Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br>
Only 10 minutes from groomed snowmobile trails - bask in the beauty of Highlands East at our newly-renovated lakefront cottage. We have lovingly transformed this picturesque cottage into a year-round sanctuary, complete with a luxurious six-person hot tub overlooking the tranquil waters of Esson Lake. Whether you're here to have fun in the snow in a winter wonderland or soak up the summer sun, our 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom haven ticks all the boxes for an idyllic getaway.
Only 2.5 hours from Toronto and 15 minutes from Haliburton, this cottage feels like a secluded escape - yet is only a 5-minute drive from the Wilberforce Foodland, LCBO, and eateries.
Our cottage has been renovated to offer every modern convenience you could need, including a spacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area with large windows overlooking the lake. In the winter you can expect beautifully frosted vistas.
Are you looking for a fall or winter getaway? This cottage offers an indoor wood-burning stove (and heating units) to keep you nice and toasty. Whether you want to snuggle up in front of the fireplace, play games around our 8-seater dining table, explore the surrounding winter wonderland on a hike, feel festive around one of our two firepits, or try your hand at tobogganing, we’re sure you’ll have a great time at our Esson Lake cottage.
Cottage Highlights: * 6-person hot tub (with 32 jets, RGB lights and dual waterfall), overlooking the lake * Kayak, stand-up paddle board, pedal boat, floaties, “crazy carpet” * Two outdoor firepits * Large dock, with chairs and lounger * Deck (850 sq ft) with 8-person dining table and conversation set overlooking the water * Propane BBQ on the upper deck * Indoor wood-burning stove * High-speed Wi-Fi (indoors and outdoors), and Netflix included with all three TVs * Picturesque views of the lake from the kitchen and living room windows * Modern, energy-efficient washer and dryer, dishwasher, and ice-making fridge
Other Features: Bedrooms: The master bedroom is equipped with a Queen-size bed. The second bedroom features a bunk bed with an upper single bed and lower full bed. The third bedroom features two single beds which can be pushed together to create a full bed if desired.
Prime location: Nestled in the picturesque Highlands East, just a stone's throw away from groomed snowmobile trails, hiking trails, Sir Sam’s Ski Resort, and more. Only 2.5 hours from Toronto, 15 minutes from Haliburton, and 5 minutes from Wilberforce with local Foodland, LCBO, general store, and gas station.
Modern amenities: Our kitchen boasts an ice-making fridge, dishwasher, and a convection oven (with air fryer), and Nespresso Coffee Machine - ready for your culinary adventures.
Water quality assurance: Quench your thirst with our three-stage filtered drinking water, regularly tested to ensure pristine quality.
Stay connected (or don't): With Wi-Fi, both indoors and outdoors, you're always connected to the world - if you choose to be.
Entertainment galore: Relax in the spacious living room in front of a wood-burning stove and TV equipped with Netflix, enjoy a collection of board games, or gather around the fire pit for a memorable evening.
Gorgeous surrounds: This cottage is nestled in natural beauty, surrounded by trees and facing Esson Lake. You can enjoy the views through large windows, or from a lower and upper deck. You can even soak up the views from the six-person hot tub.
Comfort all year round: Be it the height of summer or the heart of winter, our cottage ensures your comfort with air conditioning and heating.
This cottage is located at the edge of Esson Lake (about 3 to 6 ft deep around the dock, depending on the seasonal water levels), and deeper towards the floating dock, which you can make use of. The larger and deeper part of the lake (about 20 to 60 ft deep) is accessible via boat through the culvert, which means you can use the kayaks, pedal boat, or paddle board to reach it - right from the cottage dock. The culvert to the larger Esson Lake is about 500m from the cottage dock.
Experience the idyllic scenery of Highlands East with a stay at our lakeside retreat. We’re sure you’ll savour every picture-perfect moment.
Municipality of Highlands East approved, short term rental permit STR25-00057.
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Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Highlands East
Highlands East is home to this cottage. While the natural beauty of Silent Lake Provincial Park and Farrel Lake can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Paudash Lake Marina.
Haliburton County Public Library - Highland Grove Branch - 21 min drive - 25.8 km
Haliburton Rail Trail - 22 min drive - 31.0 km
Haliburton Highlands Museum - 24 min drive - 32.8 km
Haliburton Sculpture Forest - 25 min drive - 33.5 km
Silent Lake Provincial Park - 29 min drive - 34.9 km
Getting around
Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 104 min drive
Restaurants
Cross X Roads Cafe - 6 min drive
South Algonquin Diner - 6 min drive
Linkert Country Bakery - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br> pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br>?
As of 31 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub on 9 May 2026 start from NZ$368, 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 Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br>?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br>?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br>?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lakeside retreat in Highlands East: A 4-season getaway with hot tub<br> located?
Situated in Highlands East, this cottage is within 16 miles (25 km) of Haliburton County Public Library - Highland Grove Branch, Farrel Lake and Contau Lake. Highlands East Town Hall and Haliburton County Public Library - Cardiff Branch are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The cottage was clean and cozy. Great hiking as we went in the fall. The colours are outstanding. Bought the best maple syrup right off the farm. Hot tub made our evenings, it was clean, host supplied chemicals as well. Would highly recommend.
Very thoughtful hosts who provided everything needed for a wonderful quiet winter getaway. Felt welcome and accommodated. Place was very clean on a beautiful property with modern amenties and appliance
Property is exactly as listed. Kitchen is fully stocked with essential cooking tools. (Except a grater-we survived) Hot tub is great! Was a fantastic week!
This property was the perfect place to celebrate my boyfriends 40th birthday with his closest friends!
It had plenty of board games, a fully stocked kitchen, and very spacious living areas. It is beautifully renovated and the host was very kind, communicated well, responded quickly, and made sure the property was prepared for our stay (the road and driveway was salted/sanded, fire pit and wood stove had plenty of new and available wood, very clean). The hot tub was lovely and the view was amazing. There were no issues with Wifi - we were able to work remotely (there is even a desk with monitor to do so in the living room), and stream tv. It is also nice that we could include my 13 year old dog on our trip, she enjoys the chill cottage life and I wouldn't have chosen a property that I could not bring her.
The hosts website (access close to booked stay) is so informative in regards to the property itself, as well as what is available within the area and community.
We can not wait to go back to this property again for everything mentioned, and in contrast to spend some of the summer to experience the lake, the many trails, and to get some maple syrup and mineral tours from the farm close by!
Thank you, Greg for everything you've put into this property and sharing it.