10 Crane Lake Water

THE BOAT, THE ISLAND, THE LOG COTTAGE & THE SUMMERS YOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER STOP TALKING ABOUT!

Some cottages come with a dock; this one comes with the whole island, the boat to get there, and a story that started long before the listing ever hit the market. Set on 0.75 acres known as Kitty Island, this private Crane Lake escape is surrounded by mature trees, deep, clean shoreline, crown land views, and more than 50 miles of boating to explore, including water access to Blackstone Lake, Clear Lake, and Stonehouse Lake. Originally discovered near Alliston, the historic log home was carefully dismantled, transported to Crane Lake, hauled across the ice, and rebuilt by hand into the character-filled island getaway that stands today. Exposed beams, hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area create the backdrop for rainy-day card games, long holiday weekends, and evenings that stretch a little later than planned as stories are shared around the fire. Three bedrooms and a full bathroom give family and friends a place to settle in, while the large covered porch offers a front-row seat to life on the lake. Spend your days swimming from the dock, casting a line, exploring nearby lakes, or jumping from the rocks, then gather around the fire pit as the sun disappears behind the trees. No boat? No problem, a 20 HP Mercury motorboat is included, turning every trip across the lake into part of the adventure. Just one minute from the marina and approximately two hours from the GTA, Kitty Island is where summers become family folklore, the boat ride becomes part of the ritual, and the memories linger long after the weekend ends.

The Story of Kitty Island

Kitty Island began with a dream.

The story started when a young man just beginning his film industry career, discovered the island was for sale. Determined to make it his, he sold his camera equipment to raise the $500 down payment. The remaining balance was paid off at just $50 per month over several years until the island was finally his.

With the island secured, he envisioned creating something truly special — an authentic pioneer-style retreat built from a historic Ontario log home. After a lengthy search, he found an abandoned log house sitting in a farmer’s field near Alliston. Every log was carefully numbered before the home was dismantled and transported to Crane Lake. From there, the materials were hauled across the frozen lake to Kitty Island by snowmobile and toboggan.

Over many years, the cottage was painstakingly rebuilt log by log, largely by hand and without power tools or a generator. Working mostly on weekends, the owner dedicated years of effort to reconstructing the historic home piece by piece. The result is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship, patience, and perseverance.

Unique details throughout the cottage each tell their own story. The custom windows were handcrafted by an Old Order Mennonite craftsman who refused to use a telephone, so every conversation and order was handled entirely by letter. The fireplace was inspired by one at Black Creek Pioneer Village, and a small cat paw print left behind during construction, is hidden within the masonry.

Over time, the owner carefully collected Canadiana antiques to furnish the cottage and preserve its historic character. Reclaimed materials were thoughtfully incorporated throughout, including bricks and kitchen cupboards salvaged from a grand mansion on Toronto’s historic Jarvis Street that was being dismantled at the time.

For decades, Kitty Island became the setting for cherished family traditions and unforgettable gatherings. Thanksgiving weekends were especially memorable: bread baked in the wood-fired oven, turkey roasted before the fireplace, and chestnuts toasted over an open fire.

Today, Kitty Island stands as far more than a cottage. It is the realization of a dream — built through patience, vision, and a deep appreciation for Canada’s heritage. Its story lives on in every log, every antique, and every carefully crafted detail, making it a truly one-of-a-kind island retreat.

Property Features

Property Details

Community Features

Building

Land

Landscape Features