Three beautiful islands in the heart of highly touristic Big Rideau Lake Ontario

All is Best private islands cottage Big Rideau Lake

All is Best private cottage Big Rideau Lake is a 5.4 acres winterized luxury retreat with thousands feet of most amazing lake shore. Custom built in 1990 by renowned architect Julian Smith for the Canadian philanthropist H Southam. The Southam’s have called Big Rideau Lake their summer residence since 1929. Wisely selected in the heart of Big Rideau. The main island is complimented with two small islands at swimming distance from the dock. It is not isolated. A five minutes boat ride from the boat house will reach lively marinas, restaurants, shops, and public docks in Portland Ontario. Islanders friends are just a few paddle away. Beside that is a large range of touristic attractions nearby.

All is best five acres largest island is home to the richly decorated main house. A few feet away is the comfortable guest house for family and friends with two bathrooms. While kids of all ages enjoys the large party room on the second floor in the boat house. The cottage has seven bedrooms all with A lake view. With air conditioning in the second floor master apartment. Difficult not to notice the breath taking oversize bay window of the master bedroom. The main bathroom meets pragmatic needs , spacious, double sink, and a large bathtub for soaking. Thanks to the gourmet kitchen, summer can be pretty busy. laundry in located in the main floor powder room. The extra high ceilings of the house are accented by exquisite moldings craftsmanship.

Drinking water is yearly provided by a deep well. With an oversize 400kw marine electric cable just in case further development is needed. A marine land phone cable is also installed. Fast internet reach the island with a dish, Wi-Fi is available around the property. Heating is electric. Both buildings has a crawl space for storage and extra fridges when needed. As the original cedar roofs were not a match to the surrounding forest. The main house roof was rebuilt in 2005 with 50 years shingles. While the guest house roof was replace by the same shingles in 2007.

The pretty round shape of the island offer many outdoor activities. With trails, board walks and benches all well maintained. The large landscaped lawn is irrigated with a lake intake pump system. A flat landscaped area was design to play croquet and rackets sport. The main swimming dock is facing south. It measure twenty two by twenty two feet. With a forty five feet bridge to connect the shore. A great set up to enjoy the water from either the south dock or the north boat house when windy. The island has a natural sand beach. It is ideal for training future little champions. The large variety of tall trees is very unique to this property and not common in the area. Some call it paradise.

Big Rideau is the biggest lake of the UNESCO historic Rideau Canal. The lake is about 40 kilometers long, with depth over 300 feet in the north shore. Surrounding crystal clean water reach up to 24 degree Celsius and more in season (75.2F). For the nature lover explorers Colonel By is nearby. As part of Canada Parks and recreations, that island is public and accessible only by boat. Secret lake, a natural beauty, is hiding near these water. As Canada oblige, many other public can be enjoyed. Big Rideau Lake have no black flies and never had.

Driving estimates from the East coast major urban centers. Ottawa International Airport is 1hr15mn North of Big Rideau lake. Montreal is 2hrs30mn driving North East. Toronto is 3hrs driving South. While upstate New York border (hwy81) is 30mn away. Hence private planes has a few landing options in the area. For largest planes Kingston would be the closest, it is actually in full extension, or Ottawa is another option. Small planes can land in Smith Falls airport 25 minutes away.

Comfort and total privacy in a safe environment. All is Best cottage was built with quality and elegance in mind. The late Mr. Southam accumulated many islands around the property. many times he mentioned how special it feels to be on All is Best. It is a very special island indeed. With great friendly neighbors, clubs and associations to entertain all ages. Nature is of real beauty, with some of the most spectacular sunsets. As lately the region have seen an increase in tourism activity. Classified UNESCO World Heritage since 2012. The natural beauty will last.