The Benefits of a Cottage Watch Service in Muskoka: Protect Your Investment Year-Round

Owning a cottage in Muskoka is a dream come true—but when you're not there, it can quickly turn into a source of stress. Whether you’re away for a few weeks or the entire off-season, leaving your cottage unattended can lead to serious issues: burst pipes, break-ins, fallen trees, storm damage, and more. That’s where a Cottage Watch Service comes in.

What Is a Cottage Watch Service? A Cottage Watch (also called Property Watch or Seasonal Property Monitoring) is a professional service that provides regular inspections of your cottage while you’re away. Our team visits your property on a schedule—checking for signs of damage, forced entry, weather-related issues, and anything else that could compromise the safety or condition of your home.

Why It Matters in Muskoka: Muskoka winters can be unforgiving. Heavy snowfall, ice storms, wind, and wildlife can all wreak havoc on unattended cottages. Combine that with the remote nature of many properties in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and island-access locations, and you’ve got a recipe for potential disaster if no one is checking in. A Cottage Watch Service gives you peace of mind—and boots on the ground—no matter where you are.

Cottage Insurance Often Requires It: Did you know that many insurance companies in Ontario require unoccupied homes or seasonal cottages to be checked on regularly? Some policies mandate inspections every 48 to 72 hours to stay valid. If damage occurs and no one was there to catch it, your claim could be denied. Our Cottage Watch service in Muskoka keeps you compliant with your insurer’s requirements and provides detailed reports with photos after each visit—so you have documented proof of regular inspections.

What We Check During Each Visit: Visual inspection of doors, windows, and entry points for signs of tampering or forced entry - Roof and exterior checks for wind, ice, or storm damage - Heating system and thermostat checks in colder months to prevent frozen pipes - Gutter and drainage issues that could lead to water damage - Evidence of animal or rodent activity - Water leaks, burst pipes, and interior moisture buildup - General property condition (fallen trees, snow load, etc.)

Detailed Reports for Your Peace of Mind: After every visit, you’ll receive a detailed report with date-stamped photos and notes. If we discover an issue, we notify you immediately—and can coordinate repairs or maintenance through our trusted local partners.

Local and Reliable – We Know Muskoka: We live and work right here in Muskoka, which means we understand the unique challenges of seasonal homeownership in this region. Whether your cottage is in Port Carling, Bala, Lake of Bays, or a secluded island, we’ve got you covered—year-round.

Ideal For: - Seasonal cottagers who don’t live locally - Snowbirds spending winter down south - Owners of high-value or heritage properties - Remote-access or island cottages - Anyone who wants added peace of mind while away

Ready for Worry-Free Cottage Ownership? Our Cottage Watch program is customizable, affordable, and built with Muskoka property owners in mind. Whether you need weekly checks, bi-weekly, or just during the off-season, we’ll build a plan that works for you.

Contact us today to learn more about our Cottage Watch Services in Muskoka and keep your property protected, no matter the season.