Entire home

Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit

Photo gallery for Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit

On the beach
Property grounds
Exterior detail
4 bedrooms, travel crib
Fireplace, DVD player, books, video library

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit

Perfect for taking a break from the world... we'd love to welcome you to our comfortable and airy cottage with its large deck looking out over magnificent Lake Huron.

A truly unique getaway, it is one of only a few cottages perched right on the bluff of the cliff, giving a tranquil and scenic ambiance. Hear the sound of the waves and feel as though you are on the prow of a ship.

The property is on a dead-end road.

Our beach is located in a gentle cove. You have immediate access to the lake from the breezeway (down about 80 stairs) and our own private beach. Collect driftwood to roast hot dogs or marshmallows over a bonfire. Make art work with found objects from sticks and stones. Rent a paddle board or kayak in Bayfield. Swim. Launch yourself into a spectacular sunset. Play games, find fossils in the stones, bike, hike and explore, or simply read books you have been meaning to read for a long time. The beach is much wider than in the past few years, about 40 ft at present. Explore any of the public beaches in Grand Bend, The Pinery, St. Josephs, Bayfield and Goderich.

There is a protected patio area at mid-level where you can leave kayaks and toys, and a bench to rest on when you come up or go down. New in 2024 is a seawall at the toe of the bluff.

On photos you will notice the barrel bunkie. Inside it has a king size sleeping area and a small pull-out table with 2 benches.

The kitchen is well equipped and there is a new propane gas grill (barbecue) outside.

We keep the property as free of pesticides as possible to make it a safe space for people and their animals to enjoy.

If you are curious about exploring the immediate shoreline:
The historic, beautiful village of Bayfield with its fine dining, beautiful stores, marina and library is about 10 minutes away. The larger town of Goderich, which boasts a large under-sea salt mine, an octagonal town square with shops ringing it, is a 20 minute drive. It has a large port, a movie theater, golf courses, a beautiful Provincial Park, a great Celtic Music Festival and so much more. Grand Bend with all its fun and excitement is 15 minutes to the South of the cottage. You can go skydiving and waterskiing, hire a boat to take you out fishing or a dinner cruise. The Pinery is to the south of Grand Bend.

You will find a farmers market (Friday afternoon in Bayfield) and fresh produce stands as well as food stores that sell fresh fruit and vegetables from the farms all around. A Mennonite store down the road has very special pies and other homemade foods. There are plenty of antique stores and flea markets to discover. Masse's farm stand in St. Joseph has great fruit and vegetables as well as great local meat products.

The Ausable Conservation Authority lists many local preserves and nature trails for hiking or fishing. Goderich is the beginning of the G2G trail, leading to Guelph. You can ride your bike along this former railroad track.

In the area there are 10 golf courses, mini golf, guided fishing tours, libraries with lovely programmes, books and great internet connectivity and much more.

On rainy days (or any other day) you can go bowling, be challenged by an Escape Room adventure, go to the Board Game Cafe and discover board games you know or have never heard of. If you have a bmx rider or skater in the family, "All In" Skateboard park might be just the thing. You can go to "Little Bowl" in Goderich, visit "Icesculpture" in Hensall where immense ice sculptures are made year round and shipped all over the world, or visit the blossoming craft breweries and vineyards that have sprung up in the last few years.

Come in the fall to enjoy the quiet, see the leaves changing, explore hiking trails and all the beauty and serenity that Huron County, Bluewater and the Lake Huron shoreline have to offer.

London is an hour, Stratford 45 minutes and the city of Toronto about 2 1/2 hours away.

A few festivals and events to visit: Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the Blyth Summer Theatre, The Huron Summer Playhouse in Grand Bend or the Goderich Celtic Festival. Movie screenings: The Starlight Drive-In Theatre is close to Grand Bend, Goderich has the Park Theatre, Pioneer Park in Bayfield has summer movie screenings as well as other events, the Town Hall in Bayfield organizes concerts. Libraries in Bayfield, Goderich, Grand Bend and Zurich (a great resource for anything local), all with Wi-Fi access.

We do ask that you provide your own linens and towels, as we have no washing machine at the cottage.

The cottage is a place for retreat and peace from the everyday noise and bustle, and for people to connect with each other. There is currently no internet or TV connection. If you do need connectivity, creating a hotspot with your phone will usually work, especially by the bunkie, where reception is best.



Property manager

Ingrid Sweeney

Languages

English, French, German

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Shower

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa

Things to do

  • Kayaking nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Power boating nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Recycling
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (111 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 27

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Note from host: No roaming/ barking. No fences. Remove waste.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number SWEEN0002

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Waterfront Cottage Private Beach
Waterfront Cottage, Barrel Bunkie, Private Beach Cottage
Waterfront Cottage, Barrel Bunkie, Private Beach Bluewater
Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach Barrel Bunkie 2 Fire Pits

About the neighborhood

Map
Zurich, ON

What's nearby

  • Bayfield Community Centre - 12 min drive
  • Pioneer Park - 13 min drive
  • Grand Bend’s Beach House Observation Deck - 20 min drive
  • Grand Bend Beach - 21 min drive
  • Pinery Provincial Park - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪White Squirrel Golf Club & Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Bad Apple Brewing Company Ltd - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hessenland Country Inn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Woodland Drive in - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit located?

Situated on the beach, this cottage is steps from Lake Huron, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Bayfield Community Centre and Huron County Library. Pioneer Park and Windmill Lake Wake & Eco Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Waterfront cottage close to Bayfield, with private beach, barrel bunkie, firepit Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage life
Location superb. We had a lovely week staying at the cottage. Laid back and relaxing experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Kerri M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer Get-away
Great location for a relaxing week. Property is large with a beautiful view of the lake. Cottage was clean but very basic. Questions were handed promptly. Cottage was musty but since we had good weather we spend lots of time outside.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Getaway!
We had a wonderful stay at Ingrid's cottage. The cottage was clean and exactly as described. The beach was beautiful - a bit pebbly, so bring water shoes, but great for finding sea glass and interesting stones. And a sand bar not far out was perfect for swimming and playing catch. Beautiful Lake Huron sunsets were the perfect ending to each day. Ingrid and Angela were both very responsive and helpful. Was nice that Angela even took the time to stop by to introduce herself and say hello. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Lee Ann G.

Overall wonderful experience
Great location Access to water 83 steps, so difficult for young children and elderly No Wi-Fi Kitchen Supplies were adequate- could use more cutlery.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Jo D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage review
Had great weather and a lovely property there could be some improvements, the bar b Que should be replaced along with utensils. You can’t take old stuff and send it to the cottage if you are renting it out. I would expect towels in kitchen and bathroom along with bath mats when paying this price. They did provide linens as I was flying in from BC so I do appreciate that. The cottage is not far from Bayfield or Grand Bend which we visited and spent many hours at the beach. You must be organized to go to the beach 88 stairs are a lot to go up and down throughout the day. We had a great stay. Ingrid and Angela were very hospitable.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colea P., Toronto, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay at the cottage
We had an amazing time staying here! Cottage was exactly as described and the private beach was lovely! Ingrid and Angela were very nice and quick with communication to answer any questions. One thing to note is that there are quite a few steps (partly without handrails) to the beach so my parents who are seniors had some trouble but shouldn’t be a problem if you’re careful. Would definitely recommend visiting here and hope we will be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Julie L.

Beach
Overall great time. Cottage was big and spacious. My dogs had lots of room. Only disappointing was the beach was rocky and some metal in the water.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lake Huron
We were quite pleased with the location and the cottage. Not too fancy but also not exactly roughing it. Our dogs enjoyed it too. We'll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful gem on Lake Huron
Our family stayed here in July 2022 and we had a wonderful time! We appreciated that there was no WIFI so we could really unplug - and there was lots of fun things for the kids (the barrel bunkie was great for afternoon quiet time, and there were puzzles, etc). Fireplace, hammock, and lounge chairs everywhere. Our kids spent hours on the beach looking for special rocks. Bring water shoes to help with navigating the beach as it has rocks about 15 feet into the lake, at which point you find sand. Steps to the beach were a really nice feature of this cottage, making the beach super accessible for our little kids. Owners were excellent with communication (even when we had an unfortunate mishap & something broke at the cottage). If we ever needed anything, we knew we could just text and ask. The cottage was welcoming, clean and outfitted perfectly and exactly as described online. Off on a nice quiet dead end road. Bayfield was about 10 mins away, with lots of great spots to check out for coffee, ice cream, shopping etc. Could not recommend this cottage more! Do yourself a favour and book a trip here :)
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Kimberley H., Mississauga

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property for dogs and swimmers and sunset lovers!
Located at the end of a quiet, short street, this property has dense cedar hedges separating it from the quiet neighbours for excellent privacy in a normal busy stretch of the Lake. My dog loved being off leash the entire time and I felt he was secure at the property. Lake Huron gave back some beach this year but because of extensive storm damage, the metal erosion barriers were a twisted eyesore. The water temp was very good and on calm days it was super for long swims. It was tricky getting in with large rocks but then there was a nice sand bar. Would suggest trimming the bush on the embankment to better view the water and spectacular sunsets. 71 steps to the beach but well spaced out and a rest area
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bayfield cottage
We very much enjoyed our week at this comfy cottage. Angie was very helpful during our checkin and available during the week. We swam, explored the area and, of course, loved the sunset views!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

iryna r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Blissful Family Retreat
We couldn't have asked for anything more. Peaceful surroundings tucked into lush green landscape. Magnificent sunsets. Well maintained clean cottage with plenty of room, with places to retreat to for personal quiet time. Kitchen was well equipped. Loved the private beach and ideal if your an avid swimmer. If all goes well, we'll be back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Mark H.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Relaxing with some issues
I want to start off this review by reinforcing that the location and proximity to the water are lovely. The area is very quiet and peaceful, which make for a relaxing vacation. There were some issues that we encountered during our stay that I think future renters should know about. Firstly, the cottage was quite dirty when we arrived. The floors didn't appear to have been swept at all, my socks were black on the bottom after one walk to the back of the cottage. All of the couch covers and rugs also felt really grubby like they had not been washed in a very long time. Additionally, there are very visible mold spots along the ceiling in the back sitting room, and the entire cottage has a musty smell. We were expecting the late check-in time to be for cleaning the cottage thoroughly and were very disappointed, especially with the high cleaning fee. Someone was supposed to meet us at the cottage for check-in, but they could not make it which was fine. They came around 7pm instead and told us to be careful on the beach because there are sharp shards of metal. When we went down to take a look it was quite shocking - there are metal bars sticking up out of the water a few feet in, some protruding from the beach, and giant slabs of rusty metal all over the place. I would not feel safe with children on the beach at all. The stairs down to the beach are also much longer than pictured - about 4-5x more than shown in the photos. Someone with mobility issues would not be able to get down/back up. I think this should be added to the listing so renters are informed. The beach itself was nice besides the metal. The beach is fairly rocky as is typical, so I would recommend water shoes if you want to swim. We had a few very calm water days which were perfect for kayaking, though you will have to carry your kayak up/down the many stairs. The BBQ only has half of the burners working, and they appear to be a little inconsistent. The top rack also was not screwed in well so it fell off and we had to re-attach it while cooking burgers. The bottom oven handle also fell off when we used it and we had to re-attach. Overall, the place is quite peaceful, but I do think some maintenance is required to bring it back to the place it was in the photos for the listing. In particular: - metal should be removed from the beach - better cleaning practices or fee removed - trim back bushes for a better water view - address mold spots in back sitting room
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elise D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful getaway with gorgeous sunsets
An ideal place for a restful vacation. The view on the lake is stunning. The steps down to the beach are very stable and beautifully built. There are lots of chairs to choose from to gaze the sunsets. Our dog loved the freedom of running around the property and on tbe beach. The place is very comfy and cozy. We needed the heaters on some cool nights. We ended up paying extra phone charges because there’s no internet connection, but it was worth it and we would rent this cottage again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Janet G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Felt like a Caribbean getaway
It's a beautiful, rustic cottage, with lots of room inside and outside. We loved sitting in the rocking chairs listening to the sound of the waves... felt like we were in the Caribbean. Sunsets were some of the best I've seen. The cottage was spotless. Bunkie was great for kids. I didn't have a problem with the lighting in the cottage as I read a review that it needed more lighting. There's a clothesline which was great. The two single beds were not the most comfortable. The only downfall was the beach with lots of rocks. You definitely need water shoes and good balance as there are also really big rocks that you cannot see but once you got past that area, it was perfect. There isn't much of a beach area to sit on and its also rocky. Kids loved searching for unique rocks and they certainly found some. It was quiet and we were the only ones on the beach. I look forward to booking again next year.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ovidiu M., Kitchener

Liked: Cleanliness
Just lovely
"Cottage on the bluff" is a lovely spot to make lasting memories with your family. From the barrel shaped bunk to the swing under the peach tree, you'll definitely find a place to enjoy every day, over and over again. Ample sitting space, kitchen amenities, quiet neighborhood, easy access to the lake, well kept grounds - all contribute to the property's unique charm. You won't regret coming here! We just cannot thank you enough, our gracious hosts, Ingrid and Angela, and we plan on coming back soon. Thank you so much for your hospitality!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great summer vacation
We really enjoyed our stay at the cottage. As others have noted the cottage is quite spacious, and the outdoor areas are great. We did find the lighting inthe cottage in the evening and at night was an issue, especially for one of my family with low-vision. Side tables and bed-side tables with lamps as well as improved overhead lighting would be helpful. The kitchen was fairly well equipped, but some typical utensils were missing (tongs, spatulas, measuring cups). Because of surprisingly poor cellular service in the area the lack of wifi in the cottage was an issue. As already noted the beach is very rocky but we were prepared with old sneakers and water socks. The cottage is perfectly situated on a quiet beach with Grand Bend, Bayfield and Goderich short drives away. An amazing place with fantastic views of the Lake Huron sunset.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Adrian N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage, great location. Beach is a little problematic due to recent erosion
Overall, we had a great stat here. the cottage is well located and way more spacious than expected. The outdoor space was great as well. This would be a 5 star review if not for the issues down at the beach (almost none of which are controllable by the property owners but we felt could have been better communicated. Most of the beach area has been eroded and the owners have made great attempts to re-do the stairs down and make it safe. The issue we encountered was the large amount of exposed metal where the old retaining walls were and in the water. We ended up using some drift wood to mark these in the water to be avoided and limiting the kids ability to roam on the beach without an adult right nearby.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Kathryn B.

Family Getaway
We had a lovely time at this private waterfront cottage. The access to the beach was great, with multiple spots to sit and enjoy our morning coffee and beautiful sunsets.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Darlene J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and fabulous yard and sunset.
We had a fabulous week with lawn games, board games and sitting in the beautiful new muskoka chairs enjoying the Lake Huron sunsets. I swam once as the beach has been hit hard and is all ro k. You can walk out about 10m and then find sand but I found the rocks a little hard on the ankles—(kids in 20s did fine). The cottage has two separate areas for “living” and it was nice if someone went to bed early. Kitchen is well equipped. Dog friendly was also a plus as of course, they too are family. Could not get in as key code was not changed but property manager was easy to reach. We were a little disappointed the kayak was booked but not made available-we were really hoping to give it a try. Check out was 10:00 (early) and the cleaning person turned up at 9:20 which felt awkward and we felt even more rushed. Overall a great and well kept family property and highly recommend especially if you include your dogs on your vacations. Thank you Ingrid and Angela.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melanie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy
We loved our stay, the steps to the beach are easy to walk down. The kitchen had so much space for preparing our family sized meals.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lara J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
It was a great property well maintained on the water. The host was excellent and checked in with us after we arrived and after we left.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm W., Oshawa

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect!
Quiet, relaxing and beautiful. Will for sure return.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

DUSTIN L.

Weekend get away
Very nice view of the sunset and very welcoming place to be, had everything we needed plus the extra little things that sometimes get forgotten, overall had a wonderful weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Adam L.

Liked: Cleanliness
A great getaway
My kids and I stayed for 5 days. The place is in a great location, and just what I expected! No hassles or problems at all - I would recommend staying here! It's worth knowing that Lake water levels are very high. Dont plan on using the beach at the property this year, and maybe next. If you know that going in (which I did), you'll be able to make plans to go to Grand Bend or Goderich for the beach!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020