A Townie’s Guide to Cottage Country &A Sneak Peak at Project Ranleigh

From Our Family to the Lake
We've been longtime Muskoka cottagers—the kind who know where to find the best bread (hellooo Windmill Bakery, Huntsville), and the nearest backup paddle (AO—all locations).

One of our kids was even born at the Huntsville hospital (yep—August 1st, long weekend baby!). So when we say we love cottage country, we mean it in every sense—the people, the places, the rhythm of the trees, and the shops we make time to visit again and again.

This guide is our love letter to the small-town gems that make summer sweeter.

We’ve included a few favourite spots from the Kawartha Lakes—Melissa’s hometown region—and from the quieter corner of the country where Stephen currently resides. These places reflect the slower pace and warm hospitality we love, and they round out our list with a few extra-special stops worth the detour.

📍 Bracebridge & Huntsville

• Simply Cottage (Bracebridge)
  Timeless homewares with a Muskoka twist.

• Kala House of Colour (Bracebridge)
  Home décor and gifts with a touch of play and polish.

• Sustain Eco Store (Huntsville)
  Low-waste goods, clean home essentials, and beautifully considered living — sustainability meets style.

• Coles Art Market (Huntsville)
  Canadian-made art and gifts—a visual feast.

• Cedar Canoe Books (Bracebridge & Huntsville)
  A cozy nook for indie books and unique finds.

• Sandhill Nursery (Huntsville)
  So much more than a nursery—think live music, seasonal events, giftables, and all with a licensed bar!

📍 Bobcaygeon

• Douglas & Son
  Modern rustic lifestyle shop with serious taste.

• Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen
  Stylish décor and entertaining essentials (yes, it’s connected to the shoe store you know and love).

📍 Peterborough

• Cozy Home
  A favourite for thoughtful gifts—our past clients may spot familiar finds from here.

📍 Brighton & PEC

• Northumberland Fine Food
  Artisanal snacks, gourmet goods, and local charm in every jar.

• Penney & Company
  A beautifully curated shop by designer Michael Penney — full of vintage charm, classic pieces, and signature style that feels timeless and lived-in.

Cottage Country Map

Sneak Peek: Project Ranleigh

Meet Project Ranleigh—a beloved family home that was ready for a refresh. The focus: the entire upstairs, where we reimagined the bedrooms, home office, and two bathrooms to feel more intentional, elevated, and ready for the next chapter. We also gave the basement media room a full makeover—turning it into a cozy, functional retreat perfect for movie nights and laid-back weekends.

This phase is where everything starts to click into place. At the Design Presentation, clients get to see the full vision come together—not just on paper, but in 3D renderings, tactile samples, and thoughtful layouts that show how each room will feel and function. It’s a chance to step inside the design before it’s built, make informed decisions, and ensure everything aligns beautifully with how you live.

What you'll see:
🖼️ Full design boards
📐 3D renders
🎨 Finish and product selections
📋 Layout + lighting details

This collaborative checkpoint is one of our favourite phases—it's where the vision becomes tangible and the excitement truly begins.