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MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage

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Terrace/patio
Beach
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony
  • Internet access

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Futon

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

outhouse

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage

This picturesque rustic property is nestled in our own private bay, with western exposure that ensures breathtaking sunsets nightly. This cottage is located in a very secluded, peaceful and quiet setting with very few neighbours. The 1 acre property was built adjacent to crown land in 1960. This 1 owner family cottage has been recently updated and restored by the owner himself, giving it a total cosmetic facelift. The renovation includes; all new stainless steel appliances, high speed internet and phone services, netflix crave and new 55” tv, new furnishings, new mattresses, complete bathroom renovation, new microwave, kurig coffee maker and bbq, 5 amazing outdoor dining places, and all dishware and cookware you need. This cottage is the perfect place to enjoy a good meal with lakeside dining like you’ve never experienced before. Also included with rental are, aluminum row boat, paddle boat, canoe, kayak, SUPfire pit, out house, and hammocks. Property is located 20 minute drive from Dorset, 1 hour from Bracebridge and Huntsville. All amenities such as Laundry, LCBO, Grocery, Hardware etc. are available there. Due to covid-19 bring your own linens such as towels, sheets and whatever else you may need. There are 3 bedrooms and 4 beds (1 queen, 1 double, bunk bed with a queen & twin), as well as a new sectional. Maximum occupancy is 6 guests, no camping such as trailers, tents, or RVs permitted. This cottage is a treasured family legacy property that is family and dog friendly, it is also smoke free. We take great pride in this home of ours and are happy to have the opportunity of sharing our amazing family retreat with respectful guests. Breathtaking scenery and peaceful ,private, tranquility awaits you!
Spectacular FALL COLOURS..are just about to begin! Book soon for FALL!

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM

Minimum age to rent: 20

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9597616
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Minden Hills

Minden Hills is home to this cottage. Lake of Bays Marine Museum and Navigation Society and Dorset Heritage Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Baysville Marina and Lake of Bays Brewing Company.
View more Cottages in Minden HillsOpens in a new window
Map
Algonquin Highlands, ON

What's nearby

  • Bigwind Lake Provincial Park - 22 min drive - 11.7 km
  • Lake of Bays - 47 min drive - 29.9 km
  • Lake Muskoka - 57 min drive - 60.3 km
  • Santa's Village - 59 min drive - 60.8 km
  • Muskoka Wharf - 59 min drive - 62.1 km

Getting around

  • Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Black River Bar & Grill

Frequently asked questions

Is MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage?

As of 18 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage on 31 August 2026 start from NZ$529, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is MOONDOG RETREAT: Tranquil Lakefront Cottage located?

Situated in Minden Hills, this cottage is 5.9 mi (9.5 km) from Bigwind Lake Provincial Park and within 16 miles (25 km) of Grandview Lake and Baysville Marina. Centennial Park and Robertson Parkette are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was an amazing place to stay. The cottage was cozy and exactly what we were looking for. The lake is really nice and you can’t beat the view from the front deck. Our host was fantastic. He was very responsive and provided the perfect retreat for our family. We loved it and will go again without hesitation.
Beautiful view of the lake from the dock.
View from the deck.
View from the dock.
Beautiful sunsets.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Had a great time at Ted's cottage. Excellent location to kick back and relax. Right on the water. Enjoyable stay !
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage was everything we hoped for and more — a beautiful lake setting, peaceful and quiet surroundings, and every comfort and amenity we could need. The views were absolutely picturesque, and it was the perfect spot for our family to relax, laugh, and make memories together. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cottage is lovely, classic rustic charm with good amenities. Great sunsets and outdoor area. We will go back, was easy to get to, good roads.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ben f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Seamless check-in. Cottage was equipped with everything you need. Great location and amazing lake. The host was fantastic. Would definitely recommend and rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil Oasis

Ted’s cottage is a fantastic tranquil oasis on a beautiful lake. The cottage is authentic and rustic, exactly what we wanted from our trip out of the city. If your looking for peace and quiet, this is the place to find it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptionally quiet and relaxing

Quiet and relaxing. A true rustic cottage completely removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. We all thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2022
So glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you Mary, you were wonderful guests & we'd be more than happy to have you back again! Ted
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thierry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy Space , confortable couch and bed. Huge TV for Netflix, Kitchen well organised . Incredible views. Cottage close to water which we loved. Very privâte. Ideàl as a two bedroom if you are a light sleeper (no celling in 2 of bedrooms). Responsive host
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing oasis

Wooded secluded peaceful surroundings. Nature at your door step whispers of loons echoing of the lake. Fishing just of the dock caught and released a dozen Water was warm and clean. Host was very kind and hospitable Well equipped cottage with paddle board and more. We had a great time!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 August 2024
Hosting Stefanie and Scott & their beautiful pup was absolutely a pleasure! They were so kind caring and respectful in how they treated our piece of paradise and I couldn’t have hoped for a better experience. I would have them back in a HEARTBEAT! Great people!!❤️
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank R M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway chill escape

The cottage had everything you could need and was very well curated in a retro/cottage/ old school vibe. But also all of your basic luxuries. Great quiet property on a quiet lake. If you’re looking to actually escape and shut it down, this is the place. Ted is a great guy who cares for his property and his guests and makes everything easy and amazing. What a gem.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 September 2024
Frank is a guy who gets it! He truly appreciates what we have to offer. Everything was a PERFECT FIT, from the beginning. Immediate connection and I look forward to having him & anyone he wants to bring as guests at anytime Everything was left perfectly ,& he showed nothing but kindness and care and respect with regards to how everything about his stay wars left One of my best rental experiences I’ve had..EVER! He will be welcomed back to our property at any time. Was a fabulous experience!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall colour extravaganza

We loved our Thanksgiving time at Moondog. The cottage is small but cozy and well organized. My bed was super comfortable (don’t know about the singles) the sofa too. Kitchen was clean and bathroom is massive and stylin’ . Incredible views, quiet lake, rolling hills to walk. Ted is lovely so be good to his cottage. ;-)
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2021
So happy to hear about your time at Moondog. You were fantastic to deal with from the start & im delighted to have shared our “ special “ place with you & your guests. I was completely blown away at how I found things upon your departure. You treated it as if it was your own as promised and I was delighted to see how well you respected our family cottage. Thank you Christine. You are always welcomed back as a return guest ..& happy birthday!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Uncle A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely incredible

This was hands down the best stay we have ever had not only is Ted an amazing property manager and person but the cottage and property is a time you will never forget. The water is warm and beautiful for swimming and fishing, the decor is on point and gives so much history on the area and property the decorations are spectacular, the appliances are all new and updated, beds were comfy and super clean, bathroom is beautiful and shower is amazing. This is definitely going to be a regular vacation spot for us now. If i could rate this higher then the maximum, I definitely would. Thanks for a wonderful experience Ted and looking forward to next time.
Tons of boats!
Beautiful Loons swim around the lake all day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labour Day weekend 2024

Our family stayed for the long weekend and it was so relaxing and quiet!! A definite rustic cabin like was used to when I was a kid, but with an actual bathroom! Lol Cousins cottage growing up back in the day had an outhouse lol. Ted gives you so much information about where everything is and was just a text away if we had a question!! Would definitely return again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on earth!

This was the true rustic cottage experience that I grew up knowing. Very private and quiet with millions of stars and no light pollution. Calm lake without all the boats (there were just a few) made it wonderful for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, row boating and paddle boarding!! Our two large dogs loved it and our German Shepard was in more than us! The water is the cleanest and softest we have experienced in years. The cottage has all of the amenities you could need, with a real quaint days gone by vibe. It was perfect for us and our dogs without having to worry about our dogs with close neighbors. Truly Heaven on earth!!!! Thanks Ted for your hospitality!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 August 2023
So glad you enjoyed everything! You were the perfect guests, respectful,gracious and left everything just wonderful! Great communication, and I would be delighted to have you back again ANYTIME! Thank you again Stephanie…oh thanks for the 🍰 cake!! Yum! 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning sunsets at the Moondog Retreat

Ted has a wonderful cottage to share, full of family history and all the conveniences you could want. The lake is beautiful and the water deep enough off the short dock that you can just dive right in. Plenty of privacy, lots of seating, great WiFi...what more could you ask for? Ted was remarkably helpful, answering any questions I had quickly and accurately. Hey, it's a cottage so you have to figure out how things work, where stuff is, and you can't expect a "hotel" experience hence why I only gave it 4 cleanliness stars. However, it was much cleaner than the cottage I owned for years! I've rented a lot of cottages in the last few years and this was one of my best experiences. We'll certainly look at coming back to the Moondog Retreat!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carly

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Our stay at MOONDOG RETREAT was fantastic! The cottage is super charming with its delightful Canadiana decor and thoughtful design choices. If you're into kitsch, you'll love the fun touches around every corner. The amenities were excellent, with WiFi and a smart TV to keep us connected and entertained. We enjoyed the lakeside fire pit, the paddle boats (which our dog loved), and the kayaks that Ted personally delivered – such a nice touch! The setup for outdoor entertaining was perfect, whether we were by the fire pit or just hanging out on the dock with a beer. See you next summer!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nanda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent cottage stay at Moondog

We stayed at the Moondog Retreat with our kids and our dog. The place is lovely and well cared for. It has all the amenities you would need to be comfortable and enjoy your stay. We enjoyed the amazing sunsets on the deck, we had campfire story time and smores, got to spot a few shooting stars, made good use of the lake - swimming and canoeing. We had a great family getaway. We also stopped in Dorset to climb the tower. We loved our stay at the Moondog Retreat, the kids loved it - would definitely recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Carol S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing time at the lake!

A rustic cottage set on a lovely quiet lake. Use of the canoe and paddle boat added to our experience. Our fur babies loved roaming the forested property and swimming. The cottage is very comfortable and decorated with many interesting items. The kitchen is well stocked and beds comfortable. Quite remote but can buy supplies in nearby Dorset.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

louise h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

paradise found

loved our stay at Moondog! Beautiful setting - quiet end of a medium size lake - enjoyed canoeing and kayaking that are provided. Rustic cottage that has all the necessities (new fridge, stove, big screen tv and great internet coverage). Well stocked kitchen and a very responsive host. Thank you Ted!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot!

My partner, puppy, and I rented the cottage for our honeymoon and it was fantastic! The water was perfect for swimming and the dock had a great amount of sunshine! The cottage is super cute with lots of fun vintage pieces to look at. Ted was great as making us feel welcome and comfortable. You can tell a lot of time and care has gone into this place. We had the most relaxing time! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brock P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely traditional cottage with a fantastic deck close to the water on an amazing property.

Great views from dock,wonderful deck to bbq on and enjoy the sunset. Private setting, nice fire pit area. Great lake view. Owner/Ted was easy and a pleasure to deal with.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2021
So glad you enjoyed yourselves!!🍷 it was a pleasure having you Brock . Always welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely retreat

Beautiful cottage on a gorgeous soft-dip lake!

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