Your Nordic Spa Getaway Awaits in Minden Hills

Your own riverside Nordic spa, steps from downtown Minden! Relax, play & reconnect at Minden River Retreat. ★ 5 Bedroom | 3.5 Baths ★ Hot Tub, Sauna & Cold Plunge ★ Gull River Front ★ Arcade, Ping Pong & Games ★ Fire Pit & Seasonal Dock STR24-00014 The space Looking for the perfect getaway where everyone can relax, reconnect, and enjoy a little something different? You've found it! Welcome to Minden River Retreat, a spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home overlooking the beautiful Gull River, just a short walk from historic downtown Minden! Whether you're planning a cozy weekend curled up with a good book, a relaxing spa getaway with friends, or a memorable family gathering over the holidays, this home has something for everyone. Enjoy your very own private Nordic spa overlooking the river, complete with a hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge, spacious living and dining areas made for bringing everyone together, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Best of all? You're within walking distance of Minden's charming shops, restaurants, and local attractions, giving you the perfect balance of a peaceful riverside retreat and the convenience of having town right around the corner. Let's do a quick tour! Shall we? MAIN FLOOR LEVEL A few steps lead up to the front porch, where two Muskoka chairs offer a cozy spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Step inside to a convenient mudroom with space to settle in and unpack your outdoor essentials. A half bathroom is located just off the entrance. KITCHEN | DINING | LIVING ROOM The heart of the home features a spacious, fully equipped kitchen, perfect for preparing everything from quick breakfasts to family dinners. We have a wonderful kitchen island with some seating area, and some nice comfy chairs as well in this space. Kitchen highlights include: - Brand-new oven - Full-size refrigerator - Microwave - Keurig 2-in-1 coffee maker for K-Cups or drip coffee - Cookware, dishes, utensils, and everyday kitchen essentials - Plenty of space for preparing meals Just beyond the kitchen, the beautiful dining area is one of the home's highlights! Featuring a large, elegant dining table with seating for eight, this inviting space is made for memorable meals, lively conversations, and quality time together. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, or gathering for an evening of games and drinks, it's the perfect place to bring everyone together. The dining area flows seamlessly into the open-concept living room, creating a spacious and welcoming setting for your group. Settle in for movie nights on the massive flat-screen Smart TV, catch up with friends, or simply relax while enjoying views of the Gull River through the windows. From the living room, a three-season enclosed entryway provides access to the outdoor areas. SECOND PART OF MAIN LEVEL: BEDROOM 1 | Main Floor Queen Suite Conveniently located on the main level, this bedroom is ideal for guests who prefer to avoid the upstairs bedrooms. - Comfortable Queen-size bed (Firm) - Private ensuite bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet - Pack 'n Play available for families travelling with little ones (bring your own bedding, no mattress) GAMES ROOM & BAR AREA Let the friendly competition begin! Just off the main hallway past the stairs (from the kitchen) you'll find a dedicated entertainment area designed for spending quality time together. This space features: - Kitchenette and bar area - A variety of board games - Four-person games and poker table - Space to gather for game nights and drinks THREE-SEASON GAMES ROOM Continue through the games area to discover another fun space featuring: - Ping pong table - Classic Ms. Pac-Man arcade game Connected to the games room, the screened Muskoka room is a wonderful seasonal gathering space where you can enjoy the fresh air while staying sheltered from direct exposure to the outdoors. Featuring an outdoor dining table and comfortable seating, it's perfect for afternoon conversations, casual meals, or relaxing after a day on the river. Please note that these two areas are a seasonal, screened outdoor space and are not heated. SECOND FLOOR | Bedrooms & Bathrooms Head upstairs to discover four additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing plenty of space for everyone to spread out. BEDROOM 2 | King Bedroom Located at the front of the home, this inviting bedroom features: - King-size bed (Medium Firmness) - Two comfortable chairs - Windows overlooking the front of the property BEDROOM 3 | Bunk Room Perfect for kids, teens, or guests sharing a room, this bedroom features: - Twin-over-double bunk bed (single upper bunk, double lower bunk) (Firm) - Windows facing the front of the property Please note that this is the only bedroom without guest robes. UPSTAIRS FULL BATHROOM A modern full bathroom is conveniently located off the hallway and includes a shower, sink, and toilet. BEDROOM 4 | Queen Bedroom A comfortable and welcoming bedroom featuring: - Queen-size bed (Firm) - Windows with partial views toward the river and neighbouring properties BEDROOM 5 | Queen Suite with Workspace Located at the end of the hallway, this bedroom offers additional privacy and convenience. Features include: - Queen-size bed - Dedicated desk/workstation - Private ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower combination, sink, and toilet A NOTE ABOUT THE UPSTAIRS As part of the home's unique character, several upstairs rooms feature angled ceilings. Taller guests should be mindful of the lower ceiling sections. OUTDOOR SPACES | BONFIRE PIT, PRIVATE NORDIC SPA | DOCK Step outside and enjoy the property's riverside setting, with spaces designed for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. PRIVATE NORDIC SPA | The Highlight of Your Stay Your very own Nordic-inspired spa experience awaits, overlooking the Gull River! Whether you're starting your morning with a sauna session or ending the evening under the stars in the hot tub, this private spa setup is one of the home's standout features. Enjoy the contrast of hot and cold with three dedicated wellness amenities: - Hot Tub: Accommodates up to 6 guests, perfect for soaking and unwinding. - Sauna: Seats up to 6 guests, ideal for warming up after a day of outdoor adventures. - Cold Plunge: Accommodates up to 3 guests for a refreshing cool-down. FIRE PIT | Gather Under the Stars Enjoy evenings around the outdoor fire pit, complete with eight Muskoka chairs. Share stories, roast marshmallows, or simply enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire. Please note that firewood is not provided. Guests are welcome to bring or purchase their own, subject to local fire restrictions. GULL RIVER & SEASONAL DOCK The property backs directly onto the beautiful Gull River, known for its scenic surroundings and popular summer tubing adventures. A seasonal dock is typically installed from May through the end of September, weather and water conditions permitting. Guests are welcome to bring their own kayaks, floaties, and other water equipment to enjoy the river. Guest access You have access to the entire property. You won't have access to locked spaces, or the garage. Other things to note Our space is located in the woods and we do treat the exterior to keep out pests including insects and mice, this is a reality of being surrounded by beautiful mother nature. Should this be of concern to you our space may not be the best fit. Animals you may see during your stay include deer, black bears, groundhogs, mice, and insects. The cottage has a generator. In the rare event of a power outage, please come prepared and have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Most outages in the area are resolved quickly, and during the winter months, keep in mind power usage to a minimum if using the generator. It will turn on automatically. We also provide shovels and salt for winter use, and a snow removal service maintains the driveway. However, conditions can vary, even though we’re close to Minden. Entry to the home is fairly flat, but we strongly recommend winter tires and, ideally, a 4x4 vehicle for safe travel. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds due to weather, power outages or vehicle preparedness. Please list all guests when booking, including adults & children. We will cancel your booking should you be over occupancy. We do not allow day visitors. We have a licence and we have to be fair to us and our neighbours. Pets are allowed for an extra $75 per pet. All pets need to be potty trained. No puppies.Please wipe your pets paws and keep off furniture . Even though it's in the woods please clean up after your pet. Nordic Spa Usage: Our private Nordic spa is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please keep the following in mind: Hot Tub: Maximum 6 guests at a time. Please shower before entering and avoid using glassware in or around the spa. Sauna: Maximum 6 guests. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and avoid prolonged sessions or overheating. Cold Plunge: Maximum 3 guests. Cold-water immersion can be physically demanding. Enter slowly, keep your head above water, and limit your time based on your comfort and experience. Hot & Cold Therapy: Allow your body time to adjust between temperatures. Avoid sudden temperature changes if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unwell. Children: Must be supervised around all spa amenities at all times. The cold plunge is not recommended for children. Health Considerations: Guests who are pregnant or have cardiovascular conditions, blood pressure concerns, or other relevant health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using the spa. General Safety: No diving, jumping, rough play, or use while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Weather: Spa amenities may be temporarily unavailable during severe weather, freezing conditions, or required maintenance. Please follow all posted instructions and use the spa amenities responsibly. Gargbage: We provide a one time dump pass to take the garbage to the dump after your stay. Should you want to have our cleaners take it they can for $20/bag, sorted, or $50/bag unsorted. Dock: Watercraft, floaties, and life jackets are not provided. Guests should bring properly fitted life jackets for water activities. Dock availability depends on seasonal weather and water conditions (usually from Mid May to Mid September, however, you can always access the water or walk down to the bigger dock ramp) The river is a natural waterway, and conditions and currents can vary, please ALWAYS watch your children and wear life jackets. PARKING & PROPERTY ACCESS Private driveway with parking for approximately 4–6 vehicles. A few steps are required to reach the front entrance. Interior staircase provides access to the second-floor bedrooms. The separate garage is not available for guest use. Seasonal outdoor spaces may have limited availability during colder months Pre-Arrival Information: After your booking is confirmed, we’ll send a short pre-arrival form for the primary guest to complete. This helps us prepare for your stay and includes basic details such as guest contact information, names of additional guests, confirmation of house rules, and your expected arrival time. The form only takes a few minutes to complete and helps ensure a smooth check-in experience. Once submitted, we’ll be able to provide the full check-in and access instructions for the property. Important: We are committed to protecting our properties and keeping up-to-date with short-term rental regulations, which is why you will be asked to complete our independent verification. Please note: Before your booking begins, you will need to verify your details with us to complete your booking. You will be contacted via email and/or text to complete the verification. You will also be given the choice between paying a refundable deposit or buying a non-refundable damage waiver. We suggest you buy the damage waiver as this protects you in case you cause accidental damage during a booking.