Lake of the Week - Kennisis

Each Monday I will be showcasing a different lake in the Highlands - this is the first! Kennisis Lake is part of a 2-lake chain that joins with Little Kennisis Lake.

 If you enjoy that "Muskoka feel" then Kennisis Lake is for you. A large, deep, clean lake that is full of bays and islands to explore.
Located about 20 minutes North of Haliburton Village, the lake is part of an area called the Kennisis Lake Tourist Area. It has an average depth of 77.1 ft (23.1 m) and is 223 ft (66.9m) at it's deepest point, and has a surface area of 346 acres or 140 ha. This lake has been developed for many years and offers a mix of rustic, smaller cottages and million $plus homes and cottages. The West Shore area commands a higher price point, but there are lots of options on such a large lake. Go under the bridge into Little Kennisis Lake and find even more boating possibilities.
At the West end of the lake is a dam that leads into the Kennisis River - a boat launch and large parking lot can be found there as it is the only way to get to Red Pine Lake, a boat-access only lake. There are 3 boat launches and a Marina, and is near the famous Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, including the Wolf Center - a great place to visit! Check out the Cookhouse Restaurant at the Haliburton Forest for a great meal, and meander through the Logging Museum. One of the islands - Nora's Island, was donated to the Haliburton Land Trust for public use and offers 22 acres for a great picnic destination.
Kennisis is one of Haliburton Highland's largest, most scenic lakes (arguably). A fabulous destination - even if just for the day!

Ready to Buy that Cottage?

Stunning Kennisis Lake

So you are looking for a cottage. You may have vacationed in the Highlands before, have friends here, perhaps rented a cottage in the area....and now you want your own! Spring is arriving and showings have already begun - people are snowshoeing into the seasonal cottages - they can't wait to get their cottage for the summer!
Are you ready? Have you got your finances in order? Do you have a deposit? Here are some things your agent will need to know to have successful outings:
1. What are you going to do at your cottage: boat, waterski, sea doo, swim, canoe/kayak? Your activities help define what type of lake you need to purchase on, and what type of shoreline you'd require;
2. Are you social people? Do you like to know your neighbours, visit at the dock, or do you prefer a "getaway" with privacy and quiet? Again - this influences the lake, the area, and the property type.
3. Will you use the cottage in winter? If your budget does not allow for a 4-season cottage, are you willing to look at a 3-season cottage that could be easily converted?
4. Are you entertainers? Will you have children and their friends; brothers and sisters and their families; friends of your own? If so, you will need parking space and possibly a spot for a bunkie. Some cottages are very restrictive with space for one, maybe two vehicles and little turnaround space. Will this work for you?
5. Travel Time - our County is huge and we have lakes in every corner. Some people only want a 2 1/2 hr. drive from their home which limits the lakes that you can view cottages on, but note that some of our best lakes are worth driving to!

My last tip today - BE HONEST with your Realtor. We are here to help, and what you tell us about your personal life, habits, finances....is all held in the strictest confidence. But we need that information to provide you with the best possible service, and the perfect outcome for you and your family.