The Sandwood Cottage
3 Bedrooms (4 Beds) | 1 Bathroom
Escape to this peaceful Muskoka retreat on beautiful Three Mile Lake. Thoughtfully renovated with a bright open-concept layout, this cozy waterfront cottage offers the perfect mix of relaxation, comfort, and outdoor adventure.
Enjoy your own private sandy beach, calm swimmable water, and all the essentials needed for a memorable cottage getaway.
Spend your days relaxing on the large private dock, unwinding on the spacious lakeside deck by the BBQ, or gathering around the firepit under Muskoka’s star-filled skies.
Included with your stay:
• 2 Stand-Up Paddle Boards
• Pedal Boat
• Private Dock
• Sandy Shallow Beach Entry
Bring your own boat or Sea-Doo and explore Three Mile Lake all summer long.
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:
• Master Bedroom — King Bed
• Bedroom 2 — Queen Bed
• Bedroom 3 — Two Twin Beds
Bathroom:
• Full bathroom with bathtub
Kitchen:
Fully equipped with:
• Fridge & Freezer
• Stove
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Toaster
• Kettle
• Drip Coffee Maker (bring ground coffee)
Dining:
• Dining table seating for 6
• Additional seating for 2 at the kitchen island
Additional Features:
• Open-concept kitchen, living & dining area
• Single-level bungalow layout
• Spacious lakeview deck with propane BBQ
• Outdoor firepit (bring your own firewood)
Please note:
• Guests are responsible for propane refills if needed during their stay.
• Please bring your own appropriately sized life jackets.
• Docks are disconnected seasonally, typically from around November through mid-May.
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.
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.
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. Watercrafts:
You`re welcome to bring your own watercraft. The dock is equipped with tie-offs for secure mooring during your stay.
The public boat launch on Three Mile Lake is located at 1194 Shea Road, Utterson.
3. Water Depth:
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.
4. A/C:
The living room features air conditioning controlled by remote, and each bedroom is equipped with its own ceiling fan.
5. Drinking water:
The cottage has a drilled well and a UV filtration system—tap water is safe and drinkable.
6. Pets:
You are welcome to bring a pet along. A pet fee is applicable.
Please note: guests must clean up after pets, be responsible for any pet-related damage, and assume responsibility for pets to not enter the lake if a blue-green algae bloom occurs.
7. 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 to Sandwood Lakehouse!
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.
________________________________________
🔑 Quick Essentials
• Check-In: 3:00 PM
• Check-Out: 11:00 AM
• Maximum Occupancy: 6 guests, including children (infants not included)
• No unregistered guests or visitors at any time
• Additional guests will result in immediate cancellation without refund
• $200 fee per night per unauthorized guest
________________________________________
🚫 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 10:00 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
________________________________________
🛏️ 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!
• Follow the checkout instructions provided
Additional cleaning fees may apply if not followed.
________________________________________
🐾 Pet Policy
• Pets are welcome – max 1
• Pet fee applies per pet
• Guests must:
o Clean up all pet waste
o Be responsible for any pet-related damage
o Keep pets away from the lake during blue-green algae blooms
o Ensure pets do not trespass on neighboring properties
________________________________________
🌊 Waterfront & Safety Notes
• 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.
________________________________________
🔥 Fire & Heating
• No outdoor fires unattended. 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.
________________________________________
🧼 Towels, Linens & Cleanliness
• Indoor white towels are for indoor use only
Please bring your own beach towels for outdoor/lake use to help us keep our whites bright.
________________________________________
🚽 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.
⚖️ 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 proper use of all amenities, including but not limited to: the firepit, BBQ, dock, appliances, and heating systems. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
4. Uneven Terrain
The property contains natural and potentially hazardous terrain, including rocks, steep areas, slippery surfaces, or icy conditions. Guests accept all risks associated with walking, running, or playing outdoors.
5. Waterfront Safety
The lake is shallow at the shoreline and dock (approx. 3.5–4 ft) and becomes deeper in other areas. No diving is permitted at any time. Guests are responsible for ensuring that children and pets are supervised near the water at all times. Life jackets are strongly recommended, you must bring your own.
6. Blue-Green Algae Monitoring
Guests acknowledge that blue-green algae blooms have occurred in the past, particularly after August 10. These blooms may make the water unsafe for swimming.