The Riverfront Hideaway – Luxury Meets Nature at the River's Edge
Escape to this serene and stylish retreat nestled on 1.5 acres with lush gardens, landscaped grounds, and stunning riverfront views. Just 2 hours from the GTA and 30 minutes from Blue Mountain, this 3,000+ sqft cottage is perfect for families or mature groups (25+) seeking comfort, adventure, and relaxation.
Why You’ll Love It
★ Ultimate Games Room – A dream setup with pool table, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, basketball shootout, and eight arcade machines featuring TMNT, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, Pac-Mania, NBA Jam, NFL Blitz and Mars Attacks Pinball.
★ Custom Retro Arcade Machine – Packed with 8,000+ classic games across NES, Super NES, N64, GameCube, PS2, Sega, Dreamcast, Neo Geo, and arcade legends like Golden Tee.
★ Outdoor Firepit – Gather around with Muskoka chairs for stargazing and cozy bonfires in any season.
★ Private Hot Tub – Unwind in the 3-person hot tub on the master suite balcony overlooking the river.
★ BBQ & Outdoor Dining – Grill year-round and enjoy al fresco meals on the spacious back deck.
★ Kids Play Area – Outdoor playset with swings, slides, and monkey bars keeps the little ones entertained.
★ Fast Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps) – Stream, Zoom, or work remotely without missing a beat.
★ Riverfront Oasis – Step into your own private nature retreat, complete with a 120-year-old dam, peaceful waterfront views, and the perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, or simply unwinding by the river.
★ Direct Trail Access – Step onto 80km of managed forest trails for hiking, biking, ATVs, or snowmobiling.
★ Close to Skiing – Only 35 minutes to Blue Mountain and 25 minutes to Beaver Valley.
★ EV-Friendly & Eco-Conscious – 120V exterior outlet for Level 1 EV charging, plus geothermal heating/cooling.
★ Bonus Amenities – Extra fridge in the games room and a variety of outdoor games including Mega Jenga, Ladder Ball, Cornhole, and more.
See additional photos, details and reviews at: theriverfronthideaway.lodgify.com
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
• Sleeps up to 12 - 4 Bedrooms - 8 Beds + crib
• Master Suite: King bed, ensuite bath, private balcony with hot tub, workspace, smart TV, yoga area, crib, kids' twin bunk bed (bedding not provided for crib/bunks)
• Bedroom 2: Queen bed + 2 twin beds, workspace, river views
• Bedroom 3 & 4: Queen bed with cozy furnishings
• All beds include hotel-quality linens and pillows (except crib & bunk beds)
Bathrooms
• Ensuite 3-piece (master bedroom)
• Full 4-piece guest bathroom (upstairs)
• 2-piece bathroom with laundry (main level)
Interior Comforts
• Spacious Family Room: Oversized sectional, cozy fireplace, cuddler couch, 65” Smart TV (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Bell Fibe TV), and vinyl record player.
• Gourmet Kitchen: Open-concept and fully stocked for cooking and entertaining; includes a guest-favourite coffee bar.
• Basement Lounge: Retro arcade machines, bar area, 45” TV & board games.
• Geothermal HVAC: Sustainable heating/cooling throughout, including garage/games room.
Outdoor Living - Nature & Adventure at Your Doorstep
• Enjoy a large, scenic backyard backing onto the river and private dam. Sip coffee at the river’s edge, roast marshmallows under the stars, or explore nature right outside your door.
• Steps to 80km of managed forest trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and ATVing.
• Snowshoeing gear provided in the winter months.
• Fishing, picnics, and peaceful moments by the private dam and river.
Perfectly Located
• 2 hours from the GTA
• 15 mins to Walter Falls and Spa
• 20 mins to Story Book Park (kids' amusement and water park with rides and petting zoo)
• 20 mins to Inglis Falls Conservation Area (trails and waterfalls)
• 25 mins to Beaver Valley
• 25 mins to Eugenia Lake
• 30 mins to Blue Mountain and Scandinavian Spa
• 45 mins to Sauble Beach
• 1 hour to Lion's Head Provincial Park
• 1.5 hours to The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park & Tobermory
• Close to golf courses and charming small towns.
Perfect For:
✔ Families
✔ Mature groups (25+)
✔ Small retreats
✔ Outdoor lovers
✔ Ski, snowmobile & ATV getaways
✔ Retro gaming fans
✔ Nature-inspired remote workers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you swim in the river at the cottage?
Yes! The river is perfect for a refreshing swim, with several inviting spots both upstream and downstream of the private dam. Depths range from shallow wading areas to sections over 6–7+ feet deep. For a one-of-a-kind adventure and a truly memorable moment, you can even swim right up to the base of the dam in the downstream section for a fun and unique experience!
Here’s a bit of background about the dam — it’s a 120-year-old structure that once powered a sawmill on the property back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. (That’s actually how Mill Road got its name!) Today, it’s one of the most unique and charming features of the Riverfront Hideaway.
We recommend:
• Water shoes – the riverbed is rocky
• Life jackets for young children – for safety and peace of mind
(Please note: life jackets are not currently provided at the cottage, so be sure to pack your own.)
Can you fish in the river at the cottage?
Absolutely — while it's not a premier fishing destination, there are definitely some fish in the river behind the cottage — mostly smaller pike and trout, especially upstream of the dam. You’ll also often see fish gathering at the base of the dam, swimming into the current as they try to make their way upstream.
While it’s not considered trophy fishing, it’s a fun and easy way to spend a relaxing afternoon by the river and it's perfect for casual fishing or fun with the kids — and many of our guests have had a great time catching a few fish right from the backyard.
If you're looking for more serious fishing or hoping to catch larger fish, we recommend heading just 5 minutes up the road to Connell's Lake or Hines Lake — both offer better fishing conditions and are locally known spots. (Fun fact: the river behind the cottage is actually fed by Robson Lake.)
Seasonal Water Level Note:
As part of our winter maintenance, we lower the dam boards to protect the structure from ice and runoff. This temporarily lowers the water level in the river and backyard pond (created by the dam), with levels returning to normal each spring.
The river still flows naturally year-round, but guests visiting in late fall and winter will notice lower water levels — a normal part of our seasonal care routine to keep the property and ecosystem healthy.
Restaurants | Things to Do | Points of Interest & Ice Cream
Holland Centre Gas Bar (just 5 minutes away)
• A local convenience store that sells snacks, essentials, and it serves as a small LCBO agent store. Best of all? In the summer months, they offer Chapman’s scoop ice cream—a perfect local treat on a warm day!
Markdale (15 minutes from the cottage — you likely drove through it on your way in)
• Marilynne’s Restaurant – A farm-focused restaurant in the heart of Markdale with tons of chic country charm. This is our personal favourite and the mushroom toast is incredible!
• Steven’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant – A cozy, family-run gem with large portions and hearty meals.
• Champ Burger – Right next to Steven’s. Hands down the best burgers in the area.
• Big Cheese Pizza – Great for a casual night in with pizza and wings.
• Scoop Me Up! – Our go-to ice cream shop, located across from Marilynne’s and the TD Bank.
• Fun fact: Markdale is home to Chapman’s Ice Cream — you’ll drive past one of their production facilities and the town is proud of their ice cream!
• Essentials: There’s also a Foodland and Dollarama in town for groceries and supplies.
Chatsworth (15 minutes away)
• Kettles Back Home Cookin’ – Comfort food, generous portions, and a cozy, local vibe.
• Great Books & Café – This is a popular restaurant and bookstore located in an old grist mill in Williamsford.
• Chatsworth Café – A solid pick for wings or a quick meal.
Owen Sound (25 minutes away)
• Story Book Park – A charming amusement park with small roller coasters, water park and petting zoo that's perfect for kids. Small entrance fee, but it's always a hit.
• Inglis Falls Conservation Area – Gorgeous waterfalls with walking trails and picnic areas.
• Harrison Park – A local favourite with playgrounds, trails, mini animal farm, and an on-site restaurant. Great for a half-day outing.
• The Launch: Food, Fun & Waterfront Vibes – Set along the Owen Sound Harbour, The Launch is a lively waterfront spot with great local eats, a harbour bar, and a classic ice cream parlour. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards, catch live music, or join seasonal events—all with beautiful harbour views.
Blue Mountain (35 minutes away)
• Blue Mountain Village – A fun-filled destination with restaurants, shops, hiking, biking, and the popular mountain roller coaster.
• Scenic Caves Nature Adventures – Explore caves, suspension bridges, and trails.
• Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain – A tranquil, adults-only spa retreat (perfect for some well-deserved downtime).
Additional Info:
Discover the Charm of Holland Centre at the Riverfront Hideaway
Nestled in the heart of Holland Centre, the Riverfront Hideaway offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This rural gem is home to rolling hills, lush forests, scenic waterfalls, winding rivers and streams, inland lakes, and the iconic Niagara Escarpment. With its rustic charm and breathtaking views, it’s a haven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
The Riverfront Hideaway is a family-friendly property that comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests. It’s ideal for families and mature individuals seeking a relaxing escape—no parties, please. All linens, bedding, and towels are provided for your convenience.
Please note:
• Pets are not permitted due to our young children's severe allergies.
• All surrounding properties are private, and we kindly ask that guests respect our neighbours’ privacy.
