Bula Bay Retreat on Long Lake
Guest Welcome Guide

Bula Bay
Retreat

Perth, Ontario · Long Lake

Guests Up to 4
Bedrooms 3
Check-In 4:00 PM
Check-Out 11:00 AM
Bula Bay Retreat exterior Dock in the fall Adirondack chairs by the lake
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www.bulabayretreat.ca
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Location Perth, Ontario
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Welcome to Bula Bay Retreat

A handcrafted log cottage on the shores of Long Lake

View of the dock on Long Lake Adirondack chairs by the lake Deck overlooking the lake

A message from your host

Welcome to Bula Bay Retreat! We're thrilled to have you stay at our handcrafted log cottage in Lanark County — the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario. The cottage was built in 1965 from logs farmed right on the property, and it sits on 10 private acres that wrap around the bay and back onto conservation land.

Spend your days swimming, paddling, or relaxing on the dock, then unwind by the fire with lake views in the evening. Whether you're cozied up by the fieldstone fireplace or watching the sunset from the deck, we hope Bula Bay blends comfort and lakeside charm for you, just like it does for us. Enjoy your stay — please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

📶 WiFi: Check the info card on the fridge — it has the WiFi network name, password, and QR code for easy connection. Powered by Starlink satellite internet — fast enough for multiple devices and streaming.

What's Included

🛶 2 Kayaks
🏄 Paddle Board
🛶 Kid's Kayak
🚣 Canoe & Aluminum Boat
🔥 Stone Fireplace
🍳 Full Kitchen
📺 Smart TV & Chromecast
🔥 BBQ Grill
🏕 Fire Pit
🛟 Life Jackets
🛏 Pillows, Comforters & Blankets
⛵ Private Dock
📶 Starlink WiFi
🅿️ Free Parking
💧 Water: The bathroom uses lake water for flushing, showering, and washing your hands. Please use the provided water cooler for brushing your teeth, to avoid swallowing tap water.
🏠 Open-concept ceilings: The three bedrooms have open-concept ceilings rather than full walls to the roofline, in keeping with the cottage's classic log cabin design — so sound carries a bit between rooms. Worth knowing if you're a larger group or value extra privacy at night.
🛠 Need instructions? Step-by-step guides for the TV/internet and other cottage basics are in the How-To's tab.
🚗 Driving to the cottage: The cottage is accessible by car on a private road — please drive slowly, as there are limited passing opportunities if you meet another car. 5039 Bula Lane is the first driveway on the right. Pull all the way up to the garage; there's a little blue cart to help carry items in from your car.

Arrival & Departure

Everything you need to know for a smooth check-in and check-out

Check-In

4:00 PM

Your key is in the lock box at the back door. The cottage may sometimes be left open for you by the owners, so don't be alarmed if it's already unlocked when you arrive.

  • Max 4 guests
  • 3-season cottage
  • Pets upon host approval only
  • Print & bring the Pre-Arrival Info sheet if possible

Check-Out

11:00 AM

Leave the key in the lock box located in the basket outside the back door.

  • Furniture & watercraft back in place; lower umbrellas
  • Dishes washed & put away — none left in the sink
  • Beds stripped; linens, blankets & pillows left neat
  • Fridge emptied of all food
  • Garbage & recycling removed
  • Windows closed, doors locked
🧹 Cleaning: The rental rate includes a cleaning service, but you're still expected to leave the cottage tidy — furniture and watercraft returned to their original spots, beds stripped, counters cleared, dishes washed, and garbage removed. There's a "Cottage Close-Up" checklist in the cupboard by the back door for reference. Failure to tidy up may result in a portion of the deposit being forfeited.
🗑 Garbage & Recycling: Please remove your garbage and recycling when you leave. The nearest transfer station is the Tay Valley Township station at 1200 Stanleyville Road, Stanleyville, K7H 3C5 — open Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 8–4, or Sunday 10–6. Free garbage bag tags are provided; clear bags are required at the transfer station (black bags are fine if you're taking garbage home instead). If you're leaving on a day the station is closed, please take your garbage and recycling with you.

House Rules & Guidelines

We're in cottage country — please be respectful of nature, neighbours, and this special place

🌿

Septic System

The septic system works hard to dispose of solids. Please use the 2-ply toilet tissue provided conservatively — too much paper can cause a blockage.

🚫

Nothing Else Down the Toilet

Use the white/black disposal bags under the sink for sanitary pads, tampons, q-tips, cotton pads, and cleaning cloths. Causing a blockage will result in guests being charged full repair costs.

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Kitchen Drain

No food, oil, or grease down the kitchen sink — it also feeds the septic system and will clog it.

🏊

Diving & Water Safety

Diving off the dock is not permitted. Always wear a life jacket on the water, and bring a whistle and bale can. Water shoes are recommended — the lake bottom is rocky.

🪑

Dock Furniture

Please do not place the brown patio chairs on the dock — they can slide through the gaps between the boards and pose a risk.

🔥

Outdoor Fires

Use the fire pit with great care. Keep the water bucket beside it filled at all times, and check for fire bans before lighting one. Fully extinguish your fire before walking away.

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BBQ

Keep it well away from the deck rail or flammable materials, and turn the main propane valve off when not in use. Please clean the grill and grease trap after use.

🐾

Pets

If you have a pet, please vacuum up all visible pet hair before you leave, and keep pets supervised at all times, especially on the trails.

🌲

Firewood

Firewood is available on-site by the garage, and sticks can be foraged for kindling. Please don't cut down any trees or branches at any time, for any reason.

How-To's

Quick guides to the cottage's tech and equipment

📶 Connect to WiFi
  1. Open WiFi settings on your device
  2. Find the network name and password on the info card on the fridge, or scan the QR code there for a one-tap connection
  3. The internet runs on Starlink satellite — fast enough for multiple devices and streaming, with only brief, occasional downtime
📺 Stream TV & Movies
  1. Use the white remote to turn on the TV via the power button
  2. The TV connects to the internet via Google Chromecast (set up as "Bula Bay Retreat")
  3. A variety of streaming platforms are preloaded — log in with your own account to access Netflix, Prime, Disney+, etc.
  4. Please log out of your account before you leave — if you forget, we'll log you out between guests
📞 Cell Signal

There's no landline, but a cell signal booster points to the nearest tower for a decent signal (2–3 bars) for calls and texts. The best signal is on the deck near the BBQ.

📖 More guides coming: We'll be adding instructions here for other cottage equipment over time. If anything has you puzzled in the meantime, just send us a message through Airbnb — we're happy to help!

On the Water & Property

Everything right outside your door

🛶

Paddle & Explore

Two adult kayaks, a kid's kayak, a standup paddle board, an older canoe, and an aluminum boat are all available. Life jackets are in the cottage and paddles are on the kayak rack — always wear a life jacket and bring a whistle and bale can.

🏊

Swim Off the Dock

Water depth from the dock is 5–6 feet, deepening toward the channel. Take the swim mat out to the floating raft, deeper water in the channel, or Jump Off Rock at the lake's eastern end. Water shoes are recommended — the lake bottom is rocky.

🥾

Hike the Trails

Kilometers of private trails connect to the Rideau Trail system, marked by orange arrows. The closest trail is the Mica Mines route. Watch for poison ivy near the trails, and pack in/pack out any waste.

Mica Mines Trail Map →
🔥

Campfires

The fire pit is ready for evenings under the stars. Keep the water bucket beside it filled, check for fire bans before lighting up, and fully extinguish your fire before leaving it.

Check Fire Bans →

Mica History

The property and surrounding land were mined for mica in the early 1900s. Look for shiny mica deposits in the rocky outcroppings along Bula Lane — especially on the sharp turn, where they can look like gold.

🦅

Wildlife Watching

Deer, beaver, otter, muskrat, eagles, and other birds are common. You may also spot coyotes, fishers, or an occasional black bear — give them space. A wildlife camera on the garage helps the owners keep an eye on things between stays.

🩹 Ticks: Common throughout this area. Bring bug spray, wear light-coloured clothing, and check yourself and your pets after time outdoors. If you find an engorged tick, follow the advice of the local public health unit.
🐍 Snakes: You may see garter or water snakes (harmless, will scurry off) and occasionally the large black/grey rat snake — a protected, docile, native species. It will slowly move along; no need for concern.

Dining

From lakeside brunches to candlelit dinners — Perth's food scene delights

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Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

Artizen Kombucha
12 Gore St. East, Perth
Kombucha, DIY kombucha kits, and iced tea. Local, healthy, and delicious.
Perth Brewery
121A Dufferin St. Hwy 7, Perth
Various craft beer styles and brewery merchandise.
Bridge Masters Brewing Company
29 Beckwith St. East, Perth
Craft beer, wine, pizza, chili & charcuterie boards. Historic 1800s building — the original Bridgemaster's House next to the Beckwith Swing Bridge, built 1888.
The Wine Room
40 Sunset Blvd, Suite 106, Perth
Wine kits and merchandise — make your own wine to take home!
Top Shelf Distillers
14 Warren Crescent, Perth
Vodka, gin, moonshine, bitters, and merchandise. Local and award-winning.
Scheuermann Winery
82 Bedford St., Westport, ON
Wood-fired pizza, hand-crafted wine, and a beautiful outdoor eatery. A perfect evening outing in nearby Westport.
Westport Brewing Company
41B Main St., Westport, ON
Stunning waterfront tasting room in charming Westport. Sample craft beers with views of the water.

Breakfast & Coffee

Basic Kneads Bakery
98 Gore Street East
Traditional, affordable, and healthy bread baked fresh daily.
Billings & Company
43 Gore Street East
Baked goods, doughnuts, avocado and chickpea toasts, breakfast sandwiches, coffee and tea.
Café Hideaway
55 Foster Street
Home-style all-day breakfast: eggs benedict, omelettes, pancakes, French toast, breakfast poutine, local maple syrup. Cozy and comfortable; historic building circa 1850s.
Coutts & Company
57 Gore Street East
Fair-trade organic coffees & teas, baked goods, scones, croissants. Outdoor waterfront patio along the Tay River.
Fieldhouse
43 Herriott Street
Seasonal fresh bread, pastries, croissants, cruffins (custard-filled croissant muffins), breakfast sando, coffee & tea. Indoor and deck seating.
Hourglass
1 Sherbrooke Street
Breakfast and lunch, hot & cold beverages, vegetarian options, scones and coffee. "Time Well Spent." (formerly Café Bean)
Jabreezy's Doughnuts
3½ Gore Street West
Delicious hand-made doughnuts crafted from scratch with only the finest ingredients.
North Folk Café
1 Gore Street West
Canadian cafe with kombucha on tap, coffee, loose-leaf teas, artisan breakfast sandwiches, avo toast, vegan burrito, muffins, pastries. Vegan & GF options.
Penny's Place
23 Dufferin St., Hwy #7
Home-style cooking, hot breakfast, eggs, toast, pancakes. A popular truck-stop diner just outside heritage Perth along Hwy 7.
Perth Pie Co.
12 Gore Street East
Freshly baked pies, scones, and other treats along with espresso-based drinks (hot and cold).
Perth Pizzeria & Restaurant
23 Gore Street East
Hot sit-down breakfast with specials, sweet & savory crepes, French toast, pancakes, kids' breakfast, large seating for groups. Great for families.
Peter's Family Fare Restaurant
84 Gore Street East
Home-style hot breakfast with specials, omelets, bagels, pancakes, kids' breakfast. Diner-style booths — great for families.
Picnic Café + Catering
1865 Rogers Road
Fresh, homemade seasonal food and drinks — baked items made from scratch, bowls, breakfasts, soups, and salads.
FIUME (Perth Parkside Hotel & Spa)
82 Peter Street
Upscale hotel restaurant offering a select-plate breakfast menu. Eggs, pancakes, yogurt parfait, kids' options.
The Twisted Fork Café
7 Craig Street (Algonquin College)
Eat-in and take-out breakfast, sweet & savory pastries, daily specials, and groceries.
🍷

Licensed Dining & Fine Dining

1827 Wine & Cheese Lounge
100 Gore Street East
40+ artisan cheese selections, cocktails, mock-tails, small plates, raclette, fondue, charcuterie. Beautiful gardens along the Tay River. From the owners of the Perth Cheese Shop.
Billings & Company
43 Gore Street East
Sandwiches, salads, soups, charcuterie, share plates & tapas, wine and craft beer. Eat in or take home.
Bistro 54 Italiano
54 Foster Street
Authentic Italian bistro inspired by "Mama's Cucina" — home-style Italian, upscale dining, wine & cocktails.
Fiddleheads Bar & Grill
53 Herriott Street
Fine dining and pub menu, soups, salads, burgers, desserts. Special Sunday Jazz brunch. Outdoor patio overlooks Stewart Park. Fully licensed.
Gather in Perth
40 Gore Street East
Local & seasonal kitchen — modern, wholesome comfort food. Also creates custom picnic baskets to take on your adventures (call to order).
The Hot Wok
41 Wilson Street West
Authentic Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine. Fully licensed — dine in or take out.
The Hungry 7
34 Dufferin Street
Daily specials produced with fresh ingredients, family-style meals.
Imperial Tavern
27 Wilson Street West
Classic pub-style food and drinks in Perth's heritage downtown.
Maximilian's Restaurant
99 Gore Street East
Old-style European & German cuisine — schnitzels, goulash, sausages, hot pretzels. One of Perth's longest-running restaurants. GF & vegan options. Outdoor waterfront patio overlooking the Tay and Friendship Fountains.
Mex & Co.
55 Gore Street East
California-style Mexican food — tacos, fajitas, nachos, quesadillas, churros, deep-fried ice cream. Outdoor waterfront patio along the Tay.
Michael's Table
110 Gore Street East
Home cooking at its finest — burgers, pasta, seafood, kid's menu. Outdoor patio. Good for families and larger groups. Fully licensed.
Perth Pizzeria & Restaurant
23 Gore Street East
Oven-fired pizza, lasagna, homemade desserts. Large back room available for party rentals.
Peter's Family Fare Restaurant
84 Gore Street East
Diner-style booths, breakfast through dinner, homemade desserts. Ice cream window open in summer.
Red Fox Restaurant Tavern
80 Foster Street
Wings, nachos, burgers, and a variety of appetizers and mains. Fully licensed.
Rocky River Cafe
8 Wilson Street East
Casual bar & restaurant — burgers, tacos, French onion soup, cocktails. Outdoor patio with fireplaces. Fully licensed.
Skye Dragon Restaurant
70 Foster Street
Cantonese and Szechuan Chinese cuisine.
Tangled Garden 2.0
40 Foster Street
Wraps, pizzas, burgers and more.
FIUME (Perth Parkside Hotel & Spa)
82 Peter Street
Upscale steaks, seafood and wine. Outdoor patio under the stars (seasonal). Fully licensed.
🥐

Café Style Dining

Jazzy's Brewhaus
33 Gore Street East
Specialty coffees, alcoholic beverages, pastries, food, gelato, pressed juice. Historic building circa 1854 (originally general merchants).
Frank's Bakery and Deli
4 Gore Street East
Sandwiches, samosas, butter tarts, hot meals (in-store and frozen), made-from-scratch take-home meals and daily specials.
🍟

Diners & Food Trucks

Chip's Diner
34A Wilson Street West
Chip truck — fries, poutine, hotdogs, burgers and more.
Penny's Place
23 Dufferin St., Hwy #7
Home-style cooking, homemade desserts. Popular breakfast/truck stop.
Retro Fries (seasonal chip truck)
240 Gore Street East
Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and poutine.
SuperFries + Smashburgers
37 Foster Street
Smashburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade French fries, poutine and soda.
🥡

Take-Out & Fast Food

Dairy Queen (seasonal)
32 Dufferin Road
Soft serve ice cream and fast food.
Domino's Pizza
71 Foster Street
Pizza, pasta, cold drinks, dessert. Pick-up or delivery to your door.
Foodsmiths Natural Food Store
106 Wilson St.
Fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads & mini pizzas, local ice cream, warm deli foods, kombucha on tap.
Jersey Joe's Pizza & Subs
41 Wilson Street West
Homemade pizzas, subs, salads and sandwiches.
Milano's Pizzeria
54 Wilson Street West
Pizza, wings, subs, Lebanese food, salads. Delivery or carryout.
Thomasino's Pizza Place
29 Wilson Street West
Homemade pizzas, subs, salads and sandwiches.
Tim Horton's
136 Gore Street East & 98 Dufferin Street
Hot and cold beverages, donuts, sandwiches and more.
Starbucks
80 Dufferin Street
Coffee, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, desserts.
Subway
80 Dufferin Street
Coffee, cold drinks, subs and sandwiches.
Wendy's
115 Dufferin Street
Fast food made with quality fresh ingredients.
KFC
41 Dufferin Road
Original Recipe and Extra Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken.
McDonald's
35 Dufferin Street
The world-famous fast food chain.
Pizza Hut
70 Dufferin Street
Wings, pasta and pizza delivery or carryout.
🍫

Snacks & Treats on the Go

Fall River & Co.
39 Gore St. E.
Gourmet food store with great deals on oils, spices, BBQ sauces, and fresh fudge!
Perth Chocolate Works
17 Wilson St. E. (Code's Mill)
Family-owned artisan chocolatier kitchen and retail store. A must-visit for chocolate lovers!
Purest Gluten Free
105 Dufferin St. #10
Healthy, nutritious, delicious gluten-free choices using pure ingredients only.
The Perth Cheese Shop
64 Gore St. E. #2
Specialty grocery store with amazing local and international artisanal delights!
The Rideau Candy Shoppe
73 Foster St.
In-store made treats and candy imports from around the world!

Grocery & Food Shopping

Stock up for your cottage stay at these Perth stores

Foodsmiths — "The Good Food Store"
106 Wilson St W.
Natural body care, deli, meats, produce, full grocery, cheese and much more. A Perth institution for healthy and local goods.
Metro
50 Wilson St W.
Full-service grocery store — your go-to for a complete shop.
Your Independent Grocer (Barnabe's YIG)
80 Dufferin St.
Full grocery store with excellent local product selection.
The Butchers Edge
109 Gore St. E.
Retail butcher shop specializing in European cuts. Perfect for stocking up on quality meats for the BBQ!
Perth Soup Co.
7 Craig Street, Algonquin College Cafeteria
Simply superb soups and chili. Made in small batches — dry mixes and frozen. Public welcome.
Perth Chocolate Works
17 Wilson St. E. (Code's Mill)
Family-owned artisan chocolatier kitchen and retail store. A must-visit for chocolate lovers!
Purest Gluten Free
105 Dufferin St. #10
Healthy, nutritious, delicious gluten-free choices using pure ingredients only.
The Perth Cheese Shop
64 Gore St. E. #2
Specialty grocery store with amazing local and international artisanal delights!

Perth Maps

Find your way around downtown Perth and the surrounding area

🗺 Getting Around Perth

Perth is wonderfully walkable — free downtown parking and compact streets make it easy to explore on foot. The Visitor Information Centre is inside the Perth Museum at 11 Gore St. E. For parking info visit Perth.ca/Parking.

Downtown Perth — Interactive Map

Places of Interest

🏛

Perth Museum & Visitor Info

11 Gore St. E. — Historic 1840s Matheson House. Local history, scavenger hunts, and visitor maps.

🏛

Town Hall & Bandshell

Gore St. E. — Historic town hall in the heart of downtown Perth.

🌳

Stewart Park

Five-acre riverside green space — bridges, Tay River, picnic tables. Home of the July music festival.

💧

Tay Basin & Crystal Palace

Waterfront focal point with seasonal Farmers' Market, Friendship Fountains, and the Crystal Palace event space.

🏭

Code's Mill

Wilson St. E. — Beautifully restored heritage mill, home to shops and Perth Chocolate Works.

🌉

Swing Bridge & Bridgemaster's House

Beckwith St. E. — Historic 1888 swing bridge; the Bridgemaster's House is now Bridge Masters Brewing.

🐴

Big Ben Statue

Stewart Park — Beloved local landmark honouring Perth's famous championship racehorse. Great photo spot!

🎭

Studio Theatre Perth

Herriott St. — Volunteer-run theatre hosting comedies, concerts, indie films year-round.

🛝

Conlon Farm Recreation Complex

Conlon Dr. — Splash pad, pump track, playground, and Rideau Trail access. Great for families.

🏞

Last Duel Park

Riverside Dr. — Canoe/kayak launch, walking paths, Indigenous Healing Circle, site of Upper Canada's last fatal duel.

🅿️

Free Downtown Parking

Available throughout town. Visit Perth.ca/Parking for current info.

🏊

Perth & District Indoor Pool

Family swims and lessons year-round. Winter skating at the Community Centre and outdoor rinks.

Perth Trails

Tay River Towpath Trail
Trailheads: Thom & John Streets or Crystal Palace
200 years of history along this scenic section of the Rideau Trail — interpretive signs, river views, natural and paved surfaces.
Tay River Pathway
Access & Parking: 99 Christie Lake Rd
Fully accessible 1.5 km loop with gardens, shaded forest, and a lookout over the Tay. Benches along the way.
Darou Farm Trail
2845 Rideau Ferry Rd, Perth
Short 700-metre loop through open fields next to Perth's dog park — rustic and charming, ideal for a quiet stroll.
Rideau Trail
Access Points: Crystal Palace or Conlon Farm
Part of a 387-km route between Ottawa and Kingston, passing right through Perth. Bula Bay Retreat connects right into the trail system!
📍 From Bula Bay Retreat to Perth: Head out via Bula Lane to Christie Lake Rd, then follow signs into Perth — about 15 minutes. Free parking available throughout downtown.

Nearby

Worth the short drive from the cottage

Murphy's Point Provincial Park

An 8-minute drive away. Trails, a public beach, and tours of the Silver Queen Mine — an early-1900s mica mine that plunges 20 metres deep. A small convenience store near the entrance has the basics if you've forgotten something.

🏘

Heritage Town of Perth

About a 15-minute drive. Groceries, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire, LCBO, cafes, restaurants, pubs, Saturday farmers' markets, galleries, concerts, and festivals throughout the summer.

🍁

Maple Syrup Country

Lanark County is the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario. Local sugar bushes tap and boil syrup each year — well worth a visit in late winter or early spring.

🥾

Rideau Trail System

The property connects directly via private land to the Rideau Trail, marked by orange arrows. The closest section is the Mica Mines trail, right off the property.

📅 Events in Perth

Check the Town of Perth's website for festivals, concerts, and farmers' markets happening throughout your stay.

Perth.ca — Festivals & Events →

🌐 Land Acknowledgement: The cottage is located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin/Omàmìwininì People. We acknowledge their long-standing relationship with this land and the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples here and across Turtle Island.

Important Contacts

Keep these handy — tap a number on your phone to call directly

911

Emergency Services

Your address: 5039 Bula Lane (Long Lake RT 5), Perth, ON K7H 3C5 — always give this to dispatchers.

🏠

Craig

Message on Airbnb
Fastest way to reach us
during your stay
🚔

OPP (Non-Emergency)

(613) 267-2626
Ontario Provincial Police
Perth Detachment
🏥

Hospital

(613) 267-1500
Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital
Emergency & Clinic
🩹

Health Unit

Tick Advice
Leeds, Grenville &
Lanark Health Unit
🧯 Fire Safety: Two smoke detectors are checked monthly, and a fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen beside the stove.
🩹 First Aid: A First Aid Kit is in the cabinet beside the entrance door, with extra band-aids in the medicine cupboard in the bathroom.
🔧 Equipment Issues: If any appliance or piece of equipment fails during your stay, please message us through Airbnb. We can't guarantee operation of every piece of equipment and there's no refund for equipment failures, but we'll do our best to resolve issues quickly.

About Your Host

Craig

I live in Perth and have been hosting for 7 years. Bula Bay Retreat is a property I manage for friends, and I want it to feel like a true home away from home for every guest who stays. I try to give guests their privacy and won't be dropping by unannounced, but I'm easy to reach by message throughout your stay if you need anything at all.

This cottage has a wonderful history — built in 1965 from logs farmed right on the land, in a style shared by several cottages around Long Lake and Black Lake. We hope you feel at home here and make memories that last.