When you think of Muskoka cottages, a number of images come to mind. For many, a cottage in Muskoka is a rustic affair, possibly made of stone or logs and consisting of no more than a small living space and enough room to sleep a family. For others, the Muskoka cottage experience is a far grander affair, more like a luxurious home-away-from-home than camping.

  Whatever the Muskoka cottage experience may mean to you, Forest Hill Fine Homes of Port Carling can help make your cottage dreams come true – whether it’s renovating or upgrading an existing property, or building that dream cottage from scratch. Owned and operated by long-time Muskoka resident Hugh Smith, Forest Hill Fine Homes has been responsible for constructing some of the region’s most notable high-quality country homes, cottages, docks and boathouses.

  As well as the complete renovation and construction of cottages and boathouses, Forest Hills also constructs tennis courts, gazebos and home interiors.

  “We also love to restore grand old Muskoka cottages to their original state,” states Smith on the company’s website. (the site contains many excellent photos of the company’s various projects). “We’re full turn-key builders who’ll start from a vacant lot or cottage renovation and, if requested, end it by putting sheets on the beds and flowers in the planters! Even though we handle large projects, we also accommodate smaller jobs competitively.”

Having spent his childhood vacationing in Muskoka, Smith knows what cottagers expect from a quality construction firm, whether it means working in inclement weather or in difficult terrain.

  “We’re very experienced in island work and have all the equipment – boats, barges, snowmobiles and a hovercraft – to make certain we can meet our client’s timetable in spite of the weather,” Smith writes. “But above all, we have the experience. And we regularly combine our experience with that of architects, engineers and interior designers.”

Smith built his business – and his reputation – not only on the high quality of his work, but also by ensuring that he remained “above board” when it comes to costs. To that end, the company has developed a cost accounting system that constantly keeps our clients in the picture on every unit of material, hour of labour or use of equipment that goes into the project.

Continues Smith: “We do, of course, have lots of references. But the best indication of what our clients think of us is that many of them keep their relationship with us by hiring us as maintenance/caretakers for their property on a long-term basis.”

  For further information visit their website at www.foresthillfinehomes.com or write to P.O. Box 59, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0. Alternatively, phone 705-765-6122, or e-mail fhfh@muskoka.com