Anyone who’s owned or visited a cottage knows that it’s not just about having a second property. Your cottage is a place where family and friends will gather over generations, sharing experiences, making memories, and enjoying the simplicity of an escape from city living. But not all cottages are built the same. From location to layout, style to lifestyle, there are many things to consider before you can achieve the perfect rural retreat. Thankfully, as a full-service modular homebuilder, Quality Homes streamlines the process to help you every step of the way.

Start With the Setting

You’ve heard it before: location, location, location. But how do you choose where to have your cottage retreat, when Ontario is filled with so many beautiful places? Start with the experience you’re looking to have. Young couples with families might be seeking places close to home, so leaving on a Friday after work can get you to the cottage before dark, and amenities to keep the kids occupied are always at hand. But when you’re retired, your opportunities are much wider! 

Fishing enthusiasts might enjoy a property on Lake Erie for their famous fishing conditions, adventurers may be drawn to Collingwood and its four-season outdoor playground, and Lake Huron is well-known for its beautiful little towns and their vibrant local culture. Check out the Top 5 Locations for cottage-goers in recent years for a little insight into the setting you’re seeking!

Buying vs. Building

Many people avoid building their dream cottage in favour of buying an existing property for the simple factors of cost, time, and simplicity. Buying an existing home is definitely one of the fastest ways to start enjoying your cottage retreat – since many are seasonal homes, the sellers usually aren’t living in their cottage full-time, which results in faster closing dates. You may notice however, that the quality and style of many existing cottages within budget can be lacking. Old style, old stains, and old materials – there’s nothing comfortable about a dingy hut in the woods. 

If you’re looking for a little bit of a modern touch, with the comfort and peace of mind that comes with a new property, you may consider having your very own custom cottage built! It may sound like a costly, long process, but with a modular homebuilder like Quality Homes, the process is much faster, more affordable, and more reliable, while saving you money down the line without any renovations and better energy efficiency. And at the end of the day, you have a beautiful cottage built exactly to your specifications, with all the modern comforts you deserve. They even help work out the permits, do the site servicing, and foundation work all for you, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the process.

Choosing the Cottage For You

If you do decide to take a leap and start the exciting experience of building your own custom cottage, the next step is finding the right design for you. The most important part is making sure the model you choose suits your chosen property. Quality Homes has a highly experienced team who knows just how to fit a home on the size and shape of your lot, and position it to maximize the views through the windows. Once you’ve figured out the size and shape for your lot, you can consider the layout. Do you want a bungalow for single-storey convenience? A second floor to add more bedrooms for friends and family to come and stay? Two storeys, but with a master on the main floor? The world is your oyster. From ample outdoor space, full laundry rooms, and optional garages to store all your gear to oversized windows, open concept layouts, and cozy fireplaces, you can find the perfect design in Quality Homes’ Cottage Collection.

Cottage Living in The Lakefield

One of Quality Homes’ most popular cottage designs, The Lakefield is a beautiful bungalow designed to welcome the views through spectacular window features with transoms for a little extra brightness. With three bedrooms, one of which is a private primary suite with a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom, there’s plenty of room for family to come and visit. The main living space is an incredible open concept living, dining, and kitchen area that brings people together. 

It’s got all the modern conveniences you want, too! There’s a dishwasher in the kitchen island, a laundry room on the main floor, two full bathrooms with modern finishes, and a full basement to keep all your utilities and storage tucked away. And with a full-length back deck, there’s ample space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. 

If you’re considering a cottage to call your own, check out our Cottage Collection to see just what it is that makes Quality Homes such an excellent choice to build your custom cottage. You’ll be sipping a cold drink by the lake in no time!