“A cottage is a space where you can escape, enjoy the surroundings and truly unwind,” says Ryan Harkin. Not that Toronto-based Ryan has much time for unwinding these days as even he couldn’t anticipate how quickly The Birchwood Cottage Co, the brand of Haliburton retreats he founded with his husband Blair Cox, would take off.
The dining area at Birchwood Kennisis. “We go to great lengths to ensure the wood we use at both properties is genuinely reclaimed, and it shows when you see the rustic luxe finish it imparts on a room,” says Ryan. The wooden chandelier is from Brothers Dressler, a Toronto design company that uses reclaimed and salvaged materials.
To date, The Birchwood offers two rental cottages: Redstone, which launched the brand in 2018 and Kennisis, which followed in 2019. Each is named after the lake on which it’s located in Ontario’s hilly Haliburton region. Each is very much in demand. “We opened Summer 2020 reservations for Kennisis cottage on a specific day at noon and one minute later had over 100 reservation requests!” says Ryan. “2021 is already full at both properties and I have already had over 50 inquiries surrounding Summer 2022, but won’t be releasing those dates until next year.”
The Birchwood Kennisis and its main deck, which also features an outdoor dining area and barbecue.
If you’re lucky enough to have stayed at either cottage, you’ll know why. These guys get comfort and hospitality. There are no bad oil paintings of forests here, no roughing-it-in-the-bush quirks – just supremely stylish retreats. “Being by any body of water imparts a sense of calm, so our aesthetic references that relaxed, laid-back luxury,” says Ryan. And it is referenced flawlessly. You can become besties with nature here, while not having to sacrifice creature comforts. These are cottages where bird-watching, kayaking and pristine lakes mingle with cook’s kitchens, Smart TVs and crisp linens.
The Birchwood Redstone which is set 120 steps above its namesake lake.
While the properties are slightly different – Redstone is larger and set higher above the lake; Kennisis has a smaller footprint – they share stylish traits and amenities. Both have three bedrooms, two full bathrooms (showers only), wood-burning stoves, firepits, hot tubs and multiple outdoor decks. Both have showstopper décor. “Everything at each property has been hand selected by one or both of us,” says Ryan. “We use a lot of earthy tones and love to mix and layer materials: beautiful solid woods paired with tan leathers and tactile fabrics are our favourite. The aesthetic of each cottage is slightly different, but similar enough to feel like it was put together by us.”
Mix master materials at The Redstone.
One of the three bedrooms at Birchwood Kennisis.
The couple had considered launching in Muskoka but preferred the slower pace of Haliburton, which also reminded Glasgow-born Ryan of his roots. “The rolling hills here are majestic and the lakes are crystal clear – it’s very similar to Northern Scotland.” A large percentage of bookings are return guests, many of whom flock here from international destinations. “We’ve welcomed guests from Italy, The Netherlands, China, Germany and the U.K.”
The quality of The Birchwood Cottage Co. means it is pretty difficult to snag a stay, but the good news is that there are plans for more. Ryan says, “We definitely have plans to expand with more waterfront locations, as well as some other fun projects.” I say, “Can’t wait!”
