Stonefox Retreat: secluded cottage on 100 acres

A secluded escape for nature lovers, remote workers, families and couples. 100 acres of wildfowers, streams, ponds, forests, and hay fields. Two bedrooms plus a pull-out sofa with plenty of space to spread out. The longer you stay, the less you pay per night. We offer a hot tub, an indoor sauna, a stocked kitchen, BBQ, a fire pit, two living rooms, a 70" TV (Netflix Prime, Crave), great WIFI throughout, boardgames, a library and several patios. Snowshoes! The space This year-round cottage is the oldest in the region (1850s) and has been family-operated for over 50 years. A favourite for wedding anniversaries, hiking on the property or the nearby (10 min walk) Bruce Trail, or for working remotely while enjoying some luxurious and very secluded R'nR. Though conveniently close to Meaford, an up-and-coming hotspot of a town that offers great dining and pubs, and close to Thornbury (20 min drive) and Collingwood (25 min), this is the most private of properties you'll ever find. You won't see another human, and even the neighbouring homes and roads are out of sight from anywhere on the full 100 acres of the property. We host large groups over weekends (the house has 6 bedrooms in all), but make the first floor available to smaller groups and couples throughout the week. BUT! Stay for five nights or more and the weekend is yours at a great discount if it's available. For extra guests and / or special arrangements, please message me, or look us up (Stonefox Retreat) to get in touch directly. We have a pull-out sofa, Feel free to bring along an air matress and bring two more along. There are two big living rooms so there's plenty of space for all. For those interested in getting some extra privacy for a bedroom upstairs, just message me and we can work out a price adjustment. It's an amazing spot to escape to from the city, and if you're able to work remotely, you can do so easily here without issues. There is great WIFI throughout, with several workspace areas (both private and shared). There is so much to explore on this property, with its ponds, creeks, forests, and rolling hillsides, with the Bruce Trail right down the street. The property runs direclty along the Niagra Escarpment, which, even if you don't explore it on foot, still offers incredble views year-round. Year round: - Hiking! The access point to the Bruce Trail is 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. Or just refer to our map and spent your time grazing the private acres. - Relaxing around the fire pit - Grilling up a feast on the propane BBQ and the charcoal BBQs that are set in the stone wall of the house. The house is lavelishly spaceous. A modern addition was designed by my grandparents in the 1990s, transforming it into a wonderful trip through time (it's so big it feels like two houses). You will have the house and property entirely to yourselves. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ Note: For booking the whole house: ~ There are four additional bedrooms and a third bathroom on the second floor. There is a seperate listing for larger groups- to find it, just increase the guest count to about 10 and search Meaford area, and look out for "Stonefox" in the title. Or just search Stonefox Retreat online. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those with kids - it's a wonderland of play and adventure. Those with dogs - they will be in heaven. Those with mobility issues - you'll have two step-free bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom on the first floor. There is a single (4") step in the dining area, but a ramp can be supplied on request. 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). Getting around: Conviently located (10 minutes to Meaford, 20 to Thornbury or Owen Sound, and 25 to Collingwood) ~ Fancy a night on the town? There are taxi services in town that can accommodate, just be sure to call in advance (I can help). ~ Skiiers can get to Blue Mountain in 22 minutes, Talisman in 25. Cook a feast in the well-stocked kitchen, or settle in to an afternoon of baking. You'll have a stove, a large gas BBQ, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. We've also got all the small appliances and cookware you may need (and if you're unsure, just ask), including: - 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 Light a fire (firewood is complimentary) while watching movies on a 70" TV (Netflix, Prime, and Crave all included) Play boardgames in a 19th century parlour (we have an ample collection of games, but are always looking for suggestions) Hang out in the hot tub under the stars, nestled on one side by cedar trees and with a sprawling view of the landscape. Cozy up in our sheltered patio with the warmth from an outdoor heater and propane fire table Steam up in the sauna while enjoying its built-in stereo system - without setting foot outside! 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). Bedroom 1 (queen bed): an escape in time (it's the original 'master' bedroom of the old farm house), with two giant country windows and wallpaper handcrafted by my grandmother herself. An ensuite bathroom doubles as the central bathroom on the main floor. The bedroom also features an antique desk with a beautiful view (great for work or study). Bedroom 2 (queen bed): Extremely spacioius, this is the 'modern' room, with its own private ensuite bathroom. There's a great workspace here as well, also with a view of the beautiful country scenery. Patio areas / hot tub: Hot tub with deck that has easy-access stairs and a railing, beatifully lit at night. The path and deck are cleared of snow and salted regularly. 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. 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! You are also welcome to use the firepit(s) and stone BBQs (built into the wall of the house). Firewood is complimentary. Other things to note There is SO much to explore in the Grey Highlands. Whether you're here to get some R n' R, for remote work, or likely a mix of both, please check out my guidebook and do some searching of your own. Those coming in the spring: the whole region comes ALIVE with the new farming season, with festivals, workshops, and vendors / farmers markets. I'd be happy to help investigate some options, as I love to connect people to the faces, places, and things they will love. We have an outdoor security camera above the garage.