Family Cottage Vacations

Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of the cottages we used to visit when I was young; even though I was no more than three, I vividly recall catching a sunfish. What I seem to have blocked out was the rest of the story as told by my family members - the crying and forcing them to "let the fishie go", even though it was already dead.

Going to the cottage is not only an affordable alternative to hotel vacations, it is a place where you can bring friends and family to share the good times and make many happy memories.

Renting a Cottage

Renting a cottage for the family for a week or more allows you the luxury of a private vacation residence that feels more like "home" than a hotel, without the overhead and upkeep. It also affords you the freedom to rent in different regions each year, giving your family a home base from which to explore local attractions across your province (and others).

Choosing a cottage to rent should be done early in the year - don't underestimate how early the really good ones get booked. Depending on when you are planning your vacation time, you should start looking about four months in advance - usually late January or early February. There is a list of questions to ask the cottage owner/property management company included on the site; be sure to take special note of the questions for young children if you or your visitors will be bringing them along.

If you are planning to invite visitors, remember to plan for enough sleeping space for everyone - and if they are bringing sleeping bags, make sure to clear the extra people with the cottage owner/manager.

Buying a Cottage

You know you want to start a long family tradition of escaping the city on the weekends, but what do you have to consider when you get down to the details?

1. Can you really afford it?

No point in picking out your dream lot on a lake if you are currently stretched to the breaking point. Ask yourself a few reality check questions: How close are you to paying off your primary residence? Can you take out a mortgage on it? How old are your kids? Do you have to be planning for their college education right now? How expensive is the region you are looking at for your cottage? Are you willing to settle for "view of the water" as opposed to "waterfront" property?

2. Where is the perfect cottage for you?

Somewhere between the amount of traveling you want to do on an average weekend, and the reality of (waterfront) property prices in the regions around your hometown lies the compromise you will make. Cottage regions nearer to the cities tend to be more expensive and less isolated. Often times these cottages are handed down generation to generation, which is how younger families have access to the properties in these regions.

The aging population buying cottages for their retirement years is also a factor. Expect to drive at least three hours to the cottage if you are getting into the market for the first time now.

3. Which cottage to buy?

Once you identify your ideal region, there are a few factors to consider about the local area, down to the lake or the builder. Is there electriciy? Is the road maintained by the toownship, or will you have to have it plowed and graded? What about the septic system? How old or environmentally friendly is it? Does the water come from a well? What happens with the garbage? Is there phone access? What are the zoning laws - can you add on to the cottage if need be? Are there regulations about how much of your cottage and surrond can be visible from the waterfront? Can you live in the cottage year-round? What recreational activities are regulated in the area?

Specifics: What shape is your cottage in? More than any other property you buy, having a home inspector take a look at the cottage is a good investment. Cottages are usually older buildings, and for a couple hundred dollars you get a realistic analysis of what you are purchasing and how much work it will require.

The family section of the list of questions to ask when renting a cottage will have other things to check for in terms of safety for young children when it comes to waterlines, stairs etc.

Once you have found the answers to these questions, then you can make an informed choice and feel comfortable with your purchase.

Decorating your cottage

Cottages are traditionally furnished with the mismatched ease of furniture uneeded elsewhere. Throws and slip covers can tie even the most diverse pieces together into a coherent look, and it fits the casual grace of your home away from home.

Adding pieces to tie cottage decor together

• A good quality slipcover can be dressed up or down (think of the slipcovers used at garden weddings). Choose yours in a soft but long lasting fabric - there are hemp blends that are both environmentally-friendly and weather-resistant. Hemp has been used to create nautical ropes for centuries because of its resistance to rotting. It is a perfect choice for furniture on a covered deck. It also helps you change the look of the room; slipcovers can be usd to lighten the mood of the room for a fresh spring/summer look! Slipcovers and throws are also great for making rental cottages feel like your own space.
• Rattan (wicker) furniture is closely associated with tropical and summery environments making it perfect for the cottage. It works well as chairs with overstuffed cushions or as side tables, and is durable enough to be placed on the porch or deck in the summer.
• Dark woods can act as punctuation, especially if whites and naturals are the dominant choices in fabrics (slipcovers).
• A classic (and functional) addition to the living room is the Hudson's Bay blanket - either in the natural with the traditional stripes, or in a colour that offsets your chosen decor. It is a great piece to have on hand for those cool cottage nights, or for surprise guests.
• An old trunk can be a good replacement for a usual coffee table - this look works especially well with the cottage environment and doubles as extra storage. Add castors to the bottom for ease of movement.

Enjoy!