About Fancy Free
A Victorian summer home on its own private island
A five bedroom Victorian summer home, Fancy Free is a beautiful historic cottage near Portland, Ontario. Fancy Free is on its own private island in spectacular Big Rideau Lake, a World Heritage Site in Eastern Ontario, Canada.
The stress of the 21st century begins to lift away the moment you set foot on Fancy Free Island. You’ll experience a simpler mode of living where summer fun is the order of the day, and nature is always close at hand.
The beauty and charm of this unspoiled area of lakes, villages, and forests has made it a favorite vacation destination for years. Experience the tranquil island way of life, where you can recharge and reconnect with loved ones in an environment of serenity and calm.
In the spirit of respect for the biodiversity of the Rideau Lakes area, all aspects of Fancy Free’s management respect environmental values.
The Bedrooms
Fancy Free’s five bedrooms comfortably accommodate its maximum capacity of up to eight guests.
Bedroom layout: Room 1: double bed; Room 2: double bed; Room 3: double bed; Room 4: two twin beds; Room 5: one twin bed
Features:
- all bedrooms are on the upper floor and have lake views
- beds have cozy duvets and high quality pillows
- furnishings, including beds, are original antiques
The Kitchen
The kitchen is large, airy and well equipped with beautiful views of the lawns and lake from large windows. It features:
- “honesty cupboard” with spices and staples available for guests
- electric stove/oven and refrigerator/freezer, and dishwasher
- small eat-in table and plentiful counter space
- stainless steel double sink and dish rack
- coffee maker, microwave, toaster, Breville mini toaster oven
- high quality stainless steel pots
- abundant dishes, baking pans, and a generous supple of cutlery/utensils.
The Bathroom
The main floor bathroom features:
- flush toilet with full septic system
- soaker tub/shower in a glass-tiled alcove
- heritage cabinet with marble counter
- vintage “railroad” towel rack
- luxurious Italian porcelain floor tiles
- hairdryer and first aid kit
The Living Room
The main floor living/dining room overlooks the lake and features:
- small TV/DVD player
- plentiful seating with vintage sofas and armchairs
- wood burning fireplace with insert
- reading library of books and magazines
- oriental rugs
- antique hutch
- dining table with seating for six
The dining room
The dining room has a full length set of windows overlooking the lake with a perfect sunset view of water and islands. It features:
- antique harvest table with seating for eight
- vintage hutch with antique glass and porcelain
- games cupboard
The wraparound porch
Fancy Free has an exceptionally livable, deep, shady porch that wraps around two sides of the cottage, overlooking the calm channel that separates Fancy Free Island from the mainland. This historic cottage near Portland, Ontario features:
- wooden and wicker rocking chairs
- propane bbq
- picnic table for al fresco dining
- feeders for Fancy Free’s resident hummingbirds
The Boathouse
Fancy Free Island’s boathouse has several docks in the calm deep water of a small channel, providing safe dockage for boats as large as cruisers.
Docks & Watercraft
Fancy Free Island has several docks, all in deep water. There is also another dock at the private mainland parking area.
Rental guests can bring their own motorboat or rent one from a nearby marina. Guests enjoy the complimentary use of three canoes, two kayaks, a paddleboard and a Sunfish sailboat. Big Rideau Lake is exceptionally large and has many islands, making it an excellent area for exploration by water.
Swimming
Swimming is excellent all around Fancy Free island. Guests are welcome to enjoy the private swimming raft located near the front dock.
Sunrise and Sunset –
best of both worlds
A unique distinction of island life is that you can enjoy spectacular sunrises AND sunsets from opposite sides of the island and the cottage.
Night sky
On a clear night, Fancy Free Island’s dark sky is unparalleled for watching stars and constellations. Lie out on a dock and watch the show unfold. You’ll probably hear an owl as well as the haunting call of loons, the iconic birds featured on Canadian dollar coins.
