Hidden Paradise on Big Rideau Lake

4-season home/cottage

Specifications and Features

“…everything you may have wanted to know, and more…”

 

There is a lot of detail here. Our philosophy is simple: You are going to make a major investment, in a special waterfront retreat that may well become a timeless, treasured centerpiece for leisure, lifestyle, and rejuvenation for generations to come. We want to make it easy for you to learn as much as possible about what you are buying. Since we (the vendor) bought and built the place and designed and engineered the various special systems and features, we are in a unique position to provide a great deal of detail. And since there are so many special features, we have no hesitation in answering questions you may not have thought to ask.

 

We are also confident that when you compare these features and specifications to whatever other properties might be on the market, you will realize for yourself just how incomparable this place is.

 

However, when so much detail is provided, there is always the possibility of an unintentional omission or inaccuracy in some detail. Therefore we can only promise that the following is complete and accurate to the best our knowledge, recollection, and judgment, and we cannot accept any liability for any errors or omissions, nor accept anything herein as a condition of purchase and sale. There is also a chance that some specifications and features could change without notice… Some of them, after all, are beyond our control! Please contact us if you have a question or concern that is not addressed herein.

 

Access

History / heritage

Surroundings

Lot Features

The property is situated at the back of Bass Bay at the base of a peninsula known as Miner’s Point, which separates Bass and Horseshoe Bays. The access road is a dead end and traffic is light, limited to residents of Miner’s Point.  However there are permanent (year-round) residents on the peninsula and the entire road is plowed in winter providing reliable year-round access. The road is maintained by the Township to within a few hundred meters of our driveway, and the remaining portion is expertly maintained year-round by a well-organized Roads Committee and plowed and sanded in winter.

 

This property is just an hour’s drive from western Ottawa, on quality, scenic, lightly-traveled county roads. Also less than an hour’s drive from Highway 401 at Kingston Ontario, via Highway #15 or County Road #10, an hour from Prescott and Ogdensburg New York, and 3 hours from the ETR in east Toronto. [GPS: 44.747,  -76.249]

 

The property is located on the Rideau Waterway (Rideau Canal), which was granted a prestigious international UNESCO “World Heritage Site” designation in 2007, the 175th anniversary of the completion of the Rideau Canal System by Col. John By and his men. (This will likely enhance the property value of this and all Rideau Canal properties in the future.) The Rideau Waterway provides navigational (boat) access to Ottawa, and thence via the Ottawa River to Montreal, as well as to Kingston, Lake Ontario, the 1,000 Islands and St. Lawrence, and thence to Florida via the USA’s Inland Waterway canal system. The property is in the heart of what Harrowsmith Magazine (December 2008) rated as one of Canada’s top-5 up-and-coming rural real estate investment locales.

 

The peninsula is so named because there was small-scale Mica mining in the area before the turn of the century. There is a restored period Mica mine nearby in Murphy’s Point Park, and our property and adjacent lots feature a few very small caves which have been voluntarily preserved from long-ago surface Mica excavation. It is common to find shiny bits of Mica ore in the woods. There are no environmental consequences from this heritage. Mining and mineral/prospecting rights are not and will not be an issue with this property. (Mineral exploration is prohibited due to the grade, geology, watershed proximity etc.)

 

The lot is deeded and taxed as 1.9 acres but otherwise recorded as just over 2 acres, and is legally surveyed and registered as several parts and may support future severance. Waterfront is 255 feet. Shape is irregular, depth varies from 300 to more than 400 feet. The property is gentle forested hillside and our lot goes to the top of the hill, affording wonderful privacy as well as panoramic lake views (especially in autumn, winter and spring) from what we call “the back 40”. The “back 40” is actually about 2/3 of the land and is undeveloped, with substantial capacity to support additional construction. (See details here.) The remaining third along the waterfront is where all the gardens, terraces, pathways, dwelling and outbuildings are located. Development and maintenance of the property has been done in harmony with nature, resulting in a small environmental footprint and extremely healthy land and water ecosystems.

 

The forest is primarily mixed hardwood (Sugar Maple, Oak, Hickory, Basswood/Linden, Hophornbeam etc)  with some Pine, Tamarack, Cedar and Spruce. We often add Hickory nuts to the barbeque for flavour, as they fall from a nearby tree. There are enough Sugar Maples for a small sugar-bush and we used to make all our own Maple Syrup years ago when we had more leisure time….

 

The woods are a carpet of  Trilliums and other wildflowers in spring. Terraced natural gardens shouldering the steps to the dock feature Lilacs, Honeysuckle, Lily of the Valley, Daisies, Echinacea and Wild Roses. Structured gardens framing the main deck have ferns and various perennials. Wild Strawberries, Raspberries and Black Raspberries abound at the edges of open spaces.

 

Fauna includes deer (with a major deer run thru the property, deer are seen almost daily), raccoons, mink, fisher, muskrat, squirrels, rare flying squirrels, and chipmunks, as well as owls, and a variety of birds including hummingbirds, chickadees and woodpeckers. There is a very healthy population of Dragonflies which help keep the mosquitos in check and quickly eat up all the black flies within a few days every spring. There are established Loon and Great Blue Heron nests right on Bass Bay, their occupants return every year, and you will often see them fishing just off the dock… the call of the Loon is a routine luxury here.  You will often also see Ospreys playing in the warm air currents that rise from our bay on sunny summer days.

 

There are Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Catfish, Sunfish and Rock Bass at the dock, and Lake Trout at the mouth of the bay.

The width of shoreline you see here is approximately our waterfront property line.

The "back 40"

Wildflowers in our forest

Water access

Waterfront

Water-body features

For a photo-essay on our water quality, depth, navigability, docking and other facilities, please see:

How’s the waterfront? 

 

From the water, the entrance to Bass Bay  is about half-way between Rocky Narrows (Rideau Ferry) and the Narrows Lock, on the rugged, picturesque, prestigious North Shore of Big Rideau Lake. Most of the Bass Bay shoreline you see across the water from our dock, our dwelling and our deck is Crown land, specifically the wilderness end of Murphy’s Point Provincial Park which (according to Park management) will never be developed. In fact, much of the land between Bass Bay and Rocky Narrows is Murphy’s Point Park, including the secluded, sandy, “boat-in” beach just west of the Narrows, just a few minutes by boat from our dock. (Please note: older Google Maps, MLS maps & MapQuest wrongly show the Murphy’s Point Provincial Park boundary being some distance from the shores of Bass Bay. Current Google Maps are corrected. Park management will confirm that the Park does in fact extend to the shoreline of Bass Bay, and Park property signs are posted on the access road along that shoreline.)

 

These Park Lands are a wonderful natural asset to the Bay, contributing to its healthy ecosystems, clean waters, and unique privacy. From our property in summer only two other cottages are visible, and yet there are no undeveloped lots… the rest is just water and trees, nature for life.

 

At the mouth of Bass Bay (a few hundred meters from our dock) is the best water in the entire Rideau waterway… hundreds of feet deep, crystal-clear and cool, the place the “professionals” come to for Lake Trout. The Parks Canada assets at Tar Island (undeveloped, natural) and Colonel By Island (docks, tennis courts, picnicking etc) are within canoeing or kayaking distance from our dock. By water, it is an enchanting 47 mile (75km) cruise to Lake Ontario, Kingston and the 1,000 Islands via the historic, scenic Rideau Canal.

 

There is very little boat traffic in Bass Bay. Swim in safety, night or day. Because our waterfront is tucked away at the back of this protected bay, there are no boat wakes, and no dock or shoreline damage from wave action or spring ice break-up. The entire bay is perfect for canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boating, as well as swimming and snorkeling.

 

Our waterfront features southern and eastern exposure. Summer sun  (and the October “harvest moon”!) rises over the Bay, and our Dock is a glorious spot for early morning coffee. By 2 PM, the dock begins to be progressively more and more shaded from the hot sun by the canopy of mature trees on shore. Out at the raft, the sun lingers until dusk.

 

Because Bass Bay is so protected and is relatively shallow, the water warms up quickly in spring and is wonderful for early summer (and late fall) swimming. Because there is so little development  and thanks to good water circulation, it is also very clean in terms of pollution and bacteria. The water at our dock has been tested frequently and the bacteria counts are always far below the guidelines for swimming, often clean enough to drink.

 

Big Rideau Lake North Shore: Boater's Paradise

In this satellite photo of Big Rideau Lake, the arrow shows location of the subject property at the back of sheltered Bass Bay on the north shore.

This approximately the view from inside the Living Room and Studio windows in the "Great Room".

Structural standards &  specifications, age, etc.

The dwelling is a Viceroy Home, from their “Superhome” series, Viceroy’s premium line. The structural shell and all outer finishing was built for the current vendor in 1983 by a professional Viceroy crew using precision-engineered pre-fab wall sections from the Viceroy factory in Toronto. Walls, floors etc are exceptionally level and plumb.  The vendor assisted at the construction of the shell, finished the interior and executed several renovations and upgrades during the ensuing  years, and can answer any questions. Original Viceroy architectural plans will be furnished to the buyer.

 

Although the outer shell structure was erected in 1983, all exposed exterior surfaces (including siding, soffits, fascia, shingles etc) have been replaced or overlaid with new, premium low-maintenance materials within the past 10 years or so. Key interior finishings (including porcelain and berber floorings, most window treatments, several electrical and plumbing fixtures, and much of the interior trim) are also recent.

 

Dwelling size and living area:

Building foot-print excluding decks is approximately 24x36 feet, 2 storeys

Gross interior living space as per as per Viceroy brochure: 1610 sq.ft. 

(*** EXcludes 805 sq.ft. unfinished partially excavated insulated heated basement)

Finished floor space per original Viceroy purchase contract: 1350 sq.ft.

Actual floor area per tax assessment: 1332 sq.ft.

 

 

Construction Specifications:

Exterior walls are 2x6 kiln-dried, factory pre-fabricated by Viceroy.  Construction is to Viceroy’s “Superhome” standards (1980s), a precursor to “R-2000”., featuring 6-inch R20 fiberglass batt insulation, 6-mil vapour barrier, double-caulked exterior seams, etc.  Exterior wall-coverings as originally constructed include ¾-inch Tentest (ashphalt-impregnated insulating fiberboard with integral vapour barrier) overlaid with ¾-inch rough-sawn Western Red Cedar vertical siding. Premium vinyl siding was overlaid on the cedar several years ago , and the cedar fascia and soffit were overlaid with quality baked-enamel-on-aluminum products, in order to upgrade to an ultra-low maintenance exterior. Total wall insulation is approx. R25,

 

Floor and roof sheathing are quality spruce plywood, no wafer-board!

 

All roofline interior ceilings are cathredral, featuring Viceroy’s patented 18-inch integrally-insulated,vented steel cathredral trusses, with 6-mil vapour barrier and  R40 fiberglass batt insulation. The roof was routinely re-shingled with upgraded shingles approximately 10 years ago: the visible (steep) portion features premium thatched-look 40-year shingles and the flatter roof features 35-year super-sealing shingles with 100% water barrier underneath.. 

 

The large triple 4x6 ft skylight is solid California Redwood on the inside, trimmed with pine and mahogany, and completely sealed with maintenance-free metal flashing on the outside. The glass units were replaced with Viceroy-approved, top-quality Low-E argon units when the roof was re-shingled.

 

The decks and porch (and the docks as well) feature a pressure-treated sub-structure with western red cedar and/or pressure-treated decking and facings.  All traffic surfaces are stained and have been meticulously maintained.

 

All the windows you see here overlook the lake.

Triple skylite over the loft/balcony and Great Room.

Interior walls, trim,  floors & ceilngs

Most walls and ceilings are finished in varnished knotty pine. Some ceilings and walls are drywall, painted in neutral tones. A few surfaces are done in pre-finished veneer paneling.

                     

All interior doors and trim are varnished top-grade Philippine/Luan Mahogany, and there are extra supplies of these moldings which will be included in the sale for renovations etc.. The stairs to the balcony, and the railings, are all custom-made solid pine, varnished.

 

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are custom-crafted in Birch, Elm, Maple, California Redwood and clear/red cedar.

 

Floors: kitchen and adjacent “butler’s pantry” are premium imported Italian porcelain tile. Upstairs bedrooms are hardwood. Bathrooms are vinyl flooring. The primary “Great Room” living/entertainment area, stair treads, loft/balcony, and the main floor bedroom/den have easy-care, durable, cozy, premium berber carpeting with special waterproof high-density extra-thick underpad, all fairly recent.

 

Close-up of the varnished knotty pine panelling & mahoganogy trim, at the entrance to the  main floor 2-peice bathroom.

Windows

 

BeautifulCalifornia Redwood windows overlooking the beautiful secluded natural bay.

Close-up of solid California Redwood window frame, and TRIPLE glazed window lites.The windows are Viceroy’s top-of-the-line “Superhome” product, triple-glazed,  argon-filled, constructed of solid California Redwood, casement style. California Redwood is extremely dimensionally stable even in temperature and humidity extremes, and extremely resistant to rot, insects etc. The exteriors are stained and virtually maintenance-free (the stain, Olympic’s best, was re-applied in 2010/2011, is warranted for 12 years but  lasts virtually “forever” because the Redwood is so stable…). The interior window frames are natural and/or varnished allowing the beauty of the California Redwood to harmonize with the adjacent varnished Mahogany trim.

 

All window dressings are included in the sale. These include bamboo-style roller blinds and fabric swags in the kitchen & “Great Hall”, roller blinds and drapes in the bedrooms. All are lead-free.

 

Drive-in Basement / Garage

 

Basement showing primary drive-in storage and work area, with elevated slide-in canoe and kayak storage in the distance.

The dwelling was constructed on large (2x2 ft footprint) solid concrete pillars which, as far as we can tell, go down to bedrock. There has been no settlement in 23 years. The basement walls were subsequently enclosed with concrete-on-lath (ferro-cement) on wood interior framing including special measures to extend the walls below grade. More recently the entire exterior of these basement walls has been upgraded/overlaid with) “preserved wood foundation”  technology, the interior basement walls were insulated, and electric heat added. The basement ceiling is also insulated, so that either the main dwelling living space or the basement can be heated independently.. Basement ceiling finish panels are modular and removable for service access to plumbing, electrical and communications wiring.. There are also two windows and a built-in high-capacity industrial exhaust/ventilation fan which is automatically humidity controlled (with manual over-ride, i.e. for workshop use etc). As a result, the basement is very stable in terms of temperature and humidity.

 

The basement has been partially excavated and that part has about 6 feet of headroom and concrete slab floor. The excavated portion is about ½ of the 36x24-foot footprint of the dwelling, and features secure, environmentally-controlled drive-in storage (accessible through dual swing-out doors,  which open to create a (approx) 9x6-foot opening). This storage is ideal for  small boats, Sea-doos, snowmobiles, ATVs & their trailers, utility trailer, motor-bikes, bicycles, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, lawnmowers, snow-blowers, garden tools, etc. There is also a workshop with two workbenches, extensive organized shelving and cabinets, hot and cold running water and 120/240-volt electricity. This space could also accommodate a compact-sized car, with space left over for one or more other small recreational vehicles listed above. The non-excavated portion of the floor is level and carpeted in the primary traffic and storage areas, which have approx. 4 feet of headroom. These areas offer level slide-in storage for canoes, kayaks etc.  Total basement storage space is about 3,500 cubic feet. 

 

The basement contains the water system (pressure tank, water softener, hot water tank, and all draining systems). It could (and once did) also accommodate a (laundry) washer and dryer, [Two other main floor locations for a future laundry are the curtained storage area off the “Great Room”, and the den, both easily accessible to the necessary plumbing, sewage and electrical systems.]

 

Note that the basement is not currently accessible from inside the main dwelling space. For us, this is a function of how we use the spaces. The original building design calls for  (inside access) steps to the basement from the main floor, under the (existing) stairs to the upper floor,  but we have used that space as a storage area instead. (See the interior tour page).  However, structurally and aesthetically it would be quite simple to convert back to inside access as designed….

 

Water supply

There is a 132-foot deep, 5-inch diameter, steel-cased drilled well with a specially insulated and surface-water-protected (triple protection) well-head. There is a Jaccuzzi-brand high-performance 230-volt deep-well submersible pump set at 100 feet deep in the well. We have never run out of water, even when using the well to extensively water lawns and gardens in summer droughts, and there is an additional 30 feet of reserve capacity… (the pump can be lowered to 130 feet if needed) .  The well-head is insulated and sealed and there is a one-inch freeze-proof supply line to the water tank in the basement. This line features a hi-tech “Heat-Line” self-adjusting automatic temperature-initiated heater cable inside the supply line which prevents the supply line from freezing, even in periods of non-use in the most extreme conditions, by generating heat inside the supply line only where freezing temperatures exist.

 

Well-water is tested at the health lab annually and has been 100% bacteria-free every year. The well water was also initially comprehensively tested (MOE) for chemical contaminants,  minerals etc., in 1987, before the well’s first use as the dwelling’s water supply. (Owner’s initiative, for peace of mind)  Test records and results are available from 1983 to the present.

 

Sewage system

The septic system was designed and approved at construction for a 4-bedroom permanent residence. It consists of an 800-gallon baffled two-stage reinforced concrete septic tank and a traditional distribution bed which forms the front/side lawn of the property and contains 200 lineal feet of drainage bed. The tank and primary supply line to the drainage system are protected with an integrated heater cable to prevent freezing during occasional or intermittent winter system use in extremely cold weather. The entire system is virtually maintenance-free and there has never been any seepage or other trouble-signs from the drainage bed. The tank has been pumped, cleaned and inspected (routine preventative maintenance) every few years and has passed every inspection as “like new”. Records are available.

 

Interior plumbing

Interior supply plumbing is all copper, specially designed and installed to be self-draining  (all gravity-drain, no horizontal or reverse-slope runs). The system is configured in multiple supply zones providing for convenient partial system re-commissioning during winter visits in a seasonal-use, winterized scenario.  Main supply is one-inch to the pressure tanks etc, ¾-inch to the hot water split, etc…  “done right”.  There is a 40-gallon hot water tank (electric) and a 30,000 grain heavy-duty water softener. The softener and the water pressure tank were recently replaced. In seasonal use, draining the system is easy and re-commissioning in the spring is literally just a matter of opening some control valves and flipping a power switch on the well pump… no pumps to prime, nothing to pressurize, no pipes to fix, no hassles at all.

 

All drain and sewage plumbing is ABS, all to modern standards.

 

Several plumbing fixtures are recently upgraded/updated.

 

Electrical Supply

& Wiring

Shows some of the perimeter coach-lamp lighting [lit] and task flood-lighting [not lit]

Electrical supply is 200-amp service, all copper. Our area is on two different hydro grids so the electrical supply is extremely reliable.

 

All interior wiring is copper and wired to modern standards, with split receptacles (kitchen etc) dedicated outlets for fridge etc., GFI  protection in bathrooms, outside outlets etc. There is underground wiring to the dock (115-volt) and to the marine railway (230/115-volt). There are battery and 110-volt wired smoke detectors. There are two ceiling fans, one in the “Great Room” living area and one in the master bedroom. Several light fixtures have recently been replaced as part of renovations, including twin wrought-iron chandeliers in the Great Room.

Exterior lighting is extensive: There are six dual-bulb gaslight-effect coach lamps on the house’s exterior perimeter which light automatically with a dimmed “soft glow” accent lighting at dusk, and come up to full brightness on motion sensors or manual over-ride, all functions programmable. Fourteen high-power floodlights on six separately switched zones (one also with motion-sensing technology) provide additional work lighting to the deck, porch, driveway, basement entrance, marine railway, docks, waterfront and fire-pit…. A total of approximately 2,000 watts of user-controlled multi-zone flood lighting. There is also low-voltage and solar pathway and dock lighting.

 

Heating &

Air Conditioning

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Over-size,  modern, low-clearance, air-tight woodstove with glass doors and alternate open/screened fireplace mode, as well as double-walls and fan for "wood furnace" mode.
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The home’s interior (main and upper floors) features dual-redundant wood and electric heating. This allows for unattended heating with electricity as well as the option for zero-cost wood heating when the dwelling is occupied (firewood is supplied by the 2 acres of forest on the property).

 

The entire dwelling (including the basement) is heated with built-in (permanent) 230/240-volt  electric baseboard heaters on individual thermostats. In total there is approximately 12,000 watts of electric heat.

 

There is a centrally located, modern, low-clearance, high-efficiency,  baffled woodstove with open (screened) fireplace, air-tight heating and forced-air wood furnace modes, which was deliberately over-sized to quickly heat the place on winter visits in seasonal use. (“Old-Time Stove” “Beaumont Appallation” model with optional tempered glass doors and forced-air blower system) The chimney is modern, safe, multi-wall insulated stainless steel.

 

There is a built-in self-contained high-capacity electronic air-conditioner which is easily removed for service or replacement. (Fedders Maytag 10,000 BTU) The unit was replaced in 2005 and features remote control and energy-saving settings, unattended power-fail recovery and surge protection features..  Because of the open concept of the “great room” and balcony and the placement of the unit, and with the air circulation assistance of the nearby ceiling fan, it effectively cools the entire dwelling, even on the hottest days.

Appliances

Systems

Furnishings

Included with the sale unless otherwise agreed:

30-inch Sears Kenmore electric stove with “true simmer” element & two large elements on stovetop and self-cleaning oven.

Newer Kenmore 20cu.ft. fridge

Built-in dishwasher with special provisions for easy winterizing and special sound-insulated cabinet enclosure.

Chest freezer, 7 cu.ft.

Large microwave oven, built-in in pantry upper cabinet

Propane BBQ  (Plus fire-pit/ cooking pit, see “Equipment” below)

Water softener:  fully automatic 30,000 grain capacity, recently reconditioned

Well pump: “Jacuzzi” brand 1.2 HP Super Stainless Steel submersible, 230 volt, 3450RPM with thermally protected Franklin Electric controller

Red Lion RL 20 Captive Air water pressure tank, new 2004

“Giant” brand 40 gallon electric hot water tank

Two ceiling fans (Great Room and master bedroom)

Air Conditioning system: (see “Air Conditioning”, above)

Wood stove (see “Heating” above)

230-volt electric marine railway and Sea-Doo/ small craft lift with manual winch: (See “Equipment” below)

Some furniture, many décor items and all window dressings are INCLUDED in the sale.

Canoe, kayak,  Sea-Doo GTS, and 25-ft  Maxum 2300SC express cruiser available for purchase separately, NOT included in the sale.

 

Security

There is a sophisticated monitored security system which also monitors for hydro (power) and communications failure. The system has special protective features which will be disclosed only to the purchaser. There is also automatic motion-sensing perimeter lighting as described under “Electrical”, above.

 

Main floor entry doors are insulated steel. Door frames, hinges and latches are reinforced. Basement doors are reinforced and feature keyed-both-sides deadbolts, shatter-proof ¼-inch lexan windows and reinforced latches.

 

Neighborhood security is enhanced by the presence of watchful year-round residents, including an adjoining property owner. (next door neighbour)

 

Telephone

Cellular

Internet

Satellite

Entertainment

Satellite TV is provided by Shaw Direct (formerly Star Choice). Reception is excellent.  Bell ExpressView is also available.

 

Telephone wiring to the dwelling was replaced in 1998 with upgraded high-capacity copper which Bell Canada advises is high-speed-internet compatible. There are several extension phone jacks throughout.

 

In addition to Bell, Storm Internet of Ottawa has high-speed nodes in Perth, a local call, supporting both wired and wireless internet connections. High-speed internet is also available from our existing Shaw satellite service, and Barret Xplorenet offers broadband satellite internet in the area and will introduce 4G in 2012.

 

There is cellular phone reception at the property.

 

There is also built-in wiring connecting to built-in speakers in the ceiling of the living-room area (Could be main stereo speakers or rear speakers for surround-sound…)  There is also a built-in FM/AM antenna inside the finished ceiling. Both antenna and remote speaker wiring are accessible from two locations at opposite corners of  the “Great Room” living area.

 

Decks, Porch, Docks

450-square-foot deck overlooking the lake, (Lake visible in the background).

There is a small (approximately 30 sq-ft) covered porch off the kitchen. This porch could be enclosed and heated.

 

The main deck is approximately 450 sq-ft on two levels, featuring a 30x12-foot main level and a smaller lower level

 

There are three wide, ultra low maintenance docks: an 8x23 foot (approx) solid crib dock, an 8x16 foot high-freeboard extra-high-capacity floating dock for larger boats, and a 6x13 foot low-freeboard dock for kayaks, canoes and other small craft. The small-craft dock is multi-configurable. There is a steel and fiberglass swim ladder on the “big” Deluxe, wide, large docks with lots or room for sunning, entertaining, and multiple boats.dock. (Depth for swimming varies 5-8 feet during the season, usually about 7 feet) The main docks are wide and stable, excellent for entertaining. All docks were reconstructed in 1999 and feature commercial “ocean-grade”  foam-filled  flotation and other special engineering features for extended service without sinking, leakage, rotting, vermin damage etc.. Additional re-facing and reconditioning was done in 2011 and the docks are pristine.

 

There is also a unique, hexagonal swimming/sunbathing/diving raft moored off-shore at the edge of deeper (15-25 foot) water. (Water at the end of our dock is about 5-8 feet deep.)

 

Out-buildings

 


 

 

There is a triple  wood shed with shingled roof which holds an estimated 6-8 face cords of firewood, designed so that two sections can be drying “green” wood while seasoned wood is consumed from the other.

 

There is a functional outhouse on the property, dating from before the plumbing was installed long ago. It  can easily be removed but it has been well maintained, is still usable, is vented, clean and odour-free, and it has been used, very occasionally, for example on brief winter day-visits when the indoor plumbing has been drained and winterized—i.e. if the property being inhabited only seasonally, as well as for the convenience of labourers and contractors and camping guests. It was completely refurbished (including new roof) in 2010.

 

Equipment

and other facilities

Cruiser-grade Naylor steel marine railway with 240-volt electric winch

Marine railway with boat, (winter cover)There is a heavy-duty  75-foot Naylor-brand  marine railway at the waterfront. I believe the railway is rated for at least 10,000 lbs and the 230-volt electric winch (with underground wiring and featuring split-circuit 115-volt electrical supply and lighting at the railway pad) is currently geared for at least 5,000 lbs, can be upgraded to 8,000 lbs or more by merely switching belts and pulleys. (The vendor will consider selling the boat as a separate transaction at extra charge.)

 

There is also a Seo-doo lift with manual winch, alongside the main dock. (The vendor will consider selling the Sea-doo as a separate transaction at extra charge.) This would also be excellent for a row-boat or other small craft,  but if you don’t need it, it has  been designed to be easily dismantled and removed leaving no trace.

 

There is a small stone fire-pit with natural log stools and a nearby small shed to hold camp-fire wood. Removable cooking grates allow for barbequing and/or smoking food on wood fire, and there are Hickory trees on the property.

 

Other  incidental “enjoyment features” include horseshoe pits, a network of pathways, a lake look-out with bench on the terrace, as well as perfect spaces  (and hardware already installed in some cases) for a hammock, badminton/volleyball, a traditional tire-swing, guest tent-sites etc.  Enjoy!

 

Right-of-way

Utility Corridors

 

Our lot is bordered by the public road on one side and enjoys unencumbered, unconditional access to all parts of the lot. The road is owned and maintained by the Township to within a few hundred meters of our driveway. Those remaining few hundred meters are considered a private road and it is well maintained year-round by a competent roads committee. Right of access is deeded. Access is year round and there are several permanent year-round residents in the area.

 

One adjacent property enjoys a right-of-way across our lot for restricted access to their property. (See the “Exterior Tour” page for photos.) Aesthetically this is transparent as the path of access is coincident with our own private driveway and guest parking area.  The survey shows an alternate path for this right-of-way which transverses our “back 40” (see “Access…” at the top of this page) out-of-sight… this alternate implementation would also provide a private driveway for guest cabin(s) or 1-2 severed lots which might potentially be developed on the “back 40” if the purchaser so wishes.

 

There are two hydro corridors on or near the lot,  Both are away from the waterfront and out of sight of the developed “living area” of the lot, but between them they provide ready access to hydro and telephone service from virtually any point on the lot.

 

Sunset on Big Rideau Lake's North Shore

More Information:

Back to Home Page overview

Interior Tour:  Details & pictures by room

Exterior Tour:  Dwelling exterior, land, waterfront

How’s the Waterfront?  Water quality, depth

Specifications & Features:  Construction specs, equipment, outbuildings, access, lot features, environment, etc.

Want more Living Space?  Options for a larger dwelling (up to 9,000 sq ft) on this property

Price & Availability info

Contact & Viewing info

Realtor’s listing for this property

Many more Photos: our photo albums on Yahoo Flickr

 

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