A bittersweet goodbye, a fast-paced sale, and a very special piece of Muskoka real estate.
The Backstory
Some properties are just listings – and some hold pieces of your life.
920 Kahshe Lake was our family cottage, a water-access-only gem that held 7+ years of memories, dock days, and late-night bonfires. Like many waterfront homes in cottage country, it wasn’t just about square footage or finishings – it was about lifestyle, connection, and nature at your doorstep.
When it came time to sell, I knew two things:
✅ We needed the right buyer who’d appreciate this place for everything it was
✅ We had to move fast – this was late-season in a tougher market.
Prepping for Market
Selling a water-access cottage is a special kind of real estate mission. It means:
- Scheduling access and tours by boat
- Prepping the property logistically while the season was winding down
- Carefully documenting its best features: lake frontage, sunset views, privacy, and potential
We coordinated a thorough staging, had professional photos + drone footage shot, and created a full digital marketing package designed to reach GTA cottage hunters as well as local Muskoka agents.
Prep Work Highlights:
- Decluttering & minor repairs
- Landscape touch-ups (lakeside curb appeal matters!)
- Professional staging & styling for photos
- Drone and waterfront visuals
- Listing copy and storytelling that spoke to lifestyle, not just specs
The Market Context
📍Region: Muskoka Lakes
📅 Listed: September 2024
⏱ Days on Market: 6
📈 Offers Received: 2
💰 Final Sale Price: $1,225,000
🔐 Closed: Summer 2025
Despite the cottage market softening post-COVID boom, we priced strategically to spark urgency – knowing serious buyers were still watching for unique, well-marketed, turn-key properties.
Create Irresistible First Impressions – Professional Staging, Photos & Video Drive Showings
The Buyer
The buyers weren’t just looking for a cottage – they were building a multi-generational family compound. And this property was the missing puzzle piece. With a quick and clean offer (one of two on the table), we secured a deal that was a win for everyone involved.
The (Bittersweet) Closing
We accepted the offer in September… but didn’t officially close until Summer 2025. Watching that final boat ride away from the dock was emotional – but also satisfying to know the next chapter for this property is full of life, just like ours was.
Thinking of Selling Your Cottage?
Cottage properties require a different kind of marketing. From boat access to limited Wi-Fi, to coordinating viewings across time zones – I bring calm, creativity, and a serious plan.
If you’re considering selling your waterfront property – even if it’s next season – let’s talk strategy. Timing, prep, and storytelling make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
This one was close to home. Literally. But what made it successful was strategy, experience, and a lot of care behind the scenes. That’s how I approach every listing – whether it’s lakefront, loft, or anything in between.
