Cayman Marshall North - Spring 2022

VACATION

VILLAS ON

POOLS, PATIOS & PICKLEBALL ROCKSCAPE MASTERS LIFE OUTDOORS SPRING 2022

MISERY HATES

Muskoka SECRETS FROM LOCAL WELLNESS EXPERTS

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Muskoka | Toronto | GTA

The Jacob & Co. Estribo Diamond Bangle now available at KNAR - Inspired by Andalusian Stallions, and the ornate detailing of traditional Spanish tack, Jacob & Co.’s stirrup or “Estribo” collection, offers a bold, yet elegant take on the exquisite adornment practices of Spanish equestrians.

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

It's always nice writing my Editor's note for the Spring issue. It signals the coming of warmer weather, and all the wonderful things that a Muskoka spring and summer bring!

Todd Adair*

Firstly, I would like to give my two cents’ worth on the real estate market in Ontario. Although the market is still quite heated and inventory remains in short supply, I do expect more of a balanced market as we head into summer. What does this mean? It’s likely that more inventory will break free, and that demand and supply should equalize; however, I don't suspect any drop in values.

As you flip through these pages, journey with me on my daydream trip to Mars and all the future possibilities that may entail. Also, discover how the Muskoka North Food Co-op, located in Huntsville, provides access to good food while creating a connection between our local farmers and consumers.

As always, I want to thank my incredible magazine team for another amazing issue. I’m beyond proud of each of them, and am always blown away at the quality and content of each and every issue. Happy Spring!

President Sales Representative

It’s exciting to hear our feathered friends chirping again after a long winter. Their sounds remind us that it will soon be time to change the tires and open up the cottage.

If you’re like most of us, you could likely use a mental lift this Spring. We interviewed a handful of Muskoka’s wellness experts, and asked them to share their secrets to creating tranquillity in your life.

JD Sterne

If you appreciate how rocks will transform your property as much as my late father “Big John” once did, turn to “Pools, Patios, and Pickleball”

to learn how Rockscape has mastered life outdoors. You’d have made Dad proud, Rockscape!

I’d have been lost putting our Spring ’22 issue together without our incredible editorial team. From our writers to designers and everything in between, you make my role a pleasure. I appreciate you all so much.

Let those little hummingbirds migrating home remind you that, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and may you have everything that you could ever have dreamed of this Spring!

Magazine Sales/Editor

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

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CAYMAN MARSHALL

THE COLLECTION

MISERY HATES MUSKOKA Secrets from Local Wellness Experts

NORTH | SPRING 2022 EDITORS Todd Adair* Lauren Lowe JD Sterne CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelsey Kennerell GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cathryn Haynes PHOTOGRAPHERS Andre Carriere Peter Esteves Kallan Koch Micheal Muraz Mark Wilson ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kallan Koch JD Sterne CONTRIBUTORS Todd Adair* Chad Allison Martha Uniacke Breen Tara MacIntosh DC Rutherford Mike Spry Charlie Vanderpol* Tim Winegard Published in Canada FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL info@caymanmarshall.com caymanmarshallmagazine.ca All square footages are approximate.

Some square footages include living space in the lower level. Information is subject to errors and omissions. Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage www.caymanmarshall.com Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

MUELLER C U S T O M

B U I L D

muellercustombuild.com Building | Landscaping | Renovations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Official SpaceX Photo | CRS-4 | flickr.com/photos/spacex/16661753958

VACATION VILLAS ON MARS Contemplating Colonization from Cottage Country

COVER STORY

IN THIS ISSUE

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B RO W N S A P P L I A N C E S

20

M U E L L E R C U STO M BUILD

P O O L S, PAT I O S & PICKLEBALL

Rockscape Masters Life Outdoors

REAL ESTATE 59

R E N TA L L I ST I N G S

64

YO U R S L I C E O F PA RA D I S E AWA I TS

79

M U S KO K A L I ST I N G S

108

GET IN THE KNOW

The Benefits of Listing Exclusively

Gaggenau Steams Into Muskoka

Builder Showcase

22

LOV E YO U R T R E E S

29

F RO M FA R M TO TA B L E

36

M I S E RY H AT E S M U S KO K A

Alternatives to Removal That Save Time and Money, As Well As Your Trees Muskoka North Good Food Co-op

Secrets from Local Wellness Experts

43

OUT OF THE ASHES SPRINGS NEW LIFE

Christopher Stock’s Second Chance

48

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM FOR THE FAMILY COTTAGE?

72

G I L B E RT + B U R K E

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T H E CA S S I S D E S I G N ST U D I O

Builder Showcase

The Design Difference

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VACAT I O N V I L L A S ON MARS Contemplating Colonization from Cottage Country

SHOP THE LOOK

POINT OF VIEW BUFFET A straightforward silhouette showcases this buffets extraordinary linear veneer patterns and is topped with a Caracole Cream stone top that ensures usability and durability.

MARSHMALLOW OTTOMAN Give a room instant design appeal with the addition of the fun and functional Marshmallow ottoman. Perfectly proportioned, it’s as versatile a piece as they come.

CASUAL AFFAIR SOFA This captivating sofa showcases clean lines paired with a classic flow of draped material and layered pleats.

Its sleek sloped arms feature a dressmaker skirt that falls open from the top of the arm front and back.

END ALL END TABLE You’ll find this end table to be a favourite among family, friends and all who see it.

Placed at the end of a favourite sofa or chair, the open design and natural reflectivity make it feel light, airy and sophisticated.

elizabethinteriors.com

BE ALL COCKTAIL TABLE With substantial proportions, this cocktail table adds needed balance to large seating areas. The resulting aesthetic from its fashionable finish and luxe mirror combination render it the end all, Be All.

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THREE SHOWROOMS TO SERVE YOU

Gaggenau Steams Into Muskoka

By Martha Uniacke Breen

How Europe’s oldest appliance maker became the newest member of the Brown’s Appliances family – and brings with it the best of 21stcentury style and innovation.

M

any prestige European appliance brands have long and impressive histories. But few, if any, can trace their lineage all the way back to feudal times the way Gaggenau can. And the story of how the legendary German maker came to Brown’s Appliances in Port Carling is as interesting as the story of the company itself.

According to its website, Gaggenau’s history began in 1683, when a

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benevolent local landowner, seeking employment for the people in his fiefdom, established a smelting plant and hammer and nail forge in the Black Forest town of Gaggenau. The plant thrived and eventually evolved into an ironworks. By 1873, it was producing high-quality industrial products, including enamel-coated advertising signs – the genesis of the robust blue-enamel coated oven interiors still found in some Gaggenau products.

Art of the

Kitchen

By the 20th century, the company began to specialize in coal- and gas-fired stoves (along with, curiously enough, bicycles, which engrained in its workers a respect for both ergonomics and distinctive design). Throughout the century to come, Gaggenau was the source of several industry firsts: the first electric oven; the first eye-level-mounted oven and separate cooktop; the first freestanding freezer and refrigerator units. And in 1999, Gaggenau produced the first steam oven, still one of its best-loved inventions.

Brown’s Appliances owner Jennifer Veitch was familiar with the Gaggenau brand and its distinguished pedigree, of course. But with just a single 1,500-sq.ft. location on Maple Street in Port Carling, there simply wasn’t room to carry all the high-quality brands she would like to. Then one of her regular customers, a successful area builder, called with a request.

“He had a client whose personal chef was very particular; he would only work with Gaggenau cooking appliances, and he had specified he wanted the Vario model; he was very specific about how he wanted it set up.” The Gaggenau Vario cooktop can be configured with a precise layout of induction heat or gas burners, grills, and other elements, and each is custom-made to order.

“We looked into it and discovered that the same distributor carries Bosch and Thermador. Since we already carried Bosch, we knew we would have the service connection, which is critical for us. But the distributor told us that if we wanted Gaggenau we had to take on Thermador as well, since the two brands were always sold together.” From a business standpoint, it was a bit of a conundrum. Then she got a brain wave.

“We already partner with several kitchen stores in the area” – Cutter’s Edge in Huntsville, Northern Living in Parry Sound, and Woodsmith’s of Muskoka in Bracebridge, along with others – “and I

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thought, why not install the units, plumbed and fully functional, so customers can try them in action?” She approached Chervin Kitchens in Port Carling with the idea, who immediately agreed it was a win-win for both partners: Chervin would gain a suite of fully working display kitchens to show its clients, and Brown’s would be able to show off some of the finest appliances in the business: not just Gaggenau, but KitchenAid, JennAir and other great brands. Today, all three are among the store’s most asked-about lines.

Veitch says Brown’s best-selling Gaggenau appliance to date has been its “honeycomb” induction cooktop.

Induction cooking was a revelation when it was introduced a few years ago, and may one day completely replace natural gas (which is, after all, a fossil fuel). The heat is produced by direct electromagnetic conduction – technically, induction – between the pot and the surface, so that the rest of the cooktop stays cool to the touch. Because the “honeycomb” gridded design covers the entire surface, you can place a pot anywhere on the cooktop, or up to five separate pots simultaneously, and all will heat to perfection. It doesn’t even require a vent hood, though you can install an overhead or downdraft exhaust if you wish.

The induction cooktop’s companion combo steam/electric oven, available as a wall-mounted, fully plumbed unit in two widths, is another of the brand’s most strikingly designed products. Veitch points out that with older steam units, you had to fill a reservoir to provide the water for steam, but this model can be fully plumbed, making steam instantly available when needed. She uses one herself.

“When I’m doing a roast, I’ll start it at 400 to get a good sear on the outside, then turn it down to 325 degrees for even

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The units have useful features such as push-to-open, no-handle doors (“They self-close after a few seconds; great if you have your hands full,” she observes), and like all Gaggenau products, are too beautiful to hide behind self-panels.

Because they can be conjoined in multiple ways, you could, for example, combine the fridge and freezer with a wine cooler in the centre. Because the wine cooler has a glass-panelled door, it avoids the monolithic “wall of appliances” look. And the interiors are all stainless steel, which holds the cold more efficiently.

As pleasing to look at as they are to work with.

cooking, all the while injecting steam to maintain moisture – which gives you a super succulent roast.” It’s also great for leftovers, which can often get dried out when you reheat them.

Gaggenau’s modular, columnar-style fridge and freezer units are particularly useful at the cottage, she says. “Often guests will bring a lot of food, or you tend to stock up between trips into town to shop, so you need a place to put all that food!” Having a full-size freezer solves the problem nicely.

Gaggenau’s small appliances are as thoughtfully made as its full-size units.

One particularly lovely example is its inwall espresso maker; like the steam oven, it can also be plumbed, so perfect espresso is yours at the touch of a button – a tiny, perfect blessing on a chilly Muskoka morning.

“COVID really taught us how to cook again,” says Veitch. “Cooking has become a family activity, with several cooks working together and kitchens that are bigger and often open to the family room.”

Luxury appliance makers like Gaggenau have taken this to heart, with new models that are easy, safe and efficient for the whole family to use, and as pleasing to look at as they are to work with.

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MUSKOKA BBQ & OUTDOOR KITCHEN CENTRE IS YOUR ONE-STOP SPECIALTY SHOP FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING. The Hestan team spent years working alongside America’s most celebrated chefs, reinventing their kitchens with award-winning innovation. Now we’ve reimagined yours. More power. More control. More inspiration. Hestan was built to meet the needs of the most demanding chefs- from backyard grillmaster to home pâtissier.

Build your dream outdoor home kitchen today using the same technology and beauty found in world-class restaurants such as The French Laundry and Otium.

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BUILDER SHOWCASE:

MUELLER CUSTOM BUILD

journey through Muskoka can feel like stepping back in time, to a simpler era, a simpler Canada. But today is anything but simple, and for those entrusted with the stewardship of one of our national treasures— especially as a post-pandemic world commits to remote work—it’s an earthbound duty to maintain Muskoka’s integrity.

Enter Mueller Custom Build.

Max Mueller has owned and operated Mueller Custom Build since 2015, offering custom building services and landscaping to Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph, and the surrounding areas.

Mueller and his team (the all-important “human resource” as he calls them, many of whom have been with him from the beginning) take great pride in their conservancy.

“We are proud to have so many local partners that create crafted products,” says Mueller, taking a short break from his neverending schedule. “We work with clients to source local materials when possible and confirm integrity in our work. With such a naturally beautiful landscape, we ensure minimal impact on the shorelines, discuss natural finishes with our clients, and do our part to preserve Muskoka’s natural landscape.”

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As a boutique builder, Mueller Custom Build is able to provide the highest quality output, luxury details, and a professional experience throughout each project, conserving and celebrating Muskoka.

That commitment goes beyond aesthetics and into ecology. As Mueller notes, “In such a beautiful natural environment, it is important to make these considerations. Our clients are always looking for better efficiencies in their new homes and custom renovations, and we are delighted to guide them through this.

Whether that is energy-efficient appliances, electric vehicle charging stations, efficient windows and doors, or environment solutions such as a live roof, we are excited to work with clients to bring their ideas to life.”

balcony with expansive views of the lake.

Anyone who has experienced the waters of Muskoka's lakes will recognize the iconic Muskoka boathouse style, and the build redefines this Canadian classic. The boathouse rises from the lake as if born from it and nestles itself into the sanctity of the wooded Canadian shield as if itself pre-Cambrian. Its modern touches pay homage to the boathouses of yesteryear and maintain the integrity of their history, draped in natural woods and a palette that feels as Muskoka as the build itself.

Nowhere is this commitment to conservancy more evident than in their recent Ferndale Boathouse project near Port Carling, along the shoreline of southern Lake Rosseau.

The two-storey boathouse boasts two slips, one boat port, an extended finger dock, and extraordinary upper living quarters with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area, and

As a boutique builder, Mueller Custom Build is able to provide the highest quality output, luxury details, and a professional experience throughout each project, conserving and celebrating Muskoka. The Ferndale Boathouse is yet another element of that celebration. muellercustombuild.com | 705-706-7569

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By Tim Winegard, MSc, ISA Certified Arborist and Owner, Muskoka Tree Solutions

Many cottage owners are surprised to hear that tree removal is not the only option for accomplishing certain goals around the property. This is an important consideration, as local municipalities within the District of Muskoka are increasing their by-law and enforcement efforts with the aim of preserving heritage trees, and those in waterfront and critical habitat spaces. As an alternative to outright removal, proper pruning can preserve the ecology of your cottage, and achieve a variety of other benefits.

Improving airflow around the cottage can mitigate mould, moss, lichen and algae growth on slippery pathways, weathered siding, and exposed foundations in shaded conditions. Good airflow also encourages faster evaporation of puddles or seasonally wet areas, which minimizes breeding habitats for mosquitoes. Creating pathways

for breezes off the lake or refreshing air currents across the property can dramatically reduce insect activity by making flying – and finding you – more difficult.

Pruning trees adjacent to your home, or in line with predominant wind and sun directions, can help sunlight and airflow to reach the forest floor, pathways, and the foundation of the home.

Trees produce copious quantities of canopy material, from pollen, needles and leaves to cones and seeds.

Keeping up with the seasonal growth and reproduction of trees can feel like a full-time cottage chore! Material accumulation on our roofs can cause ice-damming in the winter, while sap build-up on outdoor furniture and vehicles

can make cottage cleanup a challenge. Thinning and shaping trees can help alleviate these issues, by reducing branch density and length over high-use areas (such as near your home), while encouraging future growth to occur away from the cottage.

In many ways, pruning can have one of the most profound effects on your lake and landscape views.

The impact is akin to the feeling one has walking into a freshly painted and renovated room. By accentuating natural lines or breaks and developing targeted frames, pruning can not only improve your view, but also create beneficial airflow through your yard. Who doesn’t love a warm summer breeze to go with their lake view and patio drinks? Privacy can be maintained through the creation of “windows” that allow for long-lake views from key areas like kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, but retain foliage to prevent shoreline cruisers from viewing the cottage clearly from the lake.

Having trees within reach of your home does not have to be risky, but it is important to monitor them for signs of stress or disease. A routine part of managing mature trees is the removal of branch hazards over time. These may include obvious hazards like stormdamaged or dead branches.

Or sometimes hazards can be more subtle: branches with poor attachments or dangerous leans, for example. Focusing pruning efforts around high-traffic areas or critical infrastructure can significantly improve the overall safety of your outdoor living experience, while cutting down on clean-up time.

Consistent pruning can allow property owners to achieve the life-in-the-canopy aesthetic, while minimizing the high-wind-branchbreaking risks that may put your cottage at risk.

This spring, look at the trees around your property and assess how they are influencing your airflow, views, or issues with cottage upkeep. If you have questions or concerns about trees close to your home or cottage, our team at Muskoka Tree Solutions looks forward to hearing from you this season. Our services are tailored to the needs of Muskoka property owners and are backed by the latest forestry and wildlife science for our region.

To learn more, check out our website at muskokasolutions.com

Whether it be a new multi-purpose court or refurbishing an existing court, Sport Court Ontario and their 20 years of experience will exceed your expectations.

When we refurbish an existing court, we start by assessing your site to determine the best steps to get your existing base ready for your new SPORT COURT® Game Court. Every court is customized and can offer unlimited use for all sports and leisure activities to meet your needs.

Our ultimate outdoor modular sports surfacing reduces impact on the body by combining our superior patented lateral forgiveness and vertical shock absorption engineered design. A lightly textured surface provides the best balance between dry traction and low skin abrasion.

To learn more about our premiere Sport Court Products and contact our team to discuss your project, call us at 416-788-1798 or visit us at www.sportcourt.ca

Photo: iSparks Solutions

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F arm m o r F TO

TABLE THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN AT HUNTSVILLE’S MUSKOKA NORTH GOOD FOOD CO-OP

BY TARA MACINTOSH

nelsonphoto.com

T

he owners and members who operate the Co-op know the benefits that fresh food and chemical-free products award to the mind and body. They take great pride in offering wholesome nourishment, and a friendly smile, to the local community year-round.

The Co-op’s mission is to provide regional, safe, sustainable and environmentally conscious foods, through the development of a community-owned grocery store and food education centre.

The brilliant colours and extraordinary flavours consistent throughout the Co-op combine fresh local fruits, vegetables, groceries and meats. The workers and volunteers love to spend time with each guest to discover their needs and how they can help amplify their experience.

For example, general manager Kelli Ebbs explains that the staff will take the time to instruct on using every part of a chicken.

This ensures the customer uses all the meat (and bones as well), maximizing their investment and taking advantage of the delicious flavours and nutrition from every part of the bird.

They also educate shoppers on how to use every part of the vegetable. ”I always ask our members and customers if they use the broccoli stalk – and if they don’t, I explain how to peel it so they can eat the best part: the heart. The inside of the stalk is so crunchy and flavourful that people fight over it once they discover it!” These personal touches make the Co-op experience unique, often turning casual shoppers into lifelong members. It is a magical place where nature’s goodness and healing powers are celebrated.

Try one of the grain or noodle bowls, filled with fresh, local, organic ingredients, and the super-popular Sesame-Tamari dressing.

THE CO-OP IS STRUCTURED AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT, AND IS 100% OWNED

BY THE COMMUNITY. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op. The highest priority is to focus on customers’ special dietary needs, introduce new and whole foods, and meet their desire for clean beauty and household products.

The Co-op offers a wide range of homegrown products, supplied by over 125 owner-producers, and hundreds of Ontario-made products. The idea was to create a one-stop shop for the community, offering the best food selection and household products from Muskoka and Northern Ontario, expanding more widely into Ontario and the rest of Canada when necessary. Products like wild-caught frozen seafood are supplied from the Canadian coastlines, and the occasional international product is available – such as Italian olive oils, bananas, and avocados.

All products must align with the Co-op’s procurement policy, which members and owners developed together. All shoppers can rest easy that the food is safe, healthy, and totally delicious.

nelsonphoto.com

Kelli Ebbs, General Manager | nelsonphoto.com

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EACH CO-OP MEMBER & CASUAL SHOPPER WHO SPENDS MONEY AT THE CO-OP

SUPPORTS A SMALL LOCAL FAMILY FARM IN THE COMMUNITY.

T

he farmers who become suppliers and friends generally seek out the Co-op to participate in this fantastic community of people dedicated to providing the best the earth has to offer. Several farmers and members have chosen to move to this region to supply and shop at this incredible little gem of a store. The Co-op has become a unique benefit to joining this growing community. Each Co-op member and casual shopper who spends money at the Co-op supports a small local family farm in the community. The food and goods may cost a little more than a large grocery chain; however, keeping those dollars local gives the community fresh, delicious foods to eat and allows the local family farms to continue to make a living doing what they love.

The saying goes that there is no accounting for taste – except when it comes to the offerings at the Co-op. Seasonal vegetables are succulent with bold, beautiful colours and deep mouth-watering flavours. When corn is in season, there is an abundance of the sought-after product available, as well as berries, peppers, onions, broccoli, lettuce, and more. The recipe options are endless, and the palate is truly unmatched.

The Co-op also offers cooking classes and demonstrations to help every visitor get the most out of their experience. The warm, inviting atmosphere is a perfect match for divine ingredients that turn into the most

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nelsonphoto.com

heartwarming meals. No question or inquiry is too big or too small. Unlike traditional grocery stores, the staff and volunteers will spend as much time as needed to show you around the store, share the Co-op story and the benefits of membership, the background stories of the products, and provide cooking tips. The cost of the foods may be a little higher than some grocers, but the lasting products and the succulent flavours will far exceed the cost difference. For example, a bag of local mixed greens can last up to two weeks in your refrigerator; because of this, we waste less and eat more good food.

IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, ENJOY THE CO-OP’S QUIET COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN PATIO SECLUDED ON A CUL-DE-SAC.

IF YOU NEED TO ESCAPE YOUR DAILY LIFE FOR AN AFTERNOON, join the friendly community at the Co-op for a piping hot coffee, espresso, or the best-selling oat milk lattes at the Uproot Café. In the winter months, warm up at the popular Café with nourishing and healing soups, a fresh salad, or a grilled sandwich packed with seasonal goodness. Try one of the grain or noodle bowls, filled with fresh, local, organic ingredients, and the super-popular Sesame-Tamari dressing. A friendly face will always be there to welcome you and guide you through the food selection. In the summer months, enjoy the Co-op’s quiet community food garden patio secluded on a cul-de-sac.

This tranquil space keeps the community coming back again and again to relish the seasonal deliciousness, along with the colours and scents of remarkable displays.

Fresh local fruits, vegetables, groceries and meats.

nelsonphoto.com

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SPREADING THE HEALING POWER OF LOCAL, unsprayed fruits and vegetables has kept the Co-op going since its inception in 2014. The Co-op’s evolution and offerings reflect the community’s desire to access incredible locally grown foods to nourish minds and bodies, while feeding a need for community connection and belonging. There is an open invitation to experience the beauty and magic that is the Muskoka North Good Food Co-op.

Your taste buds will thank you. muskokanorthfood.com

A one-stop shop for the community. nelsonphoto.com

T

o say the members and owners are passionate about what they do is just the beginning of the story.

They want to share their solid values and fair practices, creating an inclusive space inside and outside the Co-op. Extending the reach into the community, there are initiatives like PlantBox, which teaches easy and delicious plant-based meal creation through a plant-based meal kit, recipe card, and instructional video or infographic. Other community initiatives include Nourishing Seniors, which offers seniors easy-to-heat, nutrient-dense, and deliciously prepared meals seven days a week.

With the recent easing of pandemic restrictions, the Co-op is preparing to resume their in-store educational series as soon as possible, sharing basic cooking skills and meal preparation. The Co-op’s catering options share the local harvest for special events like weddings, birthdays, retirement celebrations, or large family get-togethers.

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nelsonphoto.com

WATERFRONT, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, CORPORATE LAW, WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING

705-645-9932 | info@hooslaw.ca | hooslaw.ca 280 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge ON, P1L 1S5

Your Needs, Our Priority

M I S E R Y H AT E S

Muskoka Secrets from Local Wellness Experts

By Martha Uniacke Breen

Whether it’s a weekend of self-pampering and relaxation, strengthening the mind-body-spirit connection through martial arts or meditation, or just taking time to take better care of ourselves, there are ways to counteract the misery we’ve all been feeling over the last couple of years.

There are a wide range of professionals, all of them right here in Muskoka, whose passion centres on helping to restore our mental and emotional health. We met with a few of them and asked their advice on what we can do for ourselves, right now, to feel better.

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JENNIFER KAVANAGH

The Soul Institute • Severn Bridge soulinstitute.ca

When Jennifer Kavanagh and her husband Josh originally moved to the Severn Bridge area and bought the property that became the Soul Institute, their intention was to build a space where guests could decompress for a few days, enjoy the natural surroundings, and perhaps do a little yoga. It evolved quickly into much more: a setting where families and individuals can put away their devices, reconnect with each other, and gain a renewed sense of emotional self-awareness and peace in the healing atmosphere of nature.

“In the last two years I’ve really noticed that families have become dependent on external tools,” Jennifer notes: everything from the family car, to various media, to even objects like mirrors, which are banned from the Institute’s yoga studio. “You don’t walk through the world looking in a mirror; it’s more important to listen to your body and what it’s telling you.”

THE GRATITUDE EQUATION The principle of focusing on gratitude for what we have, rather than longing for what we have not, is so basic it almost seems trite. But developing a regular daily habit of quantifying what you are grateful for is both effective, and essential. “It doesn’t have to be competitive or materialistic,” says Jennifer. “Truly think about what really gives you joy: it may be something as simple as cuddling a child or a pet, or planting seeds in a garden. No matter what it is, if it makes you feel happy, that counts.”

THE SOUL INSTITUTE

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SONJA DEN ELZEN

Cedar Healing Arts • Gravenhurst cedarhealingarts.com At Cedar Healing Arts, proprietor Sonja den Elzen hosts personal wellness retreats in a oneon-one or group setting, as well as day clients for individual treatments such as acupuncture, shiatsu, and other services. Whether for an overnight stay or a wellness vacation of a few nights, patrons receive organic vegan/vegetarian meals, yoga, shiatsu treatments, guided meditation and other options to create your own tailored wellness program.

“In life we are not taught how to manage emotions like anxiety,” den Elzen observes. But merely slowing down and being present is a great place to start. “Being in nature helps bring our energy into a calmer resonance,” and a regular meditation practice, she says, is also an excellent way to keep the mind and body centred.

CALMING BREATHS AND MEDITATION “If you feel challenged by meditation because your mind is racing,” she continues, “it can be helpful to follow along to a guided meditation,” such as a teacher or an app. Don’t be discouraged if you can only concentrate for a few seconds at a time before your mind wanders; simply keep patiently returning to your breath, and “eventually it will become a habit that you will enjoy and feel nourished by.”

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CEDAR HEALING ARTS

One calming breath exercise den Elzen recommends is to count to six while inhaling slowly into your belly, then count to eight as you exhale. (Some people say this triggers your chi, or inner spirit, to send calming signals throughout your body; others say it massages and calms the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain to your abdomen.)

T H E R E A R E WAY S T O CO U N T E R AC T THE MISERY WE’VE ALL BEEN F E E L I NG OV E R THE L AST COUPLE OF YEARS.

SIFU VALERIE HOUSTON - PEEL AND SIGUNG JOHN OLIVER PEEL Temple Knights Martial Arts Academy Near Baysville, Lake of Bays templeknights.com

Sigung (Grand Master) John Oliver Peel has been practicing martial arts for well over 50 years; his wife and partner, Sifu (teacher) Valerie Houston-Peel, was one of his earliest students when he first opened his Toronto school in 1982.

Along with teaching a variety of traditional martial arts classes, like Tai Chi Chuan, the Academy also hosts retreats, seminars and camps. In the warmer seasons, classes are often held outdoors on their 170acre property, with its expansive dragonfly pond. A classical martial arts temple, close to completion, will allow them to hold year-round classes with beautiful panoramic views.

SENSORY PERCEPTION, AND FRESHENING THE MIND AND BODY Sigung John teaches a simple practice that helps to bring you out of yourself and reconnect with the present moment. “Stop and simply look closely around you,” he says. “Observe the colours and shapes that you see. Listen to the sounds: birds singing, wind in the trees. Focus on the air you are breathing: does it have a taste or smell? Is it warm or cold? Expand your awareness to everything and everyone around you.”

Sifu Valerie adds a breathing exercise that is even simpler, but has an instantly soothing and cleansing effect. “It’s called ‘Washing your body with loving energy from heaven,’” she says. “Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at sides. As you inhale deeply through the nose, slowly lift your arms out to the sides and up over your head; then slowly lower them down in front as you exhale through the mouth and gently bend your knees.”

TEMPLE KNIGHTS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

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ELKE SCHOLZ, M.A.

Registered Psychotherapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator, Author, Loving Your Life And Anxiety Warrior Series elkescholz.com Registered psychotherapist, educator and author Elke Scholz’s wide-ranging, highly creative approach may encompass the arts, innovative therapies such as EMDR and cognitive behavioural therapy, stimulating the senses through soothing music and scents, and even drama and poetry-writing.

Learning to minimize toxic thinking can be as simple as, for example, reducing how much daily news you consume. Social media can be equally harmful. “The key is to listen critically: how is this making me feel? Is that an accurate picture?

“It’s not about seeing the world with rosecoloured glasses, but about seeing more than one track. It’s the same world we live in every day; the difference is how you enter into it.”

Her work in the field of expressive arts synced with a very personal interest: a battle with depression and anxiety in her own life, and years of research into the nature of anxiety itself.

“I became curious about what it is; why it comes, why it can either last a long time or go away, and how does it manifest?” The result was her book Anxiety Warrior (and the accompanying website, anxietywarrior.ca), which details eleven distinct layers of anxiety, and offers keys to understanding and ultimately learning to control its power over your life.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK “We have between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts a day, so you can choose where to put your focus,” Scholz says. Just as healthy food is important for our bodies, being mindful of what you allow into your mind has a direct effect on wellbeing.

Photo Credit: John Challis ELKE SCHOLZ, M.A.

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SHAWNA LEIGH CLARK Life and Wellness Coach shawnaleighclark.com

Life and wellness coach Shawna Leigh Clark spent the first 30 years of her career as a naturopath. “But over the years, I discovered that patients wanted not just to improve their health, but to feel better [in their lives],” she says.

The human stress response, Clark explains, is a primitive response to ancient dangers such as being chased by a sabre-toothed tiger, giving us an extra burst of adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones to help us scramble up a tree and out of danger. It was designed to only last for the few minutes we needed that push, and to subside as soon as we were safe. But for some of us in the modern world, we never really make it up that tree to safety – the stress-response signal is never really turned off, and that can lead to serious problems, ranging from panic attacks to heart disease and even cancer.

Many of the most effective solutions, Clark says, are surprisingly easy and worthwhile to adopt as daily habits. Often, it boils down to placing a higher priority on self-care. “It’s not selfish to take care of your own needs before you take care of others,” she says; in fact it’s imperative – for the same reason flight attendants tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before you put it on your child.

SHAWNA LEIGH CLARK

THERE ARE A WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONALS, ALL OF THEM RIGHT H E R E I N M U S KOK A .

PUT YOURSELF FIRST Self-care can take many forms, but includes ensuring you eat healthy foods, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugar and caffeine; getting enough sleep – insufficient sleep is a chronic and under-appreciated problem today; and spending at least a few minutes outside in nature – or at the very least, taking the time to be active, such as going for a walk, exercising or even just doing daily stretches.

“Also, learn to increase your awareness of your own emotional health. Are you feeling joyful, or stressed? Check in at least once a day to sit with your feelings; it’s hard to change when you aren’t even aware of how you really feel.”

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PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

FARM TO BOTTLE

Out of The Ashes

Springs New Life:

STOCK’S SECOND CHANCE

By Mike Spry It began with two fires: one a tragedy, and one an awakening. The first took everything, a life-changing inferno in Christopher Stock’s grandmother’s house that left his family and his community with just embers, pain and memories. And as fire took everything from him, Stock looked to fire for his next steps in life.

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Christopher Stock is a story unto himself, a fifth-generation member of Wahta Mohawk Territory near Bala, Ontario, whose ancestors relocated to Muskoka from Kanehsatake, Quebec in 1881. But here in 2022, at the height of settlers’ reckoning with reconciliation, Stock has begun a journey of education to bring the language and lore of his people into communities, both digital and analog.

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ed a

r, T ob bac o, Sa . ge, and Sweet Grass

“I base everything off of the original instruction given to us by the creator, which is the Thanksgiving address, ohén:ton karihwatéhkwen, which means, ‘all the words that come before anything else.’ And what it says is that we gather our minds together as one, and in doing so we put all our attention towards all of creation and give thanks to the creator, but not just thank you. It’s more that we offer greetings of love, honour, respect, thanks, and gratitude to the creator for all that he’s given us. Because he gifted us everything we needed to sustain our lives on this earth. We didn’t ask for it. We didn’t demand it. He gave it openly and freely and he made sure that everything was in its place.”

“Stock has chosen to direct his days towards his new path.

He has aspired to promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and language”

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“After the fire, I was so stricken with grief, I felt lost and didn’t know what I was going to do next...

...One October morning, I decided to go for a walk in the woods. Not really knowing where I was headed, but the area I was walking was familiar to me. As I continued into the woods, I found a comfortable spot and I built a fire,” he says with a storyteller’s tenor. “I sat there all day, from sunup to sundown, sometimes even beyond sundown and just sat in the woods, just be there in the moment and listened. I did that for the whole winter, in all types of weather, watching the fire, listening to the wind and observing all of the life around me. Then came springtime [and I] let the fire out [and] my life started to change.”

Opportunities began to present themselves: A chance to go back to school to pursue a teaching career, an adult full immersion Mohawk language course, and a teaching position as a Mohawk language teacher on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario. Teaching and promoting awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and language would become his calling – found in the dreamscape of fire.

Eventually, he found his way back to Muskoka and relocated his family in Bracebridge, Ontario, in 2009, continuing his work throughout the Muskoka region: Trillium Lakelands District School Board, and

Wahta Mohawks. He was realizing the vision of his purpose and doing invaluable work in bringing the history, culture, and language of his people to the surrounding communities.

Then came a fire of a different kind: cancer.

“So it was 2018. July 28th; it was a Friday, I was working in a quarry, cleaning up at the end of the day’s shift, and something felt really odd. I had this stabbing pain in the right side in the middle of my back. I blew it off, thinking I probably just overdid it.

I waited it out through the whole weekend and my daughter’s 16th birthday – I didn’t want to ruin her day and make her worry, so I suffered through it,” before he finally went to the hospital.

“Turns out that’s when they found out that I had aggressive Stage Four cancer. They said my whole abdomen was a tumour. It was constricting where my stomach and small intestine were joined. I had lesions on my liver and it was in my bone marrow.”

Still, he says, “They were confident that they could knock it all out with six aggressive rounds of chemotherapy.”

His journey forked but did not fall – to spend an hour talking to Christopher Stock is to know he is a survivor. “My daughter swears that I was gone two different times.” The cancer, for the moment, is dormant – a fire that is but ember and dust, yet he and it live in worry of spark. “I have a 75% chance of making it to five years cancer-free.” That’s enough for Christopher Stock to continue his journey.

Embers and spark, embers and spark.

“It’s a challenge to survive; sometimes it’s hard to know and understand what that means, to be a cancer survivor. It’s hard to know and understand how to feel about that. But what is hardest of all is that people don’t know and understand either, because they think: Okay, you’re cancer-free!

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“The role that I play is that of a teacher, to pass down my knowledge to our successive generations, so that rly Ea

they may remember and pass it onto the next.”

ag st

es

“Laughing hard, loud and long is the best medicine for the spirit.”

So you’re back to normal, right? What I do know and understand is that all of my teachings and my understanding of the Thanksgiving Address, guided me through this experience and that humour, and laughing hard, loud and long is the best medicine for the spirit.”

Stock has chosen to direct his days towards his new path. He has aspired to promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and language.

“A Journey Begins: An Interactive Indigenous Cultural Experience” (ajourneybegins.ca) is an online portal for education, reconciliation, and cultural

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examination. “Cultural sensitivity is more important than ever these days. Our goal is to provide you, your employees and your business with real-time experiences, to increase your understanding of Indigenous culture, history, language and ways of knowing and being.”

“A Journey Begins” is the evolution of Stock’s pedagogy and mission. “In its early days, it was about me travelling to various schools and school boards to present them with the experience of taking part in a traditional Iroquoian social gathering,” he says. But now, he aspires to bring his message to a larger community, to experience the traditions of his people.

“Our traditions are communicated through the interactive participation in the ceremonial opening address (recited in one of its original languages), to the story of our social dances and songs and the connections to the natural world, followed by a demonstration of these social dances and songs with volunteers.”

So what role does Stock play in reconciliation, and what role do we – as community members, as settlers, as allies – play within the context of Stock’s initiatives? “My understanding [is] the responsibility of carrying such knowledge.

of

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an

. d- c arved water drum

The role that I play is that of a teacher, to pass down my knowledge to our successive generations, so that they may remember and pass it onto the next.”

Stock is a living, breathing historical document we can help by engaging in Indigenous traditions and history as facilitated by his guidance and teachings.

The Kastò:wa represents the Cayuga Nation.

There is no issue in Canada more important, fractious, and inflamed right now than Indigenous representation and reconciliation. Stock is on the frontlines of that discourse. Back into the fire he goes, and he’s asking that this time, we join him.

PESTS AT YOUR COTTAGE? ONETEK REMOVES AND PREVENTS PESTS FROM COMING BACK

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Co-owner, Nathan Kaye

also provide an assessment report after each service and focus on any problem areas that require our attention. Our three main targets are: Insects (spiders and ants), Rodents, and Mosquitoes. This will safeguard your cottage or home and provide the protection you need to enjoy your summer for years to come.

Call Nathan today for a free assessment (888) 568-4693

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Start planning now, for a smoother transition down the road.

The family cottage is a place where unforgettable memories are made.

There’s just nothing that compares to the nights gazing up at a sky glowing

chip in with all the work involved: chopping wood, cutting grass, and fixing things (there’s always something that needs to be repaired at the

with an endless array of stars, jumping off the end of the dock into the crisp cool waters, taking the family (and the dog) out for a boat ride to watch the sunset, or peacefully paddling a canoe across a calm cove in the early morning. There is no price tag that can be put on the numerous experiences that are created at the cottage.

cottage!). Chad learned from these experiences that the benefits of having a recreational property also come with a lot hard work and dedication.

Chad Allison knows these experiences first-hand. His parents bought their cottage in 1972, the same year he was born. His summer memories growing up were of swimming, fishing, waterskiing, and campfires. Of course,

A few years ago, Chad and his family decided that they had outgrown the shared family cottage. They no longer wanted to deal with the family dynamics of who gets it for the long weekend, who pays for what, and who does the work. So, they ventured out and bought their own modest fixerupper on a larger lake. They have been busy ever since with repairs, renovations, and landscaping. It ended

as he grew he was also expected to

up being a welcome place to escape to

when COVID hit. They were fortunate to have reliable Internet allowing them to work from the cottage, and the kids were even able to do online schooling with the beautiful backdrop of birch trees and the lake.

There is one thing however that all cottage owners are eventually faced with that requires some careful thought and detailed planning. What happens to the cottage when the parents no longer want to maintain it or have moved on to that cottage in the sky?

Chad, who is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Scotia Wealth Management, has seen this question come up frequently in his practice. The first step, he advises his clients, is to ensure that proper planning is in place that details all the unique considerations.

What is the ownership structure of the cottage? Are there children that want to takeover the ownership? Can the children afford the cottage? Are there capital gains to consider, and if so are there strategies that can help deal with the gains? Each family’s circumstances are different and require the right planning and advice.

Chad’s team at Scotia Wealth Management helps their clients with these kinds of sophisticated situations, whether it’s the succession of the family cottage, the sale of a family business, or any other complex family structure that needs to be addressed. The comprehensive Total Wealth Plan offering that Chad’s team provides to their clients sets them apart from other advisors

that may just cover the basics, leaving you to figure out the other pieces of the puzzle on your own.

Scotia Wealth Management ties in all aspects of your personal and financial information, assesses how this matches up with your individual goals, and helps to determine strategies to obtain these objectives.

They work with your other professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, to ensure that everything is synchronized and that nothing is overlooked.

Scotia Wealth Management also has the resources to help deal with other complex matters such as potential estate equalization, estate tax coverage, and reviewing of personal and corporate estate plans.

So where does the family cottage fit into all of this? Well, with the proper planning and communication the succession of the family cottage can be part of the Total Wealth Plan that Chad’s team at Scotia Wealth Management develops to help you achieve the peace of mind you deserve. The beautiful cottage memories remain intact and your days can be spent relaxing in the Muskoka chair while watching the sun dance off the lake.

If you would like to know more about how Chad and his team at Scotia Wealth Management can help preserve your legacy, please reach out to them today.

1235 North Service Rd W, Suite 200, Oakville chad.allison@scotiawealth.com | 905.849.3408 ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence.

Scotia Capital Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

Chad and his team at Scotia Wealth Management offer strategic Total Wealth Planning to help clients achieve their long term goals.

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POOLS, PATIOS & PICKLEBALL:

ROCKSCAPE MASTERS LIFE OUTDOORS

By DC Rutherford

“Why have a pool by the lake?” I ask, somewhat dumbfounded, spurred by the memory of my cottage neighbours putting one in last summer, right as the August sun took the lake to a crisp and summery 25˚C. The best water in the world is right there – literally at your feet – all across Ontario.

Craig Rose and Ashley Gowland of Rockscape, a longstanding Muskoka landscape company, laugh before setting me straight.

“Landscape projects that include water features have seen substantial growth. We’ve outfitted several properties with hot tubs and spas, and more and more, it’s the full pool,” says Rose. “The pandemic has driven it for sure. Individuals have spent the last two years appreciating life outdoors more than ever. For many, outdoor spaces [have] allowed friends and family to gather, reconnect, and find solace. Whether the client wanted a sports court or a flagstone patio, they desired spaces that allowed entertainment and fun experiences.”

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Photo: iSparks Solutions

INDIVIDUALS HAVE SPENT THE LAST TWO YEARS APPRECIATING LIFE OUTDOORS MORE THAN EVER.

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e Photo: Sawmill Creativ

s Ltd ltant Ph onsu o t pe C o : Mc dsca Neil P Lan l Ph otography | MD

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FOR MANY, OUTDOOR SPACES HAVE ALLOWED FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO GATHER, RECONNECT, AND FIND SOLACE.

W

hen it comes to taking a dip and creating a splash, some properties are either on

less-than-desirable waterfront, or have no access at all. And even the most Canadian of us won’t generally find ourselves in the lake before Victoria Day or after Labour Day. So having a pool a few steps away from the cottage is the perfect solution. And what better way to cool down after a rigorous game of pickleball on a custom court?

But how does Rockscape ensure a pool (or any other outdoor amenity) fits into the aesthetic of the prospective property and Muskoka’s unique landscape?

“We can achieve a more natural look by implementing [indigenous resources like] granite boulders and caprock to place back into the landscape. Once the pool, court or outdoor space is installed and the concrete and rockwork is complete, we must put back whatever we can to make it look as natural as possible,” explains Rose.

“Whether a pool, tennis court, dining area or outdoor kitchen, we seamlessly integrate all outdoor amenities into the initial landscape plans. Our designers not only make these spaces functional but beautiful, with strategically placed rockwork and exceptional perennial gardens. We go one step beyond and ensure that owners can get the maximum usage out of their investment and install lighting to enjoy their additions well into the evening,” he continues.

The challenges of a natural appearance go beyond the aesthetic of each project. “One of the first things in the process is to make sure that we conform to all the local by-laws,” explains Rose. “There are varying regulations for structures such as pools and tennis courts in different municipalities. Working with those regulations, we make recommendations as to where we think we would be able to place these particular structures with the least amount of disturbance to the landscape.”

A recent project best illustrates Rockscape’s 30-plus years of experience and attention to the Muskoka landscape. A client showed Rose and Gowland a photo of a perfectly implemented and seamlessly integrated pool in Muskoka. Except, the pool was in downtown Toronto.

“They thought the shot was from Muskoka,” laughs Rose. “And I said, ‘Well, I’ve got to be honest, that’s one of our signature projects.’ That took us almost three years to complete, but it was a pool with a beautiful grotto and slide and an overflow infinity edge. That was in the heart of downtown Toronto. He’s like, ‘Are you kidding me?’”

Many of us have moved up to the lake, and Rockscape has been there to greet us, to help carve our lives into their backyard, as Rose says, “like it belongs.” After all, the lake may be cold, but the pool will always be perfect. rockscape.ca

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ACCENT PILLOW

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LEADERS IN MUSKOKA

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS

CUNNINGTON RETREAT, 3 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE OF BAYS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

$10,000/WEEK

LAKE ROSSEAU RENTAL, 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

$14,000/WEEK

GREENWOOD COTTAGE, 4 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$14,500/WEEK

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

KAHSHE LAKE PARADISE, 6 BEDROOMS, 3+1 BATHS – KAHSHE LAKE

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

$15,000/WEEK

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FAMILY COTTAGE, 6 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$16,000/WEEK

ROCKLEA TIMBER DREAM, SOUTH EXPOSURE, 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – PARRY SOUND

$20,000/WEEK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

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BEL AIR OF MUSKOKA, SOUTHWEST EXPOSURE, 8 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE OF BAYS

$20,000/WEEK

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$20,000/WEEK

CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

MUSKOKA COTTAGE ON PRIVATE LAKE, 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS – COOPER LAKE

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

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YOUR SLICE OF

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

PARADISE AWAITS E

njoy this private, oceanside house that boasts a pristine, secluded beach and a spectacular view of the Bahamian, turquoise ocean. Conveniently located on Tar Bay, just minutes from the airport and various amenities, this brand new, 5 bedroom, luxurious home offers you the vacation of your dreams. A mere 13m from the private beachfront, this spectacular home boasts over 5,500 square feet of relaxation space, professional-grade

appliances, high-end furnishings and mattresses for your ultimate comfort.

Pull open the 10' high sliders to take in the tranquil sound and scenery of the ocean or to enjoy a refreshing dip in the private pool. The home's 14' ceilings and thoughtfullydesigned open concept offer an airy, spacious feel to accommodate up to 16 guests. A fully-outfitted chef's kitchen caters to your epicurean desires, or you can treat yourself to an evening of in-home private

catering (extra charge). Enjoy the outdoors any time of day with the fully enclosed porch area complete with power screens for ease of use and a stunning, shell stone travertine patio. Take in numerous, nearby attractions, dining, or boat tours to satisfy your adventurous spirit.

Your vacation experience comes complete with an in-person greeting at the airport, a property tour, and a 24-hour concierge. Seaclusion is pure luxury in paradise.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

PARADISE AWAITS, 5,500 SQ.FT., 5 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS – TAR BAY BAHAMAS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

$20,000/WEEK

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JOSEPH RETREAT, 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

$26,000/WEEK

THE LODGE AT PORTAGE POINT, 5 BEDROOMS, 5+2 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$32,000/WEEK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

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MODERN ELEGANCE, 5 BEDROOM, 4 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

$35,000/WEEK

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$32,000/WEEK

CAYMAN MARSHALL – LUXURY COTTAGE RENTALS CAYMANMARSHALL.COM/RENTALS

LAKE MUSKOKA GETAWAY, 9 BEDROOMS, 6.5 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

DRIFTWOOD, SOUTHWEST EXPOSURE, 6 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

$45,000/WEEK

BEACHWOOD, 7 BEDROOMS, 7 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

$50,000/WEEK

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

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SUNSET BEACH, 5+4 BEDROOMS, 5+2 BATHS – GEORGIAN BAY

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

$50,000/WEEK

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ilbert + Burke specializes in building luxury custom cottages and homes.

G+B understands that nothing is more important than a home or cottage built to fit your family, your lifestyle, and your legacy.

The company itself is built on a foundation of expert designers and builders, who have been entrusted with nearly as many dreams of family homes and cottages as Muskoka has lakes. Your vision is their realization, as Gilbert + Burke has been designing and building Canadian Dream properties for over 20 years, in the Muskoka, Kawartha, Simcoe, Parry Sound, and Southern Georgian Bay areas.

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“Cottages give us the opportunity to really embrace the natural surroundings,” says Emily Johnston-Hartin of Gilbert + Burke. “As a result, we often will build the cottage to fit the environment—natural colours that blend with the surroundings to create a more serene, relaxed setting.”

The “Lake Simcoe Retreat” build exemplifies the commitment of Gilbert + Burke to its environs and the ultimate Canadian Dream.

The extraordinary luxury cottage boasts a “mountain contemporary look, achieved by expansive use of BC stone cladding, Douglas

fir timberframe, large windows and rooflines that are both spectacular and subtle.” The cottage is the realization of a post-pandemic world, where home, office, and retreat blend, and it's the challenge of the builder to find the perfect intersection of spaces.

This cottage is completed by the types of flourishes and foundation that have come to define Cottage Country: coachhouse, boathouse, three-car garage, centralized plan with wings to promote both family and privacy, an ensuite for multigenerational families, spacious outdoor living with hot tub and kitchen, and, of course, expansive and singular lake views. Wrapped in indigenous materials and a contemporary, rustic style, the “Lake Simcoe Retreat” is a Canadian Dream come true.

But these are modern, responsible dreams.

“Our clients want a house that performs at a higher level to reduce heating/cooling costs,

and is more environmentally responsible,” adds Johnston-Hartin. “[One which] lowers their carbon footprint and provides a more efficient heating and cooling system.” To achieve a successful build, which implements local tradition with modern amenities (wetbar, home theatre, gym, sauna shower, golf simulator among them) while respecting conservancy and environment is a true science. The actualization of a build like the “Lake Simcoe Retreat” is the result of an incomparable commitment to client, concept, and community.

“As a company we are ever-evolving. We are always striving for better communication - be that with trades, clients, the information we provide, building packages we create,” says Johnston-Hartin. “We want to be transparent through every step of the process to ensure that everyone is on the same page.” gilbertburke.ca | 1.866.846.9254

“As a company we are ever-evolving. We are always striving for better communication - be that with trades, clients, the information we provide, building packages we create.”

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THE CASSIS DESIGN STUDIO:

The

Design Difference

A

newly built luxurious home reveals exceptional craftsmanship and elegant detailed work; however, the space can feel open and incomplete without the proper furnishings and finishes.

After months or years of an intricate building process, a home needs handselected furnishings, décor, and personal touches to transform into the masterpiece the builder or homeowner envisioned.

The Cassis Design Studio is a young and vibrant group of designers that provides many different design services, one of which is to assist builders and clients through this last phase of design by selecting the perfect furnishings, artwork, and finesse details. Designer Meredith Parsons explains, “One of the cycles that we have observed is that our clients have reached this very exciting point in the project where they are finally done, but

By Tara MacIntosh

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COTTAGE BUILT BY LUKE PATTMAN

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THE CASSIS DESIGN STUDIO

takes the client to the finish line. they walk through the door, and the house feels empty. The home, which we consider the canvas, is technically complete as the feature fireplace is stunning and the kitchen is buttoned up; however, there is nothing to sit on!”

The best way to achieve a final look to be proud of is to build a furniture budget into the project at the start. Meredith comments, “We want everyone who is building to establish a furnishing budget at the beginning of the process and keep it in mind every step of the way. Whether building a home for yourself or to sell, a large part of the feeling people experience in the space is dictated by the furniture and decor.” When crafting a design budget, spending money in the rooms where the family will spend the most time is always recommended. The Cassis Design Studio takes the client to the finish line with unique design touches that follow the five essential design elements, including space, line, balance, colour, and shape. When done right, these five elements work in perfect harmony, resulting in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

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As white interiors are popular, professionals are often asked to create a light interior without using trendy white. Designer Meredith explains, “To combine comfort and beauty, you must take textures, tones, and durability into careful consideration. We start with the bigger pieces, such as the sectional sofa in white, and then complement the white with neutral colours or a gentle stripe or plaid pattern with similar light and neutral tones. Next, we layer a darker ottoman and some wood end tables for visual contrast.” Layered colours and textures are inviting, allowing homeowners to be surrounded by opulence while keeping the space functional. Looking at the before and after image, it is apparent how complementary colours, patterns, and texture blend richness with warmth.

5

The building process can be exhausting for builders and clients. Maintaining excitement at each design phase sets The Cassis Design Studio apart from its competition. Meredith says with a smile, “We try to do the best we can to support our client’s needs! Building or renovating is a daunting process, often a marathon, not a sprint. If builders or clients need to review things a few extra times, change their minds, or talk through their design choices, we are always happy to do so!”

ESSENTIAL DESIGN ELEMENTS:

Space, line, Balance, Colour & Shape.

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM

L E A D E R S I N L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E

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130 FT. FRONTAGE, 0.47 ACRES – BIGWIND LAKE

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$599,995

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EXCLUSIVE MUSKOKA BAY CLUB, NEWLY BUILT CONDO, 570 SQ.FT., 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATH – TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

$630,000

LOT 1: 304 FT. FRONTAGE, 5.29 ACRES

$829,000

LOT 2: 215 FT. FRONTAGE, 1.67 ACRES

$674,000

LOT 5: 630 FT. FRONTAGE, 6.07 ACRES

$1,920,000

LOT 6: 330 FT. FRONTAGE, 4.09 ACRES

$999,900

LOT 7: 3,432 FT. FRONTAGE, 38.5 ACRES

$2,400,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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(416) 233-7663 | info@cameronair.com

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BUILDING LOT 1: 900 FT. FRONTAGE, 5.80 ACRES – LAKE MUSKOKA

$1,995,000

BUILDING LOT 2: 445 FT. FRONTAGE, 2.30 ACRES – LAKE MUSKOKA

$1,095,000

BUILDING LOT 3: 445 FT. FRONTAGE, 3.50 ACRES – LAKE MUSKOKA

$1,095,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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LEGACY COTTAGE UNIT 24: 400 FT. FRONTAGE, 25 ACRES, 1,965 SQ.FT., 3 BEDROOMS, 2+1 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

$1,375,000

LEGACY COTTAGE UNIT 31: 400 FT. FRONTAGE, 25 ACRES, 2,658 SQ.FT., 3 BEDROOMS, 3+1 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

$2,600,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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EXCLUSIVE 3651 FT. FRONTAGE, 10.890 ACRES, 1152 SQ.FT., 3 BEDROOMS, 1 BATH – SPARROW LAKE

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$1,995,000

SOLD: PARRY SOUND

SOLD: SAUBLE BEACH SAUBLE BEACH

$869,000

PARRY SOUND

$949,000

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SOLD: UTTERSON UTTERSON

$959,000

SOLD: BRANDY LAKE BRANDY LAKE

SOLD: SUCKER LAKE SUCKER LAKE

$1,195,000

$1,195,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$1,195,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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$1,995,000

LAKE MANITOUWABING

SOLD: PORTAGE LAKE PORTAGE LAKE

$1,995,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM

LAKE MANITOUWABING

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA $2,290,000

LAKE MUSKOKA

LAKE ROSSEAU

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$2,499,000

$2,495,000

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

$2,595,000

SPRING IS IN THE AIR It’s finally time to enjoy the crisp fresh air on the patio. After the winter we’ve just had, you deserve to do it in style. As you dust off the winter blues and open up the patio doors, let Southern Living Design help make your summer dreams a reality. With our new season stock arriving fast, we can help inspire everyone who stops by our showrooms, whether it’s your deck, front porch, or balcony, we offer stylish comfortable furniture for dining, entertaining, chatting, or relaxing. Come visit us to see our new arrivals from Gloster and other quality-made brands that will have you relaxed, soaking up the sun all summer long.

southernlivingdesign.ca | 844 Southdown Rd, Mississauga, ON | (905) 823-3036

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1,344 SQ.FT., 4 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$2,995,000

EXCLUSIVE 310 FT. FRONTAGE, 14.52 ACRES, 3,000 SQ.FT., 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

$2,995,000

COMES WITH ITS OWN PRIVATE ISLAND! 1079 FT. FRONTAGE, 5.8 ACRES, 2,100 SQ.FT., 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – HORSESHOE LAKE

$2,995,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

COMFORT

FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

705-765-0123 | baskinsulation.ca

SPRAY FOAM. BLOWN-IN INSULATION. DRYWALL

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DEVELOPMENT LOT, 300FT. FRONTAGE, 6 ACRES – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$3,995,000

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103 FT. FRONTAGE, 1.2 ACRES, 3,100 SQ.FT., 5 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA

$4,695,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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$5,990,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM

GOLF COURSE RESORT, 2,700 FT. FRONTAGE, 85 ACRES – OTTER LAKE

389.99 FT. FRONTAGE, 15.5 ACRES, 3,200 SQ.FT., 3 BEDROOMS, 2+1 BATHS – LAKE OF BAYS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

CONTACT BROKERAGE FOR PRICE

SOLD: MUSKOKA LAKES $2,790,000

MUSKOKA LAKES

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SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$2,895,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS

SOLD: FAIRY LAKE FAIRY LAKE

$3,100,000

$3,100,000

LAKE OF BAYS

$3,195,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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$3,495,000

LAKE JOSEPH

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$3,495,000

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA $4,740,000

LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$5,995,000

$5,750,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$6,895,000

EVERYBODY LOVES JACK & STELLA

COFFEE EATS COTTAGE GOODS APPAREL 1004 Bala Falls Road, Bala, Ontario P0C 1A0

www.jackandstella.com @jackandstella_

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470 FT. FRONTAGE, 2.6 ACRES, 3,318 SQ.FT., 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$6,150,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA $6,995,000

LAKE MUSKOKA

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SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$6,995,000

LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU

SOLD: LAKE OF BAYS LAKE OF BAYS

$7,995,000

$7,495,000

LAKE ROSSEAU

$8,295,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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$8,895,000

LAKE MUSKOKA

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CAYMAN MARSHALL – INTERNATIONAL LUXURY & LIFESTYLE SEARCHMUSKOKAREALESTATE.COM

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

$13,995,000

SOLD: LAKE JOSEPH LAKE JOSEPH

SOLD: LAKE ROSSEAU LAKE ROSSEAU

$16,995,000

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$15,995,000

SOLD: LAKE MUSKOKA LAKE MUSKOKA

$16,995,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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447 FT. FRONTAGE, 32.7 ACRES, 15,000 SQ.FT., 15 BEDROOMS, 16 BATHS – WHITESTONE LAKE

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$9,750,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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EXCLUSIVE 497 FT. FRONTAGE, 6.5 ACRES, WEST EXPOSURE, 6,000 SQ.FT., 5 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$11,950,000

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Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

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EXCLUSIVE STUNNING 470 FT. FRONTAGE, 6.22 ACRES, 9,000 SQ.FT., 5 BEDROOMS, 8 BATHS – LAKE JOSEPH

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

$23,795,000

Get in the

KNOW!

THE BENEFITS OF LISTING EXCLUSIVELY WITH CAYMAN MARSHALL

M

ost brokerages advise you to put your property into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system, in order to get it in front of the greatest number of prospective buyers possible. But when it comes to Muskoka property – especially in the current market – that may not be the best, or even most desirable, route for you.

Cayman Marshall has a better way to market your property, which not only ensures that only serious, wellqualified buyers view your property, but allows you to maintain your privacy and avoid the stress and hustle of listing with MLS. With a Cayman Marshall exclusive listing, your property will only be visible to members of our proprietary database. Personal viewing appointments are only scheduled after our agents have taken prospective buyers through a careful pre-screening process.

LA

KE

JO

SEP

00 5,0 9 ,9 H LISTED AT $13

Our system works equally well for buyers. Rather than enduring the “feeding frenzy,” panic-bidding and sometimes, disappointment that accompanies desirable MLS properties, you have the assurance of knowing the property is only being seen by serious, well-qualified prospects like you, and managed exclusively through Cayman Marshall’s offices.

The success of our system speaks for itself: since last August, we’ve sold well over $133 million in exclusive sales alone. Allow us to show you the better way to sell your Muskoka property!

LA

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KE

OF

00 ,0 95 9 BAY , 7 S LISTED AT $

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

KE

U

O SK

D AT $6,995,00 ISTE 0

LA

M

L KA

MORE EXCLUSIVELY SOLD PROPERTIES WITH CAYMAN MARSHALL:

• LAKE JOSEPH LISTED AT $13,995,000 1,000 FT. FRONTAGE SW EXPOSURE • LAKE OF BAYS LISTED AT $7,995,000 800 FT. FRONTAGE • LAKE MUSKOKA LISTED AT $6,995,000 • LAKE JOSEPH LISTED AT $6,995,000 59 ACRES • LAKE ROSSEAU LISTED AT $5,500,000 • LAKE MUSKOKA LISTED AT $5,200,000 • LAKE MUSKOKA LISTED AT $3,980,000

LA

KE

OF

BAY S LISTED AT

00 0,0 0 $2,3

• LAKE ROSSEAU LISTED AT $3,795,000 • LAKE ROSSEAU LISTED AT $2,995,000 • LAKE ROSSEAU LISTED AT $1,800,000 • 11 LOTS IN HUNTSVILLE

LISTED AT $1,000,000+ • NEW BUILD SOLD

ON LAKE JOSEPH

LA

KE

JO

SEP

00 ,0 95 9 , 6 H LISTED AT $

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

SINCE LAST AUGUST, WE’VE SOLD WELL OVER $133 MILLION IN EXCLUSIVE SALES ALONE. Connect with a Cayman Marshall Agent to stay completely in the KNOW of our listings!

NORTH | SPRING 2022

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VACATION VILLAS ON

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RS

Contemplating Colonization from Cottage Country

By Todd Adair As the planet spins its way through a global pandemic and generational turmoil, I’ve found myself using my imagination to dream about the world we’ve built and what we’ll pass on to our children. Like many Muskokans, I spent many nights during the craziness of the pandemic staring up at the stars and wondering, Why were we in this predicament? What had we done to put ourselves in this chaotic situation? What were we doing to our world? When would life return to normal?

Clients, coworkers, friends, and family know I’m typically an optimist, and yet I found myself cynical about the world as it was: in total disarray and disagreement. One evening when I found myself particularly down on the world and perhaps inspired by the night sky, I finally opened the link to a video a friend had sent me about Elon Musk’s vision of a colonized Mars by 2030.

It had always seemed far-fetched to me – domestic travel to another planet within my lifetime. “A colony on Mars?” I thought. “I can’t fly to Montreal without lost luggage and stale overpriced snacks. How in the world could we travel to Mars in under a decade?”

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maybe because of the pandemic isolation, or excitement of something new after a period of lockdowns, school closings, and mask mandates – I allowed myself to let my imagination entertain what Musk must have been envisioning. I let myself think about the possibility of a new colony on a new planet, one that would allow us to leave all

of our earthly problems behind.

Goodbye pandemic; goodbye climate change; goodbye Friday traffic on the 400, closures on the DVP, snowstorms, and crowded TTC trips.

I can almost hear your skepticism. Why would the owner of a successful real estate brokerage advocate for abandoning our planet?

But bear with me; allow me this indulgence. Imagine, as I did, the possibilities of a blank (red) slate. We could learn from an entire history and start from scratch: new ideas, new government, new foundations of law and new systems, all born out of the experience of our mistakes. We could build a new world, populated by like-minded individuals inspired by innovation, ingenuity, and a sense of adventure that defined the pioneers who settled what became our country: the new world, the world we seem to have let slip into decline.

I was inspired by the idea of being an explorer, of seeing an unrealized landscape and being allowed to let my visions run wild. I was obsessed with my thoughts about the possibility

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The more I immersed myself in the dream of Mars, the more I felt myself drifting away from Earth. of being able to look at an untouched world and imagine its evolution.

The more I immersed myself in the dream of Mars, the more I felt myself drifting away from Earth. I saw landscapes of insurmountable mountains, unpredictable volcanoes, and frozen lakes. With less gravity on the Red Planet, we’d all appear to be in better shape. The longer days and years

would yield more time to get work done, but also more time to spend with family and friends. I Googled “average daytime equatorial temperature on Mars” and found it to be 20˚C (70˚F) – an ideal temperature for a Canadian who loves a late August evening in Muskoka. I saw breathtaking photos of Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and the child in me imagined a Star Wars-like moonscape.

Official SpaceX Photo | Transporter-1 Mission | flickr.com/photos/spacex/50870343763

BUT THEN –

2 The number of moons Mars has. They are named Phobos and Deimos.

115 DAYS The approximate number of days to travel to Mars.* * Depending on the positions of Earth and Mars at departure it could take three years or longer to get there.

LET’S GET TO KNOW

1/3

MARS VIA GOOGLE...

HEY WE’RE REALTORS NOT SCIENTISTS!

Mars only gets about a third of the sunlight that Earth does.

50-60 KM The average speed that dust storms reach.

-63°C (-81°F) The average temperature on Mars, which can drop to -129˚kC (-200˚F).

25 MINUTES The delay in conversation between Earth and Mars.

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I SHUT THE LID TO MY LAPTOP, AND STEPPED BACK OUTSIDE, gazed up at the stars, and started my Martian immersion. I looked out on the Muskokan landscape before me and I was instantly mesmerized.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I know Mars isn’t a Nirvana-in-waiting. As someone in real estate, I’m a realist by nature. Musk detailed in 2016 that the trip would demand 80 to 150 days of travel time, with an average trip time to Mars of approximately 115 days; depending on the positions of Earth and Mars at departure, it could take three years or longer to get there.

In 2012, Musk stated, “An aspirational price goal for such a trip might be on the order of US$500,000 per person,” but in 2016 he mentioned that he believed long-term costs might become as low as US$200,000. That’s an expensive move.

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And, of course, if you think the last couple of years wheezing through your mask has been cumbersome, imagine strapping your face into oxygen support for your best chance at a breath of fresh air. Farming and agricultural enterprises would need to be indoors or underground, and the supply chain challenges would make COVID’s seem subtle. We would need to protect ourselves from cosmic radiation. The process of desalinating the water on Mars would be a burden, and water is life. Those 20˚C days are rare – the average temperature is minus -63˚C (-81˚F) and can drop to -129˚C (-200˚F). Dust storms lasting

Sometimes we need to be humbled by the universe to feel fortunate for what it has given us. a few days reach speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres an hour. Conversations with Earth would have a 25-minute delay. Mars only gets about a third of the sunlight that Earth does, so the requirement for solar energy would be problematic.

My head started to spin. Were things here on Earth really that bad? Had the pandemic clouded all that had drawn me to this incredible region in the first place?

Had the chaos of the past few years really made me enough of a cynic to consider relocating to another planet?!

I took a deep breath. Right before me was some of Mother Nature’s very best

work. The Muskoka region alone boasts over 1600 lakes and endless woods in which to fish, hunt, snowshoe, swim, wakeboard, camp, waterski, crosscountry ski, paddleboard, sail, host bonfires, scuba – the list in my head was as endless as the stars above. Each season highlights a different element; trees snowcapped for winters, bright blooming springs, summers of warm lakes and warmer campfires, and fall colours that are the envy of, likely, all planets. The Canadian Shield is one of my favourite parts of Muskoka’s landscape – a phenomenon thousands of years in the making, and I’m fortunate enough to have grown up and raised a family smack-dab in the middle of it.

Sometimes we need to be humbled by the universe to feel fortunate for what it has given us, and for our place in it.

Mars will be colonized, and likely in our lifetime. And people of science will solve the problems of habitation, because that is what humans do: we solve problems so that we can move forward. And perhaps one day, the opportunity for my family and me to board a flight to the fourth rock from the sun will present itself.

But for now, I’m going to step out into my yard, look out at the lake, the woods, and up at the stars above them, and think of my gratitude and good fortune to live and work in Muskoka – one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

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Designing your next LUXURY lakeside home, from the inside out. www.cassisdesignstudio.com

CAYMAN MARSHALL ADVANTAGE “Become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent cannot be dismissed.” – Oprah Winfrey When we opened the doors of Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc. as a small boutique brokerage firm to serve the Muskoka real estate market in 2012, we did so with the intention of redefining the level of service that clients could expect from our real estate professionals. Since then, we have grown into an impressive team of top-producing realtors and brokers, committed to ensuring our clients receive the highest level of service when buying or selling property in one of Canada’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

We at Cayman Marshall have been entrusted with the most prestigious waterfront properties in Muskoka. As leaders in luxury and waterfront real estate, we have had record sales on many of Muskoka’s finest lakes. With sales now surpassing the multi-billion-dollar mark, we’ve secured our position as a leader in luxury real estate.

We also offer a complete selection of luxury cottage rental properties.

We have offices in Port Carling, Toronto, and our all-new location in Huntsville, which also serves the Lake of Bays area. Our in-house IT professionals have developed proprietary online tools and software, interactive and intuitive websites, lifestyle tours, stunning photography and an astonishing network of over 400 local and international referral partners, to ensure our clients’ listings get the exposure they need to attract the most discerning local and international buyers.

We currently print eight issues of our Cayman Marshall magazine per year, with an annual distribution of 250,000. Each magazine is delivered to the front door of homes and cottages of high-net-worth clientele throughout Ontario.

We are proud to mention that the Cayman Marshall Port Carling brokerage was voted by a panel of international

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

The Cayman Marshall team celebrating 2018 sales in Montego Bay Jamaica.

judges to be the “Best Real Estate Agency in Canada,” two years in a row – a title that we cherish! Cayman Marshall was also named one of “Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies” by Maclean’s magazine for three years (2018, 2019 & 2022). We have also been named one of Canada’s fastest growing companies by the Globe and Mail. We expect to keep our title as the disrupter in luxury real estate.

Founded on the principles of teamwork, service and value, Cayman Marshall is the best advantage for buyers and sellers alike in Ontario. If you’re looking for a real estate solution that’s undeniably different, please reach out to myself or one of my teammates and start experiencing the advantage!

Todd Adair

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MEET THE TEAM...

RAY DICKSON**

TODD ADAIR*

President/Sales Representative Todd became the President of Cayman Marshall International Realty in 2012. He then became the majority shareholder and recently purchased the entire company.

In Todd’s downtime, you will find him buying, building or renovating his own real estate projects, on the water wakeboarding and kite surfing, or hacking up the fairways of a local golf course. However, Todd’s most important job is being a husband and father to his family of four.

JESSICA KAYE*

KALLAN KOCH

Sales Representative

Ray has been enjoying Muskoka for the past 40+ years and is happy to call it home with his wife Johanna and their two boys. His passion for Muskoka is equally shared with everything real estate and his “this is what I do because I love it” approach.

Growing up on the lakes gave Joel a passion for water sports and the outdoors. Toronto has been home for the past ten years, but Joel will always feel at home on the Big 3.

Whether trading residential or commercial real estate, Joel’s nearly 15 years in the business gives his clients a wealth of knowledge they can depend on. He is best known for helping clients build strong real estate portfolios and finding exceptional spaces to call home.

With 25 years’ experience in sales and marketing, joining the Cayman Marshall team was a great fit for Michael. His “customer first” dedication to his clients has always resulted in successful long-term relationships.

With a passion for boating and water sports, Michael looks forward to enjoying all that the Muskoka Lakes has to offer.

KRISTIN McCREA

MEREDITH PARSONS

JEFF LIDDLE*

Chief Editor

Sales Representative

Jess prides herself on being born and raised in Muskoka, spending summers on the lakes and winters on the snowmobile trails. Jess’ understanding for Muskoka is what helps her succeed in making the real estate transaction successful and enjoyable for all her clients.

Kallan is originally from Ottawa but has called Muskoka her home for the past three years. Kallan is an outdoors enthusiast and enjoys all that Muskoka has to offer. With many years of experience in customer service, we are delighted to have her on our Cayman Marshall team!

Jeff entered into real estate in 2008 facing a down market and a recession. Overcoming the odds, Jeff has now become a “top producer” in his industry. Working and living in Muskoka comes with a deep appreciation; it is this appreciation that Jeff portrays to his clients every day.

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MIKE ARNOLD*

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

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JOEL ADAIR*

Broker of Record

Office Manager/Personal Assistant to Todd Adair

Kristin and her family enjoy calling Muskoka home. In 2015 Kristin began her career with Cayman Marshall and has been lucky to work alongside some of the most talented agents in the business. During her spare time you can find Kristin and her family experiencing all the outdoor activities that Muskoka has to offer.

Designer

Meredith was born and raised in Mississauga and spent her summers as a child exploring Muskoka.

Meredith developed a love for architecture and design at a young age and was able to turn her passion into a career after completing her education in Interior Design at Ryerson University. With over 5 years of experience in the design industry, Meredith is developing her craft while creating beautiful and timeless interiors.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

CAT BROWN*

Sales Representative Growing up in Waterloo, Cat was fortunate enough to spend all of her summers at her family cottage on Lake of Bays. Cayman Marshall sought after Cat for her enthusiastic, positive attitude and Cat is now thrilled to be building a career in Sales with the Cayman Marshall Team.

NEIL BROWN Neil gravitated to the shorelines of Muskoka in 2000 pursuing a passion for watersports. His background as an athlete and affinity for coaching lead to a successful 20-year career in the luxury boat industry, where he was able to gain a deep understanding of the Muskoka cottage lifestyle.

“Working with Todd and his team as clients over the years, I knew I had to be part of Cayman Marshall's unique approach and culture”.

KAREINA DAVEY

STEVE HADDOCK* CAROL HENRY*

Office Administrator

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Kareina spent summers of her childhood at cottages in the Mactier and Nobel Area.

She lived in Alberta for a couple years and loved the mountain views but really missed the lakes and maple trees and could not wait to get back to the peace that is Muskoka. She has been an educator for several years and has worked in customer service. Kareina is excited to be a part of the Cayman Marshall team.

Steve is a strong relationship builder, honest and dedicated to Customer Service. This combined with his intimate knowledge of Muskoka lakes and area has made him a consistent top producer. Steve is an avid cyclist and golfer and maintains residences in Toronto and Muskoka and ties to both communities. His mantra and favourite quote is to “get up, dress up, show up, and never give up”.

Born and raised in Muskoka, Carol is excited to share her passion and knowledge of the area. With an MBA and over 12 years of working in finance, Carol’s clients appreciate her knowledge of the market. Carol strives to exceed her clients’ expectations and attributes her attitude to the habits she adopted as a scholar-athlete.

In her spare time, you can find Carol running Muskoka trails and spending time on the water with her family.

HEAD OFFICE:

SARAH POUNTNEY*

Sales Representative Sarah was born and raised just North of Muskoka. She enjoys the outdoors on the lakes of Muskoka, and islands of Georgian Bay. Sarah is passionate about travel. She has just returned home from Turks and Caicos Islands where she worked in Private International Banking.

With over thirteen years of experience in customer relationship building, she is an excellent addition to the Cayman Marshall Team.

JD STERNE

Magazine Sales/Editor JD is a proud product of Muskoka and joins our team as a commerce grad from uOttawa and its Management Consulting Program. Over a decade of competitive hockey on several teams has equipped JD with grit and sparked a passion for connecting with new people and learning what makes them tick. He is a problem solver, a perpetual learner, and is excited to promote the growth of the Cayman Marshall Magazine.

MICHELLE STILLAR*

202-97B Joseph St Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 705-765-5759

CHARLIE VANDERPOL*

Sales Representative

Licensed Assistant

Michelle being born and raised on the northern shores of Georgian Bay loves being on the water and being involved in the real estate market. Her love for renos gives her an inside scoop in the world of home and cottage ownership and being the newest member, looks forward to being a valuable asset to the team!

Charlie made the move over 8 years ago to beautiful Muskoka where she spent time growing up on the lake and always wanting to make Muskoka part of her roots and pursue her career. With many years of experience in customer service and relations, Charlie is determined and focused on customers and the team members of Cayman Marshall, making her a great addition and asset to our team.

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

BRANCH OFFICE: 20 Main St. W. Huntsville, ON P1H 2C3 705-765-5759 TORONTO OFFICE: 200-99 Yorkville Ave Toronto, ON M5R 3K5 647-696-4733

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