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, as well as 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.

The demands and expectations of cottagers tend to be very similar regardless of geographic location; however, the location plays a crucial factor in the value of the cottage properties. For example, when almost all of a region's cottages are water access only, it poses unique challenges. While some regard water access as an advantage - providing seclusion and quiet, many might view it as a major inconvenience. Fortunately, cottage owners are able to have the best of both worlds - privacy and convenient access to goods and services - when area services and amenities are added.

Cottage property owners are seeing the value that area services and amenities are able to add. Since many of 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.

Local inns and resorts have caught onto the concept of being able to offer much more to the cottage community. Small cottage towns rarely have all of the amenities that cottagers seek on a year round basis. 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.

Inn and resort owners realize that people who own cottages often have visitors and are limited on space. Being established near a cottage town enables the guests to stay nearby, at the inn; thus, providing an added sense of convenience as it houses overflow cottage guests.

Many of cottage owners use local inns 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 at the bar. It's a place where friends can gather and visit.

Area services and amenities also add value to the cottage community by increasing the local economy and livelihood. People appreciate having ready access to a wide variety of services on the lake, and by making what would traditionally be an inconvenient lakefront town, people are now able to take advantage of all that the lake and community have to offer. As a result, when it comes time to celebrate a major event like a wedding or anniversary, people want to celebrate it in a lakefront town that is able to meet their needs.

Area services and amenities add value to cottage properties. Not only does it help make owning a cottage with water access only more enjoyable and convenient, it also adds to cottage property values.

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.