Breathe Easy cottage rental masthead

Vacation house rental in beautiful Saugeen Country, Grey County, Ontario
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Frequently asked questions

  1. What's the maximum number of people you can accommodate?
  2. Can we have other guests too?
  3. What should we bring with us?
  4. Should we bring linens?
  5. What do you mean by "gourmet kitchen"?
  6. Where are the nearest bodies of water?
  7. Where can we swim? Are there any beaches?
  8. How private is it?
  9. Do you have a washer and dryer?
  10. Do we have to clean up?
  11. Are pets allowed?
  12. What about kids?
  13. Are there things for kids to do?
  14. Are you accessible?
  15. Is the water safe to drink?
  16. Are there phones or internet access?
  17. Where is the nearest place to buy beer, liquor, or food?
  18. What attractions are nearby?
  19. How far are you from the major cities in Southern Ontario?

1. What's the maximum number of people you can accommodate?
We have lots of sleeping space (enough to sleep 26 in beds plus many more if using extra twins, futons, air mattresses, couches or tents). The living, dining and kitchen areas are all spacious enough to accommodate large groups. (And don't forget the decks, screened porch and enormous wandering space outside!) There are three bathrooms, two upstairs and one down.
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2. Can we have other guests too?
If additional guests come but do not sleep here we would like to know in advance. The house is spacious enough for large groups, but we would want assurances that you will treat it with respect.
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3. What should we bring with us?
Only your personal items and consumables (food, drinks, toilet paper and kleenex, laundry soap, clothing, toiletries). Anything you plan to use up should be brought along.
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4. Should we bring linens?
We supply bedding, towels and dishwashing cloths and the beds are freshly made up for you.
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5. What do you mean by "gourmet kitchen"?
The kitchen is large, designed to accommodate multiple cooks, and well-equipped. There is a 4-element glass cooktop, a wall oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, toaster-oven, electric kettle, Cuisinart, blender, mixer, coffee grinder, crockpot, rice steamer, pasta maker. ice-cream maker, scales and coffee makers (large and small). You are welcome to use any of the many herbs and spices, or help yourself to our selection of tea.
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6. Where are the nearest bodies of water?
Breathe Easy is in a region of many lakes and rivers. There is a small river (the Styx) beside the property and many access points to the Saugeen River System in the area. There are also many small lakes, some with public swimming areas, but none are within walking distance from the house. Georgian Bay and Lake Huron are from 35-45 minutes away to the north and northwest.
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7. Where can we swim? Are there any beaches?
There is public swimming at the Durham Recreation Area (a fifteen minute drive), Wilder's Lake (just a little further) Townsend Lake (10 minutes), Bell Lake (15 minutes), Eugenia Lake (20 minutes) and at various river "swimming holes" closer by. If you drive a little further there are large beaches at Port Elgin, Kincardine, Southampton, Sauble Beach and elsewhere on Lake Huron, and more beaches along the Georgian Bay shoreline.
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8. How private is it?
Breathe Easy is very private. It sits on 140 acres of private heaven, atop a hill overlooking miles and miles of field and forest, but it is not visible to others, except from a great distance.
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9. Do you have a washer and dryer?
Yes, but bring your own laundry detergent.
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10. Do we have to clean up?
We expect that you will leave the house and property in good condition and tidied up (sweep clean, garbage in garage), and that you will treat it with respect during your stay.
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11. Are pets allowed?
Yes, if they are house trained and can be trusted not to damage the house and its contents. Please advise us in advance if you are bringing any pets.
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12. What about kids?
We welcome children and try to provide a friendly atmosphere for them, expecting, of course, that you will give them appropriate supervision. We have one highchair but no crib. This is a safe place for kids as we are not near water or the road, and have a large grassy play area beside the cottage.
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13. Are there things for kids to do?
We have toys for young children, a games cupboard, ping-pong, balls and frisbees and lots of space, indoor and out, for running and playing. There is also television, a DVD player and VCR (with some children's videos), CD players and arts and crafts materials. Our library contains a few children's books.
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14. Are you accessible?
We are wheelchair accessible in so far as there is a ramp into the house and a chairlift between floors. We do not have many grab bars but the main bathroom has a handicap toilet and the bathtub is set in a flat platform to allow for easy entry to the tub. The large shower stall is fully accessible with bars. The house has smooth floors for easy wheelchair operation, and wide doorways and halls in most areas. There is also a wheelchair downstairs so that there is no need to transport a wheelchair between levels.
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15. Is the water safe to drink?
Our well water is perfectly safe to drink, although you may detect a slight iron taste. We also have an RO unit which filters water for drinking.
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16. Are there phones or internet access?
You are welcome to use the phones, and there is highspeed wireless internet throughout the cottage. (However, we recommend that you leave your work behind and relax during your stay!)
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17. Where is the nearest place to buy beer, liquor, or food?
The closest beer and liquor stores are in Durham (about 16 kilometers), which has a grocery store and a great organic store/cafe, Chicory Common. You will find larger grocery stores, delis and movie stores in Hanover, about 28 kilometers). In summer there are farmers' markets and stands and there is a sizeable organic farming community in the area.
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18. What attractions are nearby?
There is plenty to see and do in the region, whether you are interested in recreation and sports, arts and crafts, music, theatre, museums, tours or seeing the sights.
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19. How far are you from the major cities in Southern Ontario?
We are about 145km (90mi) northwest of Toronto and Hamilton. The trip takes from 2.5 to 3 hours by car from the GTA, depending on traffic or 2 hours from the highway 401-410 interchange. Our area is about 30km south of Owen Sound in Grey County, Ontario. The distance from London and Sarnia is about 3 hours driving.
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Have more questions?   Please contact us.