Beautiful property- the perfect cottage experience
We were greeted by the very friendly VRBO hosts and given a tour of the land, with instructions on how to maximize our time in Torrance. The cottage was lovely, quaint and cottagey; exactly what you want when renting in Muskoka! The property and the lakefront was beautiful, especially since the cottage is a little bit hidden from boat traffic as a result of a shoal nearby. The big beautiful dock was the perfect place for a wonderful sunny week!
The cottage was in a very pretty location, with a large and very nice dock. The cottage itself was comfortable and very clean. The beds were comfortable and there was lots of space for us (a group of 6 friends). Communication with the hosts was easy, with quick response times. Overall, a great experience.
This is a fabulous family-owned place that is "cottage-y" in all the best ways. Charming, quirky, clean, and great location but not too precious or overwrought. Even the distant train whistles were welcome coloratura. Small beds and bedrooms take a bit of getting used to by those of us with king-size sleeping habits but "it's the cottage"!
We had a wonderful, but too short of a stay at this beautiful location. The family owned cottage and two bedroom cabin were older but clean and filled with interesting books, dvds, photos and memorabilia. We almost wanted a rainy day just to spend more time inside. There is a large dock and a great selection of paddle boards, kayaks, canoe, and a peddal boat that were a lot of fun. There is a distant train on the other side of the lake that has a lot of historical significance in opening up the area long ago. But, if you're bothered by the occasional sound of the train I would recommend earplugs. The hosts were wonderful. They greeted us and told us some interesting things about the area and then left us to enjoy the place in solitude.
Loved this little cottage nestled in the forest. Rustic but comfy. We were there the weekend after Thanksgiving - enjoyed kayaking and forest hikes. Would love to visit in the summer. Recommend!
This clean and comfortable cottage fit our "quiet time at the lake" needs perfectly. The water was excellent and we got in for a swim several times each day. When we were drying off the dock provided good access to the sun, and also lots of shade closer to shore from the well treed lot. The waters between Moss Island and the dock are private, so it is safe to swim without worries that boats will come through the channel. They go to the north of the island.
Bala is a very short drive away, with excellent restaurants, shopping, and of course Don's Bakery.
We greatly enjoyed our stay and would love to return.
Of course nothing can beat Muskoka at any time but we especially enjoyed the Spence cottage rich in history complete with a book of family photos over the generations. Easy access and views were enjoyed by all. The dock(s) were generous and open as the pics indicate. The Bunkie allowed for privacy and the main cottage dining room with lake view and surround windows made for great meals. My son wants to come back next summer. I think that says it all...
We spend an amazing 3 nights in this very clean, well equipped, cozy cottage with our party of 6. The dock was beautiful, we spent majority of our stay outdoors. Beautiful little town close by to meet all our needs and more.
We canât wait to return to this property.
Property is very nice. has an older rustic feel, home owner mentioned they wanted to do some renovations and as someone who stayed there that would definitely help value. that being said still a very nice place to stay.
Things to improve - I would like a boat rental at a lower rate
- fire pit outside if possible
- a few things that need fixing in the house
Overall I had a great stay and really appreciate the time and effort of the home owners
Everything was as advertised. Great views from the cottage and dock. Very quiet section of the lake tucked in behind Moss Island. Water was super clean. Lots to do...paddle boards, kayak, paddle boat kept everyone busy. Main cottage was clean and cozy with lots of amenities. Kids loved the bunk house. Marian was a very gracious host. Would definitely stay again!
First of all i would like to say thank you for ren me and my friends cottage, the owner and her brother are great people, they are very very helpfull.
What i can say else it hard to describe this place it was just amazing.
Everything was clean and i very good condition.
For me very big advantage was big choice of water staff like paddle board ande boats.
Thank you so much again and if u dont mind one day i would like to repeat this!!
Kamil Moscicki
This is a great cottage for families. It is a private location with lots of activities to do. The island provides you with your own private lake since boats canât really go through. The shallow section and rocks are always fun to swim to.
The cottage is full of charm and the bunkie gives you private sleeping quarters for either kids or another family.
Our family enjoyed the cottage location for the paddle boarding and kayaking around the islands and its proximity to town to pick up food, go for ice-cream etc. Beds were all comfy and the cottage had everything we needed (bbq, water, wine glasses etc). Lots of dock space for all (for us and our boat). Thanks Marian!
Beautiful setting. Clean, well-provided, comfortable beds. Lots of water toys and boats to use
Our stay was spoiled a little by the expectation we be outside the cottage by 8.00 a.m. (we had possession till 11.00)on our final morning to allow the cleaners in. I donât know what we were supposed to do if it had been pouring rain or thunder storm. We were told this in the final information package. As it happened, all of us werenât up, the cleaners left, but very kindly came back later, so the cottage was left clean and ready for the next occupants.
My husband and I had a wonderful time at Bala Bay. We're hoping to return to this lovely place in the future. The cottage had everything we needed including a coffee grinder that we forgot to pack. Our first day was really lovely, then it got cool and rainy. The fireplace and space heaters kept us warm. Google maps directed us to take Dark Bay Rd. Take Torrence Rd instead, it's a better road. The town is nearby if there is anything you need.
Location is very quiet and secluded. What a beautiful spot.
Really had a great time. Very private and rustic. Warm welcoming by Calder. Everyone loved the paddle boards. Most of our time was spent on the spacious dock and water. Everything we needed to enjoy our stay was there for us. Definitely would recommend this vacation spot to others. Had a great time. Thankyou Marian and Calder
Our family had the most wonderful time. The cottage is so cozy and comfortable and the setting is just beautiful. Perfect for swimming - shallow, clear, and protected from boat traffic. We will definitely be back. Thank you!
Our Dad built the main cottage in the late fifties and we have been enjoying it ever since. We love the privacy and proximity to shopping, groceries, liquor store etc..