This property has a great deal to offer families. The outdoor spaces are incredible. The deck on top of the boathouse is the star of the show with a hot tub, huge table for meals, and plenty of reclined lounge chairs to enjoy the afternoon sun or a gorgeous sunset. If the sun is too hot for comfort there is a second large seating area below with another large table that is shaded most of the time. There is even a seating area just outside the door surrounding the propane grill. Although not featured in any of the pictures, this area turned out to be of great benefit to our group. The men would often sit here to enjoy a beer while cooking dinner on the barbecue, leaving the women to enjoy their own conversation indoors.
Other reviewers mentioned that the abundance of furniture made the indoor space feel crowded. This was not a problem for our group of 8 adults and one small child. If anything we appreciated being able to gather all together for a movie or an indoor meal. The architecture of the house, with many non-right angles, seemed to dictate furniture placement to some degree. Even the stairs entered the living space at an angle. If there were people gathered in one area, you could always reverse direction and enter the kitchen from the opposite side.
One thing I always appreciate in a week-long rental is an attention to decoration that promotes conversation relevant to the area. This place abounded in such opportunities. From the perfect scale models of actual historical Muskoka steamships, to the beautiful eagle statue, to the faces that personified the trees with an ancient, mystical character - there was always an opportunity for conversation, intrigue, or just quiet reflection.
Being so close to Gravenhurst I was initially concerned that boat traffic would be a problem. It turns out that there is an island in front of the cottage that is perfectly placed to keep boats on the deep water side, leaving the water in front of the boathouse and dock safe for swimmers. Even on the days when high winds would have dissuaded all but the largest boats from the big water of Lake Muskoka, our little section of Muskoka bay remained reasonably calm and navigable.
Donna was a marvelous host during our stay, always available to answer any questions we had. We all thoroughly enjoyed our week of Muskoka bliss! Thank you Donna!