Fractional Cottage Ownership at Frontenac Shores

Written by Rachael Donovan, March 19, 2009

Frontenac Shores, in Ontario’s Land O’Lakes region, is the place to escape hectic schedules and savour Canada’s four seasons. This is cottage living as it was meant to be.

Located on the spring fed Mississagagon Lake just under two hours from Ottawa, Frontenac Shores cottages boast over 2,000 feet of fabulous private shoreline with three sandy beaches. Surrounded by the Canadian Shield topography and the pristine shoreline with its many crown land bays and islands, the view is breathtaking.

This area of Ontario offers something for every season and for all people, regardless of age and stage in life. In the spring and summer, golfing at a well-groomed executive course is a mere five minute drive away. A full array of water activities is available for watersports fans, including fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting and motorized boating.

During the fall,the autumn foliage will dazzle as you hike or bike on trails that run directly from the property. You can also venture a few minutes further and enjoy the trail systems at the beautiful Bon Echo Provincial Park.

In the winter, enjoy door front skating or a fun game of hockey on the lake. After enjoying the fresh winter air, unwind in a private sauna and then cozy up to a spectacular stone fireplace while taking in the winter wonderland panorama.

Sounds good doesn’t it? When we think of cottage living, we think of peace, tranquility and nature. However, the reality of full cottage ownership maintenance and related costs is quite different. There are the “getting the cottage ready to open” and the “closing the cottage down” rituals. Many people accept these responsibilities as the cost of enjoying cottage life but the good news is that you don’t have to, thanks to Frontenac Shores cottages. Frontenac offers only the good side of cottage living, worry and hassle free. The proprietors Pat and Dave Storms explain that as a Frontenac Shores cottage owner, you have a luxurious cottage that is fractionally-owned, fractionally-priced and fractionally-expensed, while at the same time being fully-managed and fully-maintained, right down to the onsite tended herb gardens.

As a Frontenac Shores cottage owner, you are truly buying Canadian – from the authentic log cottage to the beautifully crafted solid wood high-end furniture. The cottages are built to last by Confederation Log Homes. They boast vaulted ceilings with panoramic views, gourmet kitchens, hardwood and ceramic throughout, an air jet whirlpool bath in the master ensuite, a gas fireplace, screened porch with an enclosed private sauna and a sundeck with a BBQ. Can’t leave technology behind? Don’t worry. The convenience of high speed internet, telephone service, and satellite television are at your fingertips. The furnishings are exquisite and the cottage contains everything you could possible need or desire. There is no roughing it here. This is five-star resort living at a fraction of the cost.

But how does it work? Admittedly, initially the concept may be a bit hard to grasp. With fractional ownership, you share ownership of the cottage, including the land it sits on, the furniture, fixtures, equipment, the club house and all other amenities exclusive to the property. There are 10 shares per cottage and you can purchase up to 7 shares. You have permanent ownership of your share(s) in the cottage and have exclusive use of it for a pre-determined amount of time.

Your cottage and surrounding property are cared for on a full-time basis by on-site property managers who answer to the owners’ association board of directors. Services include an inventory and housekeeping check between visits to ensure your vacation home is spotless and has fresh linens. As a fractional owner, there are also annual fees to cover the maintenance of the cottage, grounds and amenities. The fees take care of things like garbage removal, insurance, utilities, taxes on the property as well as a reserve for replacement and/ or refurbishing of the cottage and property management services.

Expenses are based on the number, size and value of the fraction you own. In this way you pay for and maintain only what you use, as opposed to full ownership where you would be responsible for 100 per cent of the operating costs. As with any property purchase, you own it and so can sell your share should you wish to do so. You can also loan your time slot(s) to friends or family and/ or rent it to whomever you please and charge whatever you want. It is your property. As a real perk, should you wish to shake things up a bit, Frontenac Shores also offers worldwide exchange opportunities where you can use some of your time to visit other vacation properties. You can choose from over 2000 resorts, villas, condos and beach homes in 75 countries.

If you are looking to invest in a lakefront retreat and want all fun and no fuss, fractional ownership may be just the thing for you. Whether you are looking for some personal soul-searching time, a private couples’ retreat or a home away from home to reconnect with your family, Frontenac Shores is for you.