Award-winning modern architecture: your home in the heart of nature - 1/40 Dining on the deck, with a Wolf BBQ and all the trimmings - 2/40 Looking through the Great Room to the open plan breakfast bar and gourmet kitchen beyond - 3/40 Floor-to-ceiling windows look to the lake; plus two-storey granite fireplace - 4/40 Cantilevered, glass-sided dining room with panoramic forest and lake views - 5/40 Gourmet chef's kitchen: open plan so great for socialising - 6/40 Foodie heaven: fully stocked gourmet kitchen with high end appliances - 7/40 Inside-outside: enjoy our spacious screen room all year (with granite fireplace & overhead heaters) - 8/40 Stairs lead to the upper level. A glass wall of windows at the rear offers forest and fire pit views - 9/40 Upper level: with den to the right containing large flatscreen TV, DVD & PS4 for rainy days - 10/40 Cosy corner in the upper den mezzanine, with TV and leather sofa - 11/40 Mastersuite private entrance corridor, framed by forest views - 12/40 Master bedroom: granite-clad gas fireplace, lake & forest views, plus cosy cashmere & plaid accents - 13/40 The master bathroom suite has an indulgent freestanding tub with a view - 14/40 The master bathroom suite's ofuro: a Japanese-style outdoor soaking tub, screened in - 15/40 Red plaid meets peekaboo window: the spacious upper guest suite - 16/40 Quad bunk room: with full size single beds perfect for four kids (or adults!) - 17/40 Downstairs guest suite - glam greys and garden views - 18/40 Lakeside Softub (open all year round). Enjoy with a morning coffee, a sunset beer and a sauna! - 19/40 From softub to secluded Sauna, hidden behind the the wooden wall - 20/40 Gather around the rear firepit; s'mores optional - 21/40 Canoe dock on our private bay, with spectacular forest, lake views. Front row seat for Fall colours - 22/40 Sunrise: the sound of silence - 23/40 On the Point - children's jungle gym and Algonquin chairs with lake views - 24/40 Canoes, kayak and a paddle board are yours to explore the lake and wetlands - 25/40 At one with nature. Our property is sensitively designed to rest gently in its forest/lake surrounds - 26/40 Upstairs terrace and a secret sauna deck below. Yours to discover - 27/40 On our Point, wild and beautiful Ontario, just as Nature intended - 28/40 Our private Trails at Contau, mapped out - 29/40 Enjoy hiking 2.5km of totally private signposted eco-trails, boardwalks and wetlands - 30/40 Boardwalks and groomed eco-trails take you to our private wetlands - 31/40 Pristine nature: yours to discover on our private eco-trails - 32/40 Hike out to the 2nd lake on our property via groomed eco-trails - 33/40 The Bear Stand is proud to be included in the best-selling 'Homes For Our Time' book by Taschen - 34/40 Modern architecture meets snowscape - 35/40 Perfect winter relaxation. A long soak in our screened in ofuro soaking tub is not to be missed. - 36/40 Fabulous in the snow: a winter wonderland with private nature trails perfect for snowshoeing - 37/40 Pair a dip in our lakeside softub with our onsite sauna. A roll in the snow, optional - 38/40 Get active with us on nearly 5 kms of private eco trails across the property. Bring your snowshoes! - 39/40 A bit of snow won't stop Jungle Gym action on our Point - 40/40 $1100 - $1400 / night | CONTACT OWNER |
DESCRIPTIONGENERAL DESCRIPTION | Sleeps 10 |
| 4 Bedrooms |
| 3 Bathrooms |
| Pets allowed with restrictions |
| Smoking not allowed |
| Fireplace |
| Internet |
| Hot Tub |
| Waterfront |
| Ski <25km |
SUMMER 2024 - Due to a late cancellation, we have a one week stay and a three-day stay available in August 2024. Contact us today to reserve your spot! Follow our IG: @thebearstand A LAKESIDE ARCHITECTURAL GEM SET IN YOUR OWN PRIVATE WILDERNESS. Luxurious Canadian lakeside living comes to the heart of the Haliburton Highlands with this international architect-designed gem beautifully situated in the heart of the Canadian Wilderness. Featured in Architectural Digest magazine, and winner of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) National Housing Award 2018, the AIA Merit Award 2017 (and more!) our beautiful four-season property thoughtfully fuses modern master craftsmanship with indoor-outdoor connectivity. The unique hand-crafted wood structure offers floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning granite fireplaces (inside and out), a soaring two-storey ceiling, fir beams and heated hardwood floors throughout. The Bear Stand (named after an old hunting stand found on the property) fuses the traditional cabin experience with the best in contemporary design. OVER 5KMS OF PRIVATE ECO NATURE TRAILS TO EXPLORE (ONLY FOR GUESTS OF THE BEAR STAND). We wanted to explore our incredible natural property, so we crafted over 5 kms of eco trails and boardwalks, accessible all year round. We offer professionally groomed and sign-posted footpaths, marsh boardwalks, pristine interior wetlands, scenic overlooks and viewing platforms. An unrivalled opportunity to experience Ontario's incredible natural environment. The Trails at Contau connect to two other lakes (one on our property) and link to a further 3.4 km of adjacent Crown land trails, perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, dog walking and snowshoeing. Our 3,400 sq ft four-season, four-bedroom, three-bathroom cabin sleeps 10 (adults and kids).
Primary Renter age 30 years+. Family groups of all ages are welcome. For adult-only groups (up to 10 people) minimum age is 30 years.
BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS! We are excited to announce our award-winning property is featured in three beautiful coffee table books. 'Living on Vacation: Contemporary Houses for Tranquil Living' (2020) published by Phaidon; 'Homes For Our Time: Contemporary Houses around the World' (2019) by Philip Jodidio, published by Taschen; and 'Nature View: Perfect Holiday Homes' (2019) published by Lannoo.
Location: The Bear Stand enjoys 99 very private acres on picturesque Contau Lake near the town of Gooderham in the Haliburton Highlands, 2.5 hrs northeast of Toronto. Our secluded 99-acre waterfront plot is located in its own bay, with 1,300 feet of secluded shoreline and over 5 kms of private groomed hiking trails and boardwalks, perfect for hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter. The property is accessed by a 500-metre private road (accessible summer and winter) and bordered by crown land so enjoys high levels of privacy. It is equidistant from Algonquin Park, the Queen Elizabeth Wildlands, and Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Centre is a 40-minute drive away.
The Best of Nature: The Bear Stand is the perfect place to enjoy the change of seasons for which Canada is so famous. In Summer, the natural shoreline and adjacent protected marshland offer excellent canoeing and kayaking scenery; take a dip in the lake (the sandy beach is great for kids), jump off the famous Contau Rocks (opposite) into deep clear water or simply sunbathe on the dock. Hike our Contau Trails (it's like having your own private wilderness experience), enjoy outdoor entertaining and toast s'mores at night over the firepit. When temperatures cool, take in the picturesque Fall foliage colours around Contau Lake and in the Haliburton area, embark on local art tours and stoke roaring log fires at night. In Winter, try your hand at snowshoeing, skiing, cross country skiing, toboganning, dogsledding and snowmobiling on the property and in the Haliburton area, or simply curl up with a good book in the den and watch the snow fall outside. WE promise you will feel at home in the heart of nature at The Bear Stand. Inside: The sunken two-storey open concept great room offers wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows, wood burning fireplace, large granite chimney, skylight, minibar, high end sound system and reading nook. Foodies will love the glass-enclosed cantilevered lakeview dining room (seats 8), professional open kitchen with gourmet appliances and reclaimed wood breakfast bar (seats 4). The outside living spaces have been carefully designed for maximum enjoyment, with a spacious outdoor terrace with dining table and patio furniture, inbuilt Wolf BBQ and warming drawer plus large furnished screened room with wood burning hearth, inbuilt radiant heaters. dartboard and drinks fridge.
Outside: There are two campfire areas (forest and lakeside), a lakeside soft tub, 2 canoes, kayak and canoe dock. The grounds are beautifully landscaped to maximize the pristine forest setting and include a private children's jungle gym, shallow natural beach area, swim raft and lakeside walking path. For nature lovers, we offer an incredible network of private hiking trails, 2.5km of professionally groomed and sign-posted walkways, marsh boardwalks, scenic overlooks and nature viewing platforms. The Trails at Contau connect to two other lakes (one on our property) and link to a further 3.4 km of adjacent crown land trails. Perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, dog walking and snowshoeing.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms: 1 upper floor master bedroom suite with king bed, granite chimney, gas fireplace and skylight plus large ensuite bathroom with built-in wardrobes, twin vanities, freestanding lakeview tub, rainshower, screened-in private outdoor soaking tub, and adjacent sitting terrace; 1 large upper guest bedroom with king bed and inbuilt wardrobe, adjacent sharing bathroom with twin vanities and combination tub/rainshower; 1 lower guest bedroom with king bed, inbuilt wardrobe and adjacent bathroom with rainshower; quad children's upper bunkroom offering 4 x full size twin beds (so good for adults too), window-mounted desk and inbuilt shelving and storage. Upper den with large screen TV, surround sound, minibar, leather queen pull-out sofa (sleeps 2) and outdoor lakeview terrace. All bedroom placements have been designed to offer complete privacy for guests, making The Bear Stand ideal for rental by multiple families. Maximum occupancy 10: adults and children. High chair also available.
Amenities: Indoors: Kitchen features professional Monogram GE appliances, stainless steel double oven and gas stovetop, refrigerator/freezer with pull out drawers, microwave, wine & beverage fridges, dishwasher, professional coffee machine, filter coffee machine, Nespresso machine, Cusininart/KitchenAid waffle maker, blender, toaster, kettle plus built-in pantry. Free Starlink wifi; surround sound speaker system, ipod/iphone recharge/docking station.
Laundry: High capacity laundry facilities (high end LG washer and dryer), plus mudroom with boot bench, coat cubby and utility sink
Outdoors: Lakeview hot tub, forest view screened in outdoor soaking tub, cedar sauna, outdoor shower, gas BBQ, patio furniture, canoe dock, 2 campfire sites (lakeside and forestside), 2 adult canoes, 1 three-person kayak, 1 paddleboard, children's jungle gym swing set, private professionally groomed and signposted trail network (for hiking, dog walking or winter snowshoeing).
+ READ MORE - COLLAPSE AMENITIES AND EQUIPMENT | Bedrooms | 4 bedrooms : - 4 single beds - 3 King beds | | Kitchen | | | Communications | | | General | | | Entertainment | | | Outdoors Features | | |
Summer Activities (nearby) | | | Winter Activities (nearby) | | |
Year-round attractions and activities abound in the Haliburton area. Spring Summer, Fall or Winter there are many ways to enjoy this beautiful, fun and adventure-filled part of Canada. On our property we offer 2.5kms of private eco-trails (connected to a further 3.4kms of Crownland trails), perfect for hiking, dog walking or snowshoeing. Our lakeside hot tub runs all year round, as does our sauna and Japanese-style soaking tub. A large kids jungle gym is located on site. + VIEW MORE - COLLAPSE Other Town/Lake/Area: | Gooderham |
Note: The cottage is located on the picturesque, wild and natural Contau Lake near the town of Gooderham, 2.5 hrs northeast of Toronto. We are 40 minutes drive from Haliburton. Our 99-acre plot is located in its own bay, (accessed by a 500-metre private road and bordered by Crown land) so enjoys high levels of privacy. It is equidistant from Algonquin Park, the Queen Elizabeth Wildlands, and Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Centre is a 40-minute drive away. AVAILABILITYLast update: October 27, 2024 |
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RATES | | $1215 | - | - | - | - | - | - | FALL Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024 Blue skies, cool temperatures and the last of the Fall colours | $1150 | $1200 | $2400 | $6800 | - | - | 2 Nights | FALL-WINTER Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024 Quieter times at the Lake as Winter draws nearer | $1100 | $1200 | $2400 | $6400 | - | - | 2 Nights | WINTER Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024 Winter wonderland. Snowshoe, softub & sauna, fireside gatherings | $1150 | $1200 | $2400 | $6400 | - | - | 2 Nights | CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR Dec 20, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025 We wish you a Merry Christmas... And a Happy New Year! | $1400 | - | $2800 | $7200 | - | - | 3 Nights | WINTER Jan 05, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025 Winter wonderland. Snowshoe, softub & sauna, fireside gatherings | $1150 | - | $2300 | $6200 | - | - | 2 Nights | VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND May 16, 2025 - May 19, 2025 Gather friends and family to celebrate the long weekend | $1250 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 Nights | EARLY SUMMER May 20, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025 Summer is coming. Hike private trails, gardens in bloom, screen room | $1150 | $1200 | $2400 | $6500 | - | - | 2 Nights | CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025 Summertime starts here - your home in the heart of nature | $1250 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 Nights | SUMMER WEEKS Jul 04, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025 Summer at the lake - there's nothing like it. Weekly, starts Friday | - | - | - | $7600 | - | - | 1 Week | LABOUR DAY WEEKEND Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025 Celebrate the last days of Summer with us | $1250 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 Nights | FALL Sep 02, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025 A front row seat to Canada's famous Fall colours. Ideal hiking weather | $1200 | $1250 | $2500 | $6800 | - | - | 2 Nights | THANKSGIVING Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025 The ultimate gathering place: getaway in nature with your loved ones | $1350 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 Nights |
Rates are in Canadian dollars ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Check-in after | 04:30 PM | Check-out before | 10:30 AM | Tax Rate | 13% | Lodging Tax | 4% | Security Deposit | $500 (Security deposit will be refunded within 7 days of check-out) | Booking Deposit | 30% due at time of booking (The balance is due 60 days before arrival) | Accepted Payments | Interac e-Transfer | Cancellation Policy | Moderate | Cottage Rules | View | Fees |
NOTES All guests must complete The Bear Stand's Booking Application Form/Terms & Conditions Contract, available on request. To secure your reservation, 30% of total fee is due after submission of Booking Application Form; balance of payment is due 6 weeks before commencement of stay. Check in time is 4.30pm, check out time is 10.30am (unless otherwise agreed prior to stay. For weekend stays we can extend checkout providing no other party of guests is due in on the same day. Please contact us for details). Weekly rentals (Friday to Friday) during the Summer High Season, unless otherwise indicated. Rest of the year, there is a 2 or 3-night minimum stay. Please check Rates page for details. A refundable damage deposit is required, the fee depends on length of stay, from CAD500-CAD1000. Returnable within 7 days of stay, all being well. Please enquire for more details. We welcome dogs - they love our trails - subject to completion and approval of The Bear Stand's Dog Owner Liability Form. Please contact us for details. The Bear Stand is accessible through the Winter months: we keep our access road ploughed and clear. However, guests must use an SUV or 4-wheel drive to access our property in snow conditions. During Spring Thaw (mid-April to mid-May) no rental will take place (see Calendar for blackout period). $1100 - $1400 / night $2300 - $2800 / weekend $6200 - $7600 / week SHARON & JOE Member since November 2017 Speaks: English Response Rate: 100% |
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