What are the main things to look for when searching for the perfect Cabin, Cottage or Camp on Lake of the Woods?
I wrote this blog to help outline a few key points that I always look at when showing my clients a potential cottage. Keeping your eyes open for these can help avoid any potential issues and find the best possible options for you and your family.
What is the foundation style? Poured concrete, post on pad, slab?
Does it look like it's been levelled or does it need re-levelling?
If so, your Realtor® can recommend a contractor or a home inspector so that you can get a professional opinion.
Where the property and cottage itself is located, does it face north, south, east or west?
Will you be positioned for the best sunrises or sunsets?
Will your home get too much or not enough light exposure?
What exactly are you going to be buying?
- Is the shoreline allowance owned?
- Are there any encroachments or easements?
- Is the road maintained year-round?
Make sure to ask your Realtor® to look into any and all information you may need for a property.
Replacing a sewage system can be costly, be sure to know as much as possible.
Does the property have: city sewage, a septic tank with a field, a composting toilet with a grey water pit or just a holding tank?
Also, ask your Realtor® what the age of the sewage system is and if there are any documents available on the system?
In a normal year (definitely not this one), where does the water line sit?
Will your cottage be the ideal vacation home for your family, with a beach, a deep rocky shoreline or a marshland?
What type of dock does the property have?
Is it drilled pipe, screw piles, crib dock, or just a floating dock? Is there storage near the dock or power at the shoreline? Will it be convenient to charge batteries for your boats, or to operate the lifts?
Need more info on dock types? Check out this post from cottagelife.com
If you want to know more or have any specific questions about looking for cottages in Kenora and on Lake of the woods, please reach out.
This post from Realtor.ca discusses in more detail the intricacies of owning a cottage and taking care of your investment: article here
I'll give you a brief description of each of the main areas that we usually categorize Kenora into.
Followed by some bullet point key features.
Now a part of the newly amalgamated City of Kenora, Keewatin is situated on the northern shore of Lake of the Woods. It is the first town you’ll encounter as you travel eastbound from Manitoba into Ontario. There are boat launches to both LOTW and Winnipeg Rivers in this area. Keewatin is full of its own unique local restaurants and amenities.
A neighbourhood that is surrounded by amenities such as the Recreation Centre (tennis court, gym, pool, hockey rink, beach V-ball), elementary schools, churches, Kenora Harbourfront, the dog park, Anishinabe Park, the baseball fields and is conveniently located near downtown Kenora and includes properties close to the water's edge.
Lake of the Woods offers both recreational properties, residential, and condominium properties all located on the breathtaking Lotw. The lake and the surrounding areas have over 14,000 islands and more than 105,000 km's of shoreline – more shoreline than Lake Superior.
Remote but within driving distance, this area gives access to wilderness areas, nature and ecological pursuits while still offering a bit of civilization. An outdoor enthusiast will enjoy fishing, hiking, interpretive trails, golf (close to Beauty Bay Golf Course) or just reading a book in the sun on the dock while still being approximately 15 minutes drive to Kenora.
Rabbit Lake, is a Kenora neighbourhood that is conveniently located close to or on Rabbit Lake. This area has access to many ideal locations, like Garrow park (which has a large beach, rowing facilities, playgrounds, pickle ball courts and access to Rabbit lake walking trails) and the sportsplex. The Donkirk, Jaffary Melick and Rabbit Lake areas are close to both elementary and high schools and are approximately 6 minutes to downtown Kenora and offer several types of homes.
Located approximately 8 minutes from downtown Kenora and about 3-5 minutes to elementary and high schools and in some cases, students can walk to the neighbourhood schools. As the name describes, the Kenora Airport is located off this road, as well as the ski hill.
Many roads branch off of Valley Drive, linking many subdivisions and neighbourhoods. Valley Drive is a sought-after area, located close to schools, convenience stores and within walking distance to downtown.
Norman is located on the West side of Kenora and is an approximately 5 minutes car ride to downtown Kenora and 5 minutes to Keewatin. Norman is made up of mostly older homes, of different styles. The midpoint between Kenora and Keewatin, this location has access to Norman Beach, the Rotary Splash Park, local restaurants and Dairy Queen too!
The north end is within walking distance to both High Schools and Elementary schools and is approximately a 3-minute drive to downtown Kenora. This area is comprised of a few other neighbourhoods of similar diverse family homes.
Something beautiful is always just around the corner.
It's up to you, to decide on what type of beauty you want to see every day.
Do you want to dive a bit more in-depth? Contact me today and we can discuss your options.
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases you will make in your life.
Using a Realtor® will help you put your best foot forward, but you and you alone will have to deal with the home that you’ve purchased.
It is up to you to make do, with all the quirks and details that come with your new property. In order to make the best possible choice, you want to make sure that you know as much as possible about a home before you buy.
Need more info? Get in contact and we can talk about your next steps.
CENTURY 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd. Brokerage
INFO & SERVICES
CENTURY 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd. Brokerage
213 Main Street South, Kenora, ON P9N1T3
(807) 468-3747
INFO & SERVICES
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