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Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

The 5,000-square-foot retreat also comes with 12-foot window walls, sparkling Douglas fir ceilings and a killer view of North Lake

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Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Location: Wollaston, Hastings County Agent: Erica Reddy-Choquette, The Erica Reddy Team
Price: $2,590,000 Size: 5,000 square feet Bedrooms: 2+2 Bathrooms: 2


The place
A four-bedroom, two-bathroom, winterized wood-and-stone cottage sitting on 82 acres of land in Wollaston. Toronto jeweller Dean Davidson purchased this place last year with the goal of transforming it into a turnkey Airbnb for winter-sport enthusiasts and guests of the nearby Kawartha Nordic Ski Club. In particular, he fell in love with the tranquil environs: the home sits in a forest populated by ancient maple trees, and motorized boats are prohibited on the adjacent North Lake. Related: $4.3 million for a Muskoka estate with enough hardwood to make Hogwarts jealous
The tour
The black-stained façade frames the dramatic 60-foot viewing deck.
Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Inside, the open-concept grand room features a 12-foot window wall and a massive ridge beam.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Sharing the space is the living room. Its many windows surround a granite fireplace that contrasts with the Douglas fir ceiling.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

The kitchen is also in the open area. It comes with soapstone counters and a full suite of stainless steel appliances from Samsung and KitchenAid.

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Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Here’s a reverse view of the kitchen. That back wall is equipped with custom open shelving, a coffee station and a black marble backsplash.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

The games room attaches to the kitchen and has a bespoke light fixture and French doors leading to the viewing deck.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Here’s that deck, which faces the water. More on that later.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Walking down the hall reveals the main bedroom, with hardwood flooring, Douglas fir trim and a double-door closet.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

The main bathroom, meanwhile, has a glass shower covered in zellige tiles.

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Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

This ceramic-tiled mudroom is downstairs—designed to accommodate and store bulky winter-sport equipment.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

The nearby lounge is ideal for taking in nature: those west-facing windows were actually angled to catch the golden-hour sunset.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Because the cottage is perched on a cliff, even the downstairs bedrooms take in plenty of light. Here’s the larger of the two.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

The den has its own entrance. Right now it’s a gym, but it could easily be converted into a rec room or another bedroom.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

And what could be better than stepping outside and into this private sauna overlooking the forest?

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Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

In the backyard, a gravel path connects the two-door garage to a firepit.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

Finally, the waterfront, anchored by a dock that stretches gracefully into North Lake, with no boat traffic in sight.

Cottage of the Week: $2.6 million for a Hastings County chalet with a fishbowl sauna overlooking a forest

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

Alex Cyr is a writer based in Liberty Village. He writes about health, fitness, people and culture. He also contributes to the Globe and Mail and Maclean’s and leads a YouTube channel for runners called Marathon Handbook.

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