Welcome to the heartwarming story of our family cottage near Brighton, Ontario—a tranquil retreat that’s been a significant part of my life and now, a cherished getaway for many families. As a mother and entrepreneur, I'm excited to share the tale of how this special place came to be part of our lives and how it continues to create lasting memories.
A Legacy of Lakeside Summers
My childhood summers were synonymous with our family cottage. My grandparents would host me for a month each summer, where my days were filled with endless swimming, searching for frogs, and cozy bonfire nights under the stars. These moments were punctuated by laughter and the simple joys of Disney movies and more swimming. It was here that I first learned what it meant to truly connect with nature and family.
Over the years, my uncle took over the care of the cottage, maintaining the tradition of generosity and family. He allowed my husband, our three children, and me to spend our cherished one-week summer vacation there. However, as his own family grew, it became challenging to accommodate everyone. This sparked a dream in me—a dream to find a family cottage of our own to pass down through generations.
Our New Beginning
Ten years ago, that dream turned into reality. We were blessed to find a wonderful little cottage on Little Lake, a place where new memories await. While it feels a bit like I’m betraying my childhood memories, the excitement of making this new cottage feel like home has been truly invigorating.
Why Share Our Cottage?
Having spent so much of my youth at a cottage, I recognized the unique joy it can bring, and I wanted to extend this experience to other families who might not have a cottage of their own. It’s why we decided to open up our cottage to guests, hoping to offer them a slice of the peace and connection that has enriched our lives.
What Makes Our Cottage Special?
Styled Camping: Enjoy the great outdoors with all the comforts of home. Our cottage offers a stylish way to experience nature without the ruggedness of traditional camping.
Unavoidable Family Fun: With teenagers in the house, finding time together can be a challenge. The cottage changes that. It’s a place where all ages can’t help but join in on family activities.
Family Meals: At home, coordinating family meals can be a struggle. At the cottage, mealtime naturally becomes family time, a precious opportunity to bond over homemade dishes.
Movie Nights: While we have internet and streaming options available, our movie nights often feature films that seem 'old' to the kids but are just right for us parents. We love picking a movie, gathering everyone on the couch, and watching together. These cozy evenings usually end with us carrying a dozing child to bed, a perfect ending to a perfect family night.
Game Nights: Board and card games are a cottage staple. They’re a fantastic way to engage and laugh together, stepping away from our usual busy schedules.
Digital Detox: Even though we have internet at the cottage, you might find yourself not even mentioning it to the kids. Being at the cottage provides a perfect excuse to take a break from constant connectivity. It’s incredibly freeing and fosters an environment ripe for meaningful conversations and genuine connections.
As a cottage owner and a lover of family traditions, I hope this story not only entertains but also inspires you to consider a lakeside retreat for your next family getaway. Whether you’re looking to start new family traditions or simply need a break from the digital world, our cottage near Brighton offers the perfect setting to reconnect and rejuvenate.
We look forward to helping you create your own unforgettable memories by the lake!
Warm regards,
Kristi