Area Services and Amenities Add Value to Cottage Properties

(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 17, 2007 ) Minden, Ontario -- The typical Ontario lakeside cottage of today bares little resemblance to the summer cottage that we fondly remember from our childhood. In Muskoka and Haliburton, you will be hard pressed to find many lakeside properties that have remained modest dwellings with well-worn, rustic charm and only the basis amenities. Gone are the simple cottage accoutrements traditionally found, such as outdoor plumbing, the old cook stove and threadbare furniture and cast-off finds. In many cases, they have been replaced with state of the art gourmet kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and designer decor. This change is due to many factors, including the high cost of lakefront real estate and an aging population with both time and money on their hands. And, not only does this segment of the population demand more in a cottage property, they want ready access to a variety of entertainment, dining and recreational activities and pursuits. While most cottagers still view their cottage as a place to relax in privacy and escape the crowds of the city, they have no wish to isolate themselves. They want to be able to get to the cottage as quickly as possible and once there, they want the convenience of having a variety of shops and services within easy reach. Ontario’s cottage country towns thrive during the summer months when cottagers are in residence. Grocery stores, marinas and restaurants do most of their business during the summer. As well, speciality businesses and services are emerging to serve the wider demands of today’s cottager. On crystal clear Little Hawk Lake in the Haliburton Highlands, the demands and expectations of its cottagers are fairly typical, however, their situation is not. Almost all of Little Hawk Lake cottages are water access only. While some regard water access as an advantage, providing seclusion and quiet, many might view it as a major inconvenience. Fortunately, Little Hawk Lake cottage owners have the best of both worlds, privacy and convenient access to goods and services. Oakview Lodge & Marina (http://www.oakviewlodge.com), nestled on the shores of Little Hawk Lake, is a charming full service country inn with gourmet dining and marina that has served the needs of Little Hawk cottagers for years. Every summer, many cottagers make full use of Oakview’s extensive marine facilities to launch, dock and fuel their boats, before heading across the lake to the cottage. Winter boat storage is also available, taking the hassle out of finding a place to store the boat off season. A general store provides many of the necessities, without the long trek into town. Oakview’s chief claim to fame however, and why it is so popular and of such value to the lake community, is its first class dining room which rivals the best restaurants in the city.Oakview Lodge and Marina owners Valerie and Kernar Kulla feel that Oakview Lodge not only helps make owning a cottage on Little Hawk more enjoyable and a lot more convenience, it adds to cottage property values as well. “Many of Little Hawk cottage owners use Oakview Inn in much the same way as they would their own private country club. They boat over from the cottage to have dinner on the patio or a drink in the bar. It’s a place where friends can gather by the fireplace and visit. In the colder months, when cottages are less accessible, many cottage owners come up from the city to stay in one of our bed and breakfast suites. Cottage owners also turn to Oakview to house overflow cottage guests,” states Valerie Kulla. “People love their lake and when it comes time to celebrate a major event like a wedding or anniversary, we are honoured that they want to celebrate it here at Oakview lodge,” Kulla adds. Today’s cottage owner no longer seems to be satisfied with yesterday’s traditional cottage recreational pursuits. They want more exciting activities, and require a wide variety of specialty services and conveniences. While the price of Ontario cottage country real estate continues to climb, properties that have the added benefit of being close to amenities and services will be seen as particularly desirable.Oakview Lodge & Marina offers immaculate year-round comfortable accommodations accompanied by fabulous fine dining. This country inn is ideal for romantic couples, honeymooners, banquets, weddings, corporate meetings, or any vacationer interested in customized resort packages and services. For more information, please visit Oakview Lodge and Marina or call 1-866-292-6125.###This press release was issued through GroupWeb EmailWire.Com. For more information on press release distribution, go to http://www.emailwire.com.

Kevin Dill

hillaryalane@yahoo.com