Best's Cottage on Crowe River

The Best's cottage is the perfect spot for couples, families (with kids), or solo adventurers. With the short drive of 2 hours from Toronto or 2 hours 45 minutes from Ottawa this is a great getaway location. Plenty of water toys included with your stay, 2 private beaches, and ample room for all your guests with 250 ft of waterfront on a 1 acre lot. If you like to be surrounded by the simplicity of nature while creating memories with your loved ones then this is the place for you! Welcome!!! The space The upstairs of the cottage includes all of the regular comforts of home – 3 bedrooms, 2 queen beds and 1 double bed, washing machine, clothes line (outside), Wi-Fi, 2 bathrooms, water cooler (water provided), central air, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen with: microwave, fridge/freezer, stove, coffee maker (filters not included), and toaster. Comfortably sleeps 6 people upstairs. A completely separate walkout basement apartment has been added to the cottage which allows space for 6 more guests (the only access to the basement is from outside, there is no staircase connecting the 2 spaces from the inside). This space has 2 bedrooms, both with double beds, and a pull out couch in the living room. The basement is equipped with a full kitchen (fridge/freezer, stove, microwave, toaster, sink, coffee maker, plates, cutlery, etc), 4 piece bathroom (sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub), smart TV, and small kitchen table with 2 chairs. With the combined top of bottom of the cottage 12 people can sleep comfortably. The top and bottom will not be rented out separately. Best’s cottage has a large wrap around deck, perfect for entertaining, equipped with a BBQ (hardlined into a large tank therefore no need to switch tanks), patio set, and large patio umbrella if you’re looking for some afternoon shade. The cottage is situated on a 1 acre rolling lot, including 250 feet of waterfront, with easy water access at the end of the dock and a separate sandy walk-in area, exclusive to the cottage. The waterfront is a gradual depth, increasing to about 5' at the end of the dock to a virtually weed-free, sand/rock-bottom lake. The waterfront seating includes a landscaped area with a sandy area by the water and a fire pit (1 crate of firewood provided, additional wood can be purchased locally or at the cottage). Also available to our cottage guests is a separate larger beach (20ft wide). This beautiful beach also gradually ascends into the water. Depending on water levels the docks will be put in mid May and removed mid October. The 4 kids kayaks, adult tandem kayak, 2 single kayaks, adult paddle board, 2 kids paddle boards, and canoe, will be available to use May-November. The water mat and floating dock will only be available when the dock is in. Crowe River flows out of Belmont Lake and Best’s Cottage is close enough to the lake that a short boat ride will take you out into the larger water. This stretch of the river is low traffic due to a conservation water level dam a few river bends away, approximately 1/2 km. However, you may not want to venture far from this tranquil stretch of water which is great for swimming, fishing and exploring in the paddleboat, kayak or stand-up paddle boards or lounging in the hammocks. Watch for kingfisher, loons, turtles, great blue heron and osprey – it’s a nature lover’s paradise. We are fully stocked with linens/comforters/blankets (but bring your own beach towels) to make your stay comfortable. Enjoy our small library of movies to watch, books to read, and games to play. This is a family friendly place! With plenty of yard space there's lawn games (KanJam, croquet, washer toss, lawn darts) to play and a volleyball/badminton court with all equipment provided. Airhockey and board games are inside. If you have guests visiting during your stay there is a large lot next to the cottage that is perfect for tents. Please inquire about additional guest pricing. There’s plenty to do in this area of the Kawartha region. Pretty waterside villages, provincial parks, hiking trails, farmers’ markets, and sand beaches are all within an hour’s drive, so take the time to explore too. Guest access The cottage and its surroundings are yours to enjoy and explore. Please do not access the shed, trailer or bunkie. The entire property (1 acre lot) and 250 feet of waterfront is exclusively for your useage. Other things to note * Please leave the cottage as you found it with dishes washed and surfaces cleaned etc. * No smoking inside, you may smoke outside but please put butts in the fire pit. * Pets - no cats due to the owner's allergies. * Please be respectful of noise level (early morning and late evening) for neighbours. * The cottage is on a septic system so conserve water and only flush biodegradable items. Also please DO NOT put coffee grinds down the sink or toilet and dispose of sanitary napkin products, wet wipes and diapers in the garbage, NOT down the toilet. * Let’s keep the cottage and water safe and refrain from using glasses or glass bottles when by the water. * Bring all garbage/recycling to the municipal waste site as there is no local garbage pick-up (location posted in your welcome package at the cottage). Transfer station is closed Tuesdays/Wednesdays and is located 5 mins from the cottage. For an extra $50 fee your garbage and recycling can be taken care of by the owner but garbage must be in a clear bag and recycling sorted. Failure to sort recycling or leaving garbage behind will result in $100 to be deducted from your security deposit.