Stonefox Retreat: Acerage, Pond, Hot Tub & Sauna

This stunning 19th century cottage and farm has been family-owned for over 50 years. It is entirely secluded on 100 private acres of forests, streams, and ponds. With no neighbouring houses or roads in sight, it is a world of its own. A true escape through time, but with modern amenities, this is a house loved by all ages. There is ample room to gather and to retreat. It's a perfect choice for birthday celebrations, reunions of friends and family, and an ideal choice for small weddings. The space Welcome to Stonefox, a fabulously secluded paradise, and a true gem of Grey County. Being here is like an escape to Tuscany ~ a scenic haven in a 150 year old limestone cottage on a private acreage, with nearby towns offering an array of dining, activities, and events year-round. Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, this is a home designed by our very own line of artists, and it shows, from the handmade wallpaper to the vast species of trees that our family planted over decades. ** Christmas holidays are now open! We get festive here. After many years of opening presents around a tree, we know how to set the stage for your own family's tradition. ~ Small groups: I offer a separate listing for groups of 2 - 6, where you can stay on the first floor at an adjusted rate. This is typically through weekdays, though full week stays are also welcome. Beyond the cottage, there is a natural wonderland to explore here: rolling landscapes of ponds, streams, forests, ravines, and fields of hay. Spend full days exploring the stunning stream and the majestic woods, venture across the road to the Bruce Trail, and kick back at your choice of lounge areas inside or out. Location: Conviently located (10 minutes to Meaford, 15 to Markdale, 20 to Thornbury or Owen Sound, and 25 to Collingwood) Features of the cottage: - 100 acres to explore, including two big ponds, and a secluded stream through a forest - A brand-new 7-person hot tub (jets galore) nested in pine trees and country views - An indoor sauna in a sun room - A real, working fireplace - A boardgame collection - An authentic library (cultivated over generations of book worms) - Snow shoes - A fire pit - A bath tub - Drinkable water throughout the house - A selection of coffee machines. - A 70" tv with streaming channels - Trail access: we're 10 minute walk to the Bruce Trail. For those staying through spring, summer, and fall, we have a large, beautifully-lit patio with a custom-built harvest table (seats 16 comfortably) an outdoor bar, and a variety of seating areas to take in the views. There's a firepit, a sheltered awning with a propane fire table, and several lawns for games and activities. We have a huge pond that can technically be defined as a lake! It's spring fed, so it's free of weeds and always cool and clean. Great for lounging on floaties (we have them ready) or getting your laps in (it's about 50 metres long). A brand new 7-person hot tub was installed in the summer of 2025. It is semi-lowered with two-step deck access, right off the veranda surrounding the house. This makes it easy for entry in all seasons. We have a selection of coffee machines: standard drip-pour, Keurig, Nespresso, and a french press. There is an ever-growing list of activities to choose from. ~ Hiking! The property runs alongside the Bruce Trail and there is an access point 10 minutes by foot from the driveway. There are many other access points in the area as well. A full week could be spent exploring them all without venturing far from the property. ~ Soak! Hang out in a hot tub flanked by cedar trees with stunning views, from the sprawling fields and forests to the bright sea of stars at night. ~ Sweat! Unwind from a day of exploring in an awesome 3-person indoor sauna. It's got a built-in stereo system! ~ Fall: the land of the stunning leaves: Bask in the wash of colours that sweep through the Niagra Escarpment from just outside the house. ~ Winter: - Skiing! Blue Mountain Village can be reached in 25-30 minutes - Snowshoeing! Set out on group snowshoeing expedition (we've got many pairs, including kids sizes) - Sledding! We've got a kid-friendly slope on the field behind the barn. Please bring your own sleds. - Explore the winter wonderland! A good pair of boots recommended (hot tip: snow pants are the best!) ~ Chill! - Get cozy around the fireplace. We offer a bag of firewood and kindling for each group) - Movie nights (or days!) We've got a 70" TV with Netflix, Prime, Crave, and TSN. - We have a sheltered patio with year-round furniture, beautifully lit by warm lighting in the evening. There's a standing propane heater and a fire table to keep you cozy on chilly nights. - For snowmobilers: An OFSC trail runs alongside the property, easily accessible from the laneway. Note that the trail is at a distance from the house, and won't be a disturbance. ~ Year-round: ~ Cook a feast in the well-stocked kitchen, or settle in to an afternoon of baking. Aside from the standard stove, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher, we've got all the small appliances and cookware you may need. We keep them stored but accessible, just ask! - New oven and dishwasher (2024) - Instant pot / pressure cooker / rice cooker - Dutch oven - Food processor - Breadmaker - Mini mixer (hand-held) - Popcorn maker ~ Basic condiments (ketchup, bbq sauce, hot sauce, etc.) ~ Basic staples: salt, flower, sugar, olive oil, balsamic vinegar - Do some yoga! We've got 10 top quality new mats for you, to spread out as a group and take in a session on the giant TV (or sneak off to the dock before everyone wakes up). ~ Grilling up a feast on the propane BBQ and the charcoal BBQs that are set in the stone wall of the house. Through the summer months, the main highlight is the football-field sized pond. Naturally filtered by a stream descending from the Niagra Escarpment, the water is so clean and clear, it will feel more like a lake (arguably better), only one you will have all to yourselves. ~ Spring: Paddleboat around the pond, or get cozy around our big firepit! Set in a stone enclave conveniently close to the house, you can gather round and get toasty, even on chilly nights. ~ Summer: Spend whole days swimming and tanning at the massive, spring-fed pond, with a natural stream keeping it cool, clean, and refreshing. Hang out on the dock, laze around on the floaties, all within a three minute stroll from the front door of the house. ~ Celebrate! In the past year, this house has hosted many birthdays for all ages, work retreats (great WIFI), reunions, a citizenship ceremony, and a murder mystery! Several groups of family and friends that came last year are returning to make it a tradition. For those hosting events, please send a message. Please note that we do not accommodate additional guests beyond those listed in the booking unless special circumstances have been arranged. Those with kids - they love it and sometimes cry when it's time to leave. They make names for it, and so many do come back that there's a wee generation growing up here. Those with dogs - they will be in heaven. Guaranteed. Those with mobility challenges - you'll have a step-free bedroom with an ensuite bathroom on the first floor. Those with birthdays - we love hosting them and can help with decor. Bedrooms: There are six total. Every one of them has been designed for maximum comfort and style. Bedroom 1: A queen bed with ensuite (with shower and bath) - first floor. Bedroom 2: A queen bed with ensuite bathroom (with shower) - first floor. Bedroom 3: A King bed (great for tall people - no foot board) Bedroom 4: A Queen bed Bedroom 5: A King bed and a twin bed Bedroom 6: Two twin beds Travelling with infants / toddlers? We've got a portable baby crib with bedding, a high chair, and a pack n' play (Please ask ahead of time). Living room 1: Huge space with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and a 70" TV (has an HDMI cable) Couch and armchair seating plenty for a big group. Living room 2: Giant country windows, antique furnishings, amazing afternoon light, incredibly peaceful. There are two workspaces, two areas for game play, and a great library (original family collection). Outdoor spaces: - Hot tub with easy access off the veranda surrounding the house. We keep the path well maintained throughout the winter - and in circumstances where we're unable to get there (ie. for longer stays), we have shovels, including a motor-powered one, and salt on site. A paddle boat and several large floats are on hand for all-day water fun. The dock is perfect for sun-tanning, reading, chatting, and taking in the glorious sunset over the pond. Guest access You are welcome to explore the property, namely the 100 acre vicinity surrounding the house, which covers the pond, the stream and ravine, and several fields. It's a lot of ground to cover in a few days' time. Other things to note This property appears (and is) very secluded. Please be mindful of loud noise and music when you're by the pond. We love and respect our neighbours. We have an outdoor security camera above the garage.