481 The games room Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake16/ june12cotwessonlake16 0 0
The games room
142482 The loft has two sets of bunk beds Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake15/ june12cotwessonlake15 0 0
The loft has two sets of bunk beds
142483 The Coca-Cola bedroom Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake14/ june12cotwessonlake14 0 0
The Coca-Cola bedroom
142484 The hockey bedroom Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake13/ june12cotwessonlake13 0 0
The hockey bedroom
142485 The hockey bedroom Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake12/ june12cotwessonlake12 0 0
The hockey bedroom
142486 The third bedroom has an African theme Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake11/ june12cotwessonlake11 0 0
The third bedroom has an African theme
142489 The second of six bedrooms Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake8/ june12cotwessonlake8 0 0
The second of six bedrooms
142490 The second of six bedrooms Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake7.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake7/ june12cotwessonlake7 0 0
The second of six bedrooms
142487 The master bedroom Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake10/ june12cotwessonlake10 0 0
The master bedroom
142488 The master bedroom has a wood-burning fireplace, a private balcony and an ensuite with a Jacuzzi tub Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake9.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake9/ june12cotwessonlake9 0 0
The master bedroom has a wood-burning fireplace, a private balcony and an ensuite with a Jacuzzi tub
142491 The kitchen has a fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. There are also barbecues outside Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake6.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake6/ june12cotwessonlake6 0 0
The kitchen has a fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. There are also barbecues outside
142492 The pine dining table in the main living area. The first floor also has full laundry facilities Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake5.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake5/ june12cotwessonlake5 0 0
The pine dining table in the main living area. The first floor also has full laundry facilities
142493 The living room Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake4.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake4/ june12cotwessonlake4 0 0
The living room
142494 The living and dining area has a wood-burning fireplace (wood is provided), satellite TV and surround sound Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake3.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake3/ june12cotwessonlake3 0 0
The living and dining area has a wood-burning fireplace (wood is provided), satellite TV and surround sound
142495 The deck on the side facing the water. There are steps (129 of them!) leading down to the shoreline Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake2.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake2/ june12cotwessonlake2 0 0
The deck on the side facing the water. There are steps (129 of them!) leading down to the shoreline
142496 The house overlooks Lake Esson and has a private shoreline. The rental includes use of a canoe and pedal boat Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake1/ june12cotwessonlake1 0 0
The house overlooks Lake Esson and has a private shoreline. The rental includes use of a canoe and pedal boat
142522 The cottage is a three-hour drive from Toronto and can be used year-round Cottage on Esson Lake https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake_intro1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake_intro1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/june12COTWEssonLake_intro1.jpg 656 430 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/cottage-of-the-week-esson-lake/slide/june12cotwessonlake_intro-2/ june12cotwessonlake_intro-2 0 0
The cottage is a three-hour drive from Toronto and can be used year-round
For those that know the area, is this cottage in a good location?
Pshaw, after last week’s theme-a-palooza, it’s like this place is barely trying with their single Coca Cola sign and red Coca Cola quilt.
Never rent this cottage. The owner, Paul, is unprofessional and when I questioned why I did not receive my security deposit back in full he didn’t give me a proper or accurate explanation. I left the place in the same condition we arrived and they basically stole $125 of mine and claimed it was a “cleaning fee”. When asked what I left “dirty”, he just went on about how his cleaner wouldn’t lie and personally attacked my own cleanliness as a person. He’s smart enough to know that we wouldn’t go to small claims for $125 and we are fortunately, or unfortunately trusting enough to leave a hefty deposit knowing that it will be returned back legitimately. NOT! Cottage is nice, but prepare for a nightmare after. DO NOT RENT THIS COTTAGE!!! BE WARNED!
Dear Jenny,
Thank you for taking the time to write this review of The Edge. Encouraging feedback to improve our service to our guests is a top priority.
We were extremely disappointed with the way you disrespected our property and hospitality. No effort was made to clean up after your stay was made. Your attempt to deceive us on the amount of guests you neglected to mention, or attempt to pay for was an abuse of our trust in you. We take no pleasure in charging for extra services. Thank you for taking the time to share your comments.
Barbara and I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Paul
Oh please! This is not Paul writing this. Paul has no class nor an ounce of professionalism and I’m sure he found joy not returning my deposit. Had he really not wanted to then we would have been able to talk this out like reasonable, mature adults, but instead he proved to have no class, customer service or professionalism. As
for disrespecting the place, installing nanny cams is a breach of ones privacy and we can argue this out for the public to witness and argue about the number of guests and whatever else you want to claim but not explain. C’mon, let’s wake up the dragon. Let’s show everyone what Paul is really like!
(Thank you Barb for writing this but the damage is done and I will do whatever I can to inform future visitors of my experience with you!)
Hello Jenny,
Thank you again for the opportunity to speak about The Edge.
We depend on our observant, conscientious, and experienced staff who look after The Edge like it is their own. A sincere thank you to Cindy, Veronica, Jennifer, Kenny, and Ken for taking excellent care of our property and our clients for over ten years. We appreciate the client reports, attention to detail, and recommendations with regards to cleaning fees and security deposit returns. You all do an exemplary job!!
Sincerely,
Paul