Muskoka certainly has no shortage of fine places to spend a night or two… or more. Whether it’s for a brief stop over or a week-long getaway, Muskoka’s B&B's have much to offer, from secluded one and two-bedroom affairs to those that could almost be classified as mini-resorts.

  Braewood on Lake Muskoka B&B is certainly one of the latter. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Muskoka, just outside the tiny village of Milford Bay, Braewood has the distinction of being one of the few B&Bs in Canada designed and built with a passive solar heating system, keeping the building cozy year-round. That’s not all that sets Braewood apart: The B&B’s large windows frame some of the most dazzling views of Lake Muskoka, all the while giving the distinct feeling that you’re never far from the great outdoors.

  That feeling of oneness with nature is further enhanced inside. The building is bright and open, and a unique three-season porch allows guests to get as close to nature as possible without the worry of bugs or bad weather.

  Braewood boasts three spacious guestrooms, all with lake views, private bathrooms and, best of all, the sound of water lapping on the shore (if you’re lucky, you might even hear the magical call of a loon). Each room is exquisitely furnished with "Vieux Canadien" furniture, rescued by owner Mike Braden from his grandfather's cottage.

Panoramic views

Outside, guests can enjoy Braewood's stunning deck and its panoramic views of Lake Muskoka (so good are the views that the deck was once featured in Canadian Living magazine). Below, a short path winds its way through the trees to the waters edge where guests can while away the hours in a hammock or take a dip.

  Breakfasts at Braewood are an event in themselves. Guests can first enjoy a fresh-brewed Dominican coffee on the deck (Mike brings the coffee home each year after his winter travels) before heading indoors for a slap-up breakfast of wild blueberries (in season), free range eggs and fresh baked muffins, all accompanied by Mike's special of the day.

  Surprisingly, given the luxuriousness of Braewood, the room rates are not out of the range of most budgets. For example, a night in the aptly named Sunrise Room, costs $140 for 2 persons – not bad when you take into account the setting, the food… and the views.

For further information, contact Braewood on Lake Muskoka B&B, 2631 Muskoka Rd. 118 W.,
Milford Bay, ON P0B 1E0; phone 705-764-1125; or email braewood@muskoka.com. Alternatively, visit their website at www.muskoka.com/~braewood for a virtual tour of the property.