Lost in Buckhorn, Ontario: Autumn Bliss at The Wilson Family Cottage
For the past few months, work has kept me busy and I longed for a weekend getaway with my family - A moment to hit the pause button and reflect on the past year. Josh (a friend and owner of The Wilson Family Cottage) reached out several months ago to kindly offer his family cottage for a little escape at a time when I needed it most. Before long, I found myself lost in the charm of The Wilson Family Cottage in Buckhorn, Ontario, for a relaxing fall weekend.
The cottage is surrounded by the Canadian shield; massive boulders of the earth’s crust that surround the cottage. The flow of the property works harmoniously with the large rock formations blending right in with nature.
Although I imagine summers here being a true delight, visiting in the fall offered a different yet just as rewarding experience. The surrounding forest transformed into a mosaic of vibrant colours, from golden yellows to burnt oranges. We took leisurely walks through the surrounding area for a fun Halloween photo shoot, our steps accompanied by the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves. The stillness of the lake mirrored the serenity I sought, and I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of nature's autumn show.
One of my favourite rooms was the Great Kawartha Room, a large screened room that extends from the main cottage. Equipped with two lounge spaces and a large communal table, it was the perfect spot to lounge in. Given that it’s a screened area, you’re subject to the elements of nature in the comfort of a cozy space. I loved listening to the rain fall while writing for my blog.
One of the most cherished aspects of our weekend was the quality time we spent as a family. The Great Kawartha Room became our favourite gathering spot. We played board games, told stories, and simply enjoyed each other's company without the distractions of everyday life.
Part of the fun in enjoying a getaway somewhere is to explore the surrounding areas. No matter how close or far a town may be, there are always hidden gems to explore. We made our way to Buckhorn Berry Farm to enjoy their corn maze and pumpkin patch. They also had a haunted forest walk which was lots of fun. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon with family and get into the Halloween spirit.
Another morning, we visited the local shop called Boathouse Boutique and although the name implies ‘summer cottage vibes’, they had lots of perfectly curated seasonal products like scented fall candles and fall home decor items. But the main thing that brought us to the shop were the delicious breakfast sandwiches made with their fresh homemade bagels. These were SO good, that we made another pit stop on our way home to have them again.
Our fall weekend at The Wilson Family Cottage was everything we'd hoped for and more. It provided the perfect escape from our busy lives, allowing us to reconnect with nature and with each other. This cozy retreat in the heart of Harcourt, Ontario, offered a picture-perfect fall setting that will forever be etched in our memories.
