The Sandwood Retreat

5 Bedrooms (3 King & 2 Queen) | 2 Bathrooms

Relax and reconnect at this newly renovated Muskoka retreat on beautiful Three Mile Lake. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection, and year-round enjoyment, this spacious cottage is perfect for families, couples, and group getaways.

Featuring 5 comfortable bedrooms, a cozy gas fireplace, private barrel sauna, games area, firepit, and private lake access just steps away, The Sandwood Retreat offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Spend your days exploring the lake, relaxing by the fire, unwinding in the sauna, or enjoying peaceful mornings overlooking the water from the deck. In the winter, experience classic Muskoka charm with snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, nearby skating, and skiing adventures.

Key Features

• Newly renovated cottage retreat
• Private access to Three Mile Lake directly across the road
• Private dock & sandy beach area
• Outdoor barrel sauna
• Cozy gas fireplace
• Spacious deck overlooking the lake
• Large outdoor firepit area
• Games area with ping pong & darts
• Bright open-concept living spaces
• Perfect for families & group getaways

Included with Your Stay

• Private Dock Access (seasonal)
• Sandy Beach Area
• Outdoor Barrel Sauna
• Firepit Area
• Ping Pong Table
• Dart Board

In the winter, experience classic Muskoka magic — from snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing to peaceful snowy views right outside your door. Enjoy skating the famous ice trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park or skiing at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area.

Sleeping Arrangements
Main Floor

• Bedroom 1 — King Bed
• Bedroom 2 — King Bed

Lower Level

• Bedroom 3 — King Bed
• Bedroom 4 — Queen Bed
• Bedroom 5 — Queen Bed

Bathrooms

• Main Floor Bathroom — Full bath with bathtub
• Lower Level Bathroom — Full bath with stand-up shower

Main Living Areas
Main Floor

• Open-concept kitchen, dining & living area
• Walkout to spacious deck overlooking the lake
• Cozy gas fireplace

Lower Level

• Games area with ping pong table & darts
• Walkout access to sauna & firepit area

Kitchen

Fully equipped with:
• Fridge & Freezer
• Stove
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Beverage Fridge
• Toaster
• Blender
• Kettle
• Drip Coffee Maker (bring ground coffee)

Dining

• Dining table seating for 8
• Additional seating for 4 at the kitchen island

Outdoor Amenities

• Large deck with Adirondack chairs & propane BBQ
• Outdoor barrel sauna
• Firepit area (please bring your own firewood)
• Private waterfront access located directly across the road
• Sandy beach area & dock access during spring/summer seasons

Guest Access

Guests will have full private access to the entire home, including all bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, games area, deck, sauna, firepit area, and private waterfront access.

There are no shared spaces — the property is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay.

Please Note

• Dock access is seasonal and not available during winter months (typically November–Mid May).
• Guests are responsible for propane refills if needed during their stay.
• Please bring your own appropriately sized life jackets.

The Area

Located in Utterson on beautiful Three Mile Lake, this cottage is set in a peaceful lakeside community surrounded by forest and nature. The area offers a true Muskoka cottage-country experience — quiet mornings, loons on the water, and star-filled night skies.

Three Mile Lake is known for its clear water and excellent boating, swimming, and fishing. Guests are welcome to bring their own boat, with nearby public launch access available.

While the setting feels private and tucked away, you’re conveniently located:
• 35 minutes to Huntsville
• 35 minutes to Bracebridge
• 25 minutes to Port Carling
• 2.5 hours to Toronto

This central location makes it easy to explore Muskoka’s restaurants, shops, golf courses, hiking trails, and seasonal events — while returning home to a peaceful lakeside retreat.

Wildlife sightings are common in the area, and the natural surroundings are part of what makes this location so special year-round.

In the winter, experience classic Muskoka magic — from snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing to peaceful snowy views right outside your door. Enjoy skating the famous ice trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park or skiing at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area.

Things To Note

1. Three Mile Lake:
The cottage sits directly on the beautiful shores of Three Mile Lake. While the lake is a wonderful spot to relax and take in the views, please note that blue-green algae blooms can occur in late summer, particularly after August 10th. This doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, swimming may not be possible. This is particularly important for children and pets.

Because water conditions are out of our control, we kindly recommend considering this if swimming is an important part of your stay—especially if booking later in August. We want you to have the best experience possible!

2. Water Access:
Water access to Three Mile Lake is located across the street. Three Mile Lake is shallow at the shoreline—only 3.5 to 4 ft deep at the dock. The lake’s median depth is 11 ft, with a maximum of 36 ft. For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that guests do not jump off the dock at any time. Docks available spring/summer season. Docks removed for winter season Nov-May.

3. Power Outages:
Power outages can occasionally occur in Muskoka. Please note that this property does not have a backup generator. During an outage, electricity and water will be unavailable as the cottage operates on a well system.
🏡 Welcome!
We’re so happy to host you in beautiful Muskoka. To ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for everyone, we kindly ask that you review and follow our house rules and guidelines.
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🔑 Quick Essentials
• Check-In: 3:00 PM
• Check-Out: 11:00 AM
• No unregistered guests or visitors at any time
• Additional guests will result in immediate cancellation without refund
• $200 fee per night per unauthorized guest
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🚫 Respectful Use & Behavior
• No parties, events, or large gatherings
We’re a family-oriented cottage in a quiet community. This home is not suitable for party groups.
• No loud or excessive noise at any time
Quiet hours begin at 9:00 PM. Per Muskoka noise bylaws, police may issue fines of up to $5,000 for noise violations.
• No fireworks at any time, regardless of holiday or occasion
• No professional photography or videography without written permission
• Please supervise children at all times
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🛏️ Inside the Cottage
• No smoking, vaping, cannabis, or cigarettes inside
A $500 minimum fee will apply for any indoor smoking.
• No shoes indoors
Please help keep the cottage clean and comfy!
• Tidy up before departure
Leave furniture in its original position and clean up any messes.
• Follow the checkout instructions provided
Additional cleaning fees may apply if not followed.
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🌊 Waterfront & Safety Notes
• Lake access to Three Mile Lake is located across the street
• The lake is shallow at the dock (approx. 3.5–4 ft). No diving at any time.
• Swimming is at your own risk.
• We cannot control the natural water conditions in Three Mile Lake. From time to time, the local health unit may issue advisories or swimming bans due to elevated bacteria levels, algae blooms, or other environmental concerns. These events are rare but possible and do not warrant refunds. We encourage guests to check with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for current advisories before swimming. Blue-green algae blooms may occur, especially after August 10. If present, the water may be unsafe for swimming — guests must use judgment and follow public health guidelines.
• Guests are responsible for supervising children and pets around the water at all times.
• No glass on the dock or beach — broken glass can be hazardous.
• We strongly recommend wearing water shoes when entering the lake as there could be small rocks or shells present.
• Rocks near the shoreline can be extremely slippery, especially when wet — proceed with caution at all times.
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🔥 Fire & Heating
• No outdoor fires unattended. You are responsible for following local fire guidelines and monitoring fire rating. Firepit may only be used when no fire bans are in effect.
• Use only local firewood as required by Muskoka bylaws (available nearby at Shell).
• Fireworks are prohibited at all time, including holidays.
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🧼 Towels, Linens & Cleanliness
• Towels are for indoor use only
Please bring your own beach towels for outdoor/lake use to help us keep our whites bright.
• Please strip used beds and leave bedding on each bed.
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🚽 Septic System Guidelines
• We are on a septic system — please only flush toilet paper.
• Do not flush wipes, hygiene products, or anything else.
• Septic misuse can cause serious plumbing damage and result in guest liability.
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🐾 Wildlife & Nature
• Muskoka is home to wildlife including bears, deer, coyotes, wolves, snakes, spiders, and insects. Their presence is natural and not grounds for refunds.
• Use caution when outdoors, especially at night.

⚖️ Liability Disclaimer
By booking our rental property, guests acknowledge and accept the following terms:
1. Assumption of Risk
Use of the property and its amenities is at the guest’s own risk. Guests should assess their own abilities when using the lake, dock, firepit, and other features.
2. Liability Waiver
The property owners, hosts, Port Sydney Cottages Inc., and their insurers are not liable for personal injury, death, or property loss resulting from the use of the property, its amenities, or surrounding land.
3. Responsible Use of Amenities
Guests are responsible for the safe and