Your Next Getaway Awaits

The Unwound Cottage welcomes you at the end of an easy drive from the GTA, just off Highway 118 and moments from Wilberforce and Haliburton. As you crest the cottage road and pull into the drive, the pace immediately slows. This is a place made for week-long stays, morning coffees, and unhurried evenings by the lake.

Step inside and unload with ease in the spacious entryway before wandering past the first bedroom and main bath. Around the corner, the cottage opens into a warm, light-filled great room where the kitchen, dining, and living spaces flow together. A cozy sectional, rocking chair, and a fully equipped kitchen invite everyone to gather, while the three-season sunroom steals the show—overlooking Little Esson Lake and anchored by a charming stone pizza oven, perfect for morning reading or late-night conversations.

Tucked just off the main living area are two additional bedrooms, offering comfort and privacy for family and friends. Downstairs, a newly added lower level reveals a large family room with an electric fireplace and a convenient half bath, with laundry, creating a second space to relax after a day outdoors. With walkouts from both levels and a brand-new deck above, lake views follow you everywhere you go.

Down by the water, The Unwound Cottage truly comes to life. A floating dock with walk-in entry makes swimming easy for all ages, with shallow, sandy water extending out from shore. Spend your days paddling across Little Esson Lake in one of the four kayaks, canoe, paddleboard, or pedal boat, then return home to sunsets, starry skies, and the kind of calm that keeps families coming back year after year.

Inside the Cottage

• Total Guests 10-14 (including children)
• 3 bedrooms main level (1 with queen, 1 with double, 1 with a set of double/single bunks and a set of single bunks); 2 additional bedrooms on lower level (1 with queen and 1 single; 1 with double)
• 2 bathrooms (1 4-piece bathroom with tub and shower over, 1 2-piece)
• Unlimited internet
• 1 portable A/C unit
• 2 smart TVs with satellite, access to streaming via your own accounts, 1 standard DVD player and a selection of DVDs
• Nintendo Wii and Switch consoles
• Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washer, dryer, 2 full fridge/freezers
• Dedicated office space (being changed in spring 2026)

Outside the Cottage

• BBQ
• Dock (in place from early May to late October, water levels permitting
• 4 Kayaks; 1 canoe; 1 paddle board; 1 peddle boat
• Horseshoes, Badminton, Volleyball, Cornhole, Bocci ball, Spikeball, axe throwing, snow shoes, sleds

Things you need to know:

• Pets are not permitted
• This cottage is in the Municipality of Highlands East.
• Linens are provided – please bring your own outdoor towels
• Garbage and recycling disposal is required prior to departure
• Wood-burning fireplace is not available for guest use
• Post departure cleaning is arranged immediately following your check out time. Please ensure the short pre-departure cleaning checklist is completed and you have fully checked out of the cottage by your departure time to avoid any additional cleaning fees.
• 4 wheel drive and good snow tires are essential for winter access
• Electric vehicles: Access to electrical outlet
• Parking: Room for up to 6 vehicles
• Cell signal: Fair

Accessibility

• Relatively easy entry and exit from parking area (few if any stairs, railing(s) where needed), Several stairs, but there’s a railing to hold onto, Doorways are wide enough for walker or wheelchair access, Furniture spaced enough to allow for walker or wheelchair access, At least one main floor bedroom and bathroom.
• Fairly flat property right from cottage to waterfront, Relatively easy to access the waterfront – few stairs (with railing), Waterfront easy to enter (can hold onto dock and walk in from shallow area), Easy entry off the dock with a sturdy ladder.

Waterfront

The waterfront is shallow, reaching approximately 4’ deep off the dock, with walk in entry. Sandy shoreline, no weeds in the on main area, marsh and shield on the other side. It’s good for swimming, and is mainly clear of weeds in the swimming area.

Sun Exposure

Southern exposure, with sun throughout most of the day.

Boating

There is no docking space available for guests’ boats.

Close-By Attractions

• Hiking Trails. This is an excellent location for hiking! Nearby trails include the Prospector Trail, Sucker Lake Trail, IB&O Rail Trail, the Homesteader Trail, and the Farr Road Walking Trail, all within 10 minutes of the cottage.
• Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost and Historic House. This is the site of the first Red Cross Outpost Hospital in Ontario, as well as the first hospital of any kind in Haliburton County and its surrounding area, in operation until 1963. (5 mins)
• Winter Activities. Snowmobile trails crisscross the area, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating (conditions permitting), cross country ski trails are nearby, snowshoeing on the Prospector Trail and the Homesteader Trail. There’s a great hill for tobogganing at Glebe Park in Haliburton, as well as cross country ski trails. Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride is 45 minutes away for downhill skiing.
• Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. Visit a sustainably managed forest that’s open to the public (for a fee), with many kilometres of hiking and snowmobiling trails, a lumber museum, a world-renowned Wolf Centre, even take a Walk in the Clouds if you’re feeling adventurous! (60 mins)
• Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion. The Highlands Summer Festival is held each summer, from June to September, at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion, located in the High School in Haliburton. A variety of shows, plays, and musical performances are offered. (30 mins)