Ruby View Cottage on Otty Lake

Enjoy a wonderful waterfront view of Ruby Island in this well-equipped 2-bedroom cottage on Otty Lake, just 15 minutes from Perth. It features a private waterfront, swimming/boating area, stunning sunsets, updated kitchen, 1.5 baths, WiFi, TV, AC. 2026 Bookings: Spring Season (May 29 to June 12) - 2 night minimum Summer Season (June 13 to Aug 28) - 7 night minimum Saturday to Saturday Fall Season (Aug 29 to Oct. 11) - 2 night minimum (10% discount for 7-night stay) The space About ‘Ruby View Cottage on Otty Lake’ Two Bedrooms: This inviting waterside cottage on Otty Lake has been fully updated and includes a large 12’ x 18’ master bedroom that overlooks the lake, featuring a queen size bed, dresser, IKEA Pax closet and a 'cozy corner' lounging chair with reading light. Next to it, is a new 2-piece bathroom that is accessible for all guests without having to enter the master bedroom. At the other end of the cottage is a guest bedroom with a single bed and a bunk bed (with a single top and a double bottom). This bedroom can sleep up to 4 guests. Across from this bedroom is the main bathroom featuring an updated vanity, toilet and glassed-in shower. Bed linens, pillows, blankets, bath towels and kitchen towels are all included. The cottage has a ductless AC/heat pump in the main living/dining/kitchen area as well as a portable electric heater and fan in each bedroom. Kitchen: The kitchen is well stocked with pots, pans, cutlery, utensils and place settings for 8 as well as lots of mugs, drinking and wine glasses. The kitchen features a full fridge with freezer, oven/stove, microwave, wood-topped island with a double sink, plus toaster, blender, kettle, Keurig plus a regular coffee maker. Drinking water: The cottage has running water that is sourced from the lake (not potable), so we provide jugs of drinkable water for the water cooler. The water cooler is a bottom-load that doesn’t require heavy lifting to move new bottles into place. The lake water from the taps for is good for showering, toilets, washing dishes, boiling for cooking as needed. Living Area: The living and dining area is open concept and connects with the kitchen. The dining room features a table and chairs for 6. There is a L-shaped couch, chair and Smart TV in the living area. We have basic Bell ExpressVu satellite TV service and Bell Internet, so you can stream a TV show or join a work Zoom call without issues. Multiple streams at the same time might slow downloads. Waterside: The outside deck is accessed through double front doors (with a separate screen door) and features a patio/dining table with 6 chairs, umbrella, netting, other summer chairs, and a propane BBQ with an extra propane tank in the boathouse if needed. The property is fairly well treed with mature cedar, spruce and pine trees, so it gives a good balance of sun and shade throughout the day. There is a set of stairs with a railing from the parking area to the walkway at the cottage. At the lakefront side of the cottage, it’s a pretty gentle walk down the front lawn to the water. Right at the shore, there is a waterside deck with Muskoka chairs to sit and enjoy the lake, passing boats and the wildlife that includes visits by the local geese, loons, mergansers and turtles. The Lake: Otty Lake is the closest lake to Perth and as such has attracted a lot more year-round residences over the years. It’s a relatively quiet lake that is about 1km wide and 7 km long. The lake is spring-fed for the most part and primarily enclosed so boat traffic is less than on other lakes. In-season fishing is great, and you’ll see bass beds off the dock in late spring. There are lot of little islands to explore by canoe, and you have a front row seat to enjoy the western sunsets over Ruby Island (also known as Farmers Island) right across the bay. Swimming: The lake frontage is approximately 100’. By the boathouse, from shore, there is a shallow, gradual-depth area with a sandy bottom that is about 15’ wide and extends 15’ out where toddlers enjoy playing/swimming. In the middle of the waterfront, there is a 22-foot dock, with new aluminum stairs for easy access to a deeper swimming area. Further out from shore, there can be some weeds especially into the later summer, but they drop away as you swim out. The lake also offers some great swimming at other spots too. A canoe, two youth kayaks, floaties and swim noodles are included, as well as an 8-foot 'swim ring' that can be anchored in the deeper water during the day. We request you bring proper fitting life jackets to ensure you have the right size for you and your guests. Backup life jackets for 2 adults are available and some select children’s sizes. And don't forget to bring your beach towel! Note: All of Otty Lake has zebra mussels, which simply require cheap water shoes. Boat Launch: If you'd like to launch a boat into Otty Lake for use during your time at the cottage, there is a free, newly updated Tay Valley public boat launch 3 minutes away on Miller Bay Road with a gentle incline, graveled launch and dock. Our cottage dock is long enough to accommodate most boats. Guest access The full cottage is accessible with the exception of a small owner’s closet by the smaller bathroom. Guests can find paddles, floaties and extra chairs in the boathouse on the southeast side. Feel free to move the outdoor chairs where you want so you can make your own ‘Perfect Perch’ to enjoy the waterfront. Other things to note Peace and quiet. The cottage is located down a small lane with only one other cottage on the lane way. There is parking for three vehicles. The bay is peaceful too, as most of the watercraft pass by further out by the island. All the immediate neighbours and families have been there for at least 50 years, and everyone loves the peace and quiet of the little bay. A visit to Perth! If you want a short day-trip, we’re just 15 minutes from Perth – a delightful heritage town that has been named one of the ‘Prettiest Towns in Ontario’. The community boasts 19th-century stone architecture, the beautiful mid-town Stewart Park, the Tay River waterway, plus a quaint downtown with unique shops, pubs, restaurants, the historic Matheson House Museum and the Perth Studio Theatre. You must grab an ice cream at Peter’s Restaurant! Provincial Park: The cottage is just 9 minutes away from Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, located on Big Rideau Lake which is part of the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal. They offer hiking trails and tours of the Park’s ‘Silver Queen Mine’, which is an early 1900s open-pit mica mine. Also nearby: The village of Westport is 20 minutes away for shopping, treats, pubs and a view of Upper Rideau Lake from the Westport Harbour. Rideau Ferry (14 minutes away) has a municipal dock, restaurant, snack shack and a convenience/grocery store with gas pumps, an LCBO outlet and the best homemade cookies!