My wife and I spent three wonderful days at the cottage. From beginning to end, the owners were great to deal with: cordial, friendly, helpful, with precise and immediate answers to questions, and thoughtful extra touches, including special greetings for our special occasion. The cottage is recently renovated, and the overall impression is of a modern but tasteful style, with a contemporary colour palette, and a mixture of modern and traditional furniture and art. The rooms are spacious, with large windows that provide fresh air and stunning views of Balsam Lake. The classic kitchen, with large counters and a huge table with various seating options, served all our needs. We used the excellent gas grill on the upper deck every night and, after supper, we cocooned in the large, well-equipped entertainment centre downstairs with Netflix or TV on the 5’ x 9’ projection screen. Everything is plentiful, in good working condition, and of high quality. To list just a few specific items of note, we particularly appreciated the gorgeous oak staircases, the blackout curtains in the East-facing bedrooms, the comfortable beds and cozy duvets, the ample storage space everywhere, the screens on the windows, the central air conditioning throughout the house, and the large number of electric outlets, as well as toilets that flush properly, faucets that deliver ready hot water, attractive liquid soap containers, and a high-end Henckels knife set in the kitchen.
I’ve left the best for last: the lake view and the lake itself. From the moment we stepped into the cottage, we were captivated by the unobstructed and spectacular view of the lake from house, decks, and yard. Living in this cottage is truly living by the lake. The property is secluded in its privacy by mature pine and fir trees on both sides. The water in Balsam Lake is warm, clean, clear, free of weeds, and inviting. By the end of the dock, the depth is proper swimming depth. We could not manage to lift the canoe into and out of the water, but had a great time swimming about, or just floating on a noodle. When the weather was good, we blissed out for hours sitting on the dock, reading, talking, or just absorbed in the peacefulness of the scene, the warmth of the sun on the skin, the sounds of the lapping water, the ever-changing sky, and the gentle breezes from the lake. We would highly recommend this gem of waterfront living to anyone, including larger groups. A 5-star experience.
