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Whitby Free Press, Wedsesday, JuIy 14,1993, Page 13 ______ AHOME DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT FEATURE Buynga cottage or recreational pro.perty Do yeu dream of spending long summer afternoons on a dock beside a cool, crystal-clear lalce? Do you like waking up te the cal ef the loons, or listenLing te, the soothing sound of waves lapping up against the shoreline? Do you enjoy the distant hum ef outboerd motors and eutdoor activity -- or do you prefer absolute tranquillity and the sound of whispering pines? If se, a cottage or recreatienal property may be just the answer. Even if you're net a dyed-in-the-weol nature lover and don't enjoy 'roughing it,' there are cottage and recreational properties t suit virtually every ead budget. And now, with lower interest rates, a cottage o& recreational property may be much more within your financial grasp than you think. Where te look If you're seriouély considering investing in a cottage or recreational property, yeu should realize that location is a key element. Any realtor will tell you that the three niost important things about a property are 'location, location, location." Obviously, if you want a more iselated property, far away from the din of the city, you and your faznily will have te be prepared te spend more time travelling te, and from the cottage -- and yeu right net want te end up sacrificing a lot of your free time te, do this. However, some people prefer te be as far away fromn civilization as possible and, for them, the extra driving time is well worth it. There can be other benefits as well; the more remote your chosen property is, the less expensive it's likely te be, compared te something that's witbin short and easy commuting distance of-major centres. However, if your spare time is already stretched te the limit*and you want easy acceas te your property, it niight be advisàble te look at areas dloser te homne. areas in which yeu view properties, try talking te the neighbouring cottagers te, see wbat the regularf noise andý activity levels are lilce or, btter yet, drive through the area at times of peak use -- just as you would with any urban property- te, get a botter idea. After aiif you crave peace and quiet and your privacy, you probably won't want te be situated in the area of intense social activity. Shoreline qualities9 If you have young children, be sure te check out lake depth and shoreline qualities. Youll likely want something with a gentie, shnllow shoreline. So, if a sandy beach is a must for your little one(s), don't waste tinie looking at properties with rough, rocky shores. While viewing vacation properties, be sure- te take a good look at the water as well'. Does it look élean? Is it deep enough for boating and diving? lias any water-quality testing 'been done, recently? Io the water rough or gentle? And if you enjoy outdoer winter sports, find eut about winter accessibility and wihether the property bas adequate insulation. Above ail, make sure you always view cottage and recreational properties in person before making a decisien' te purchase. This article is prouidkd by local reait ors and the Ontario Reazl Est ate Association. Zeroeng in Once you've zeroed in on the general area in which yo'd like te, have a cottage or recreational property, it's time to look at the amenities various properties have te offer. Some cottage areas are more like sniall urban communities and you have te walk a few blocks te access the waterfront. Others are more remote and each cottage bas private access te the shoreline. Whatever you prefer, be sure te take your entire family's needs and preferences inte considera- tien when narrewing down a location. Things youll want te keep in mund are: proximity to- the nearest town and emergency services, whether the preperty is accessible year-round, if it has potable water and se on. To get a btter feel for the PROFESSIONALLY FRAMED RONDEN GALLERY 133 Taunton Rd W. #16 1 Oshawa -432-1580 ------------------ ---I r-.....~w.-..-N ff in t.W Save.up to 40% Sight now at Rousseau's, you can save on the elegant James River or casuial American Digest fine furniture lines from Hickory Chair. Our swnmer sale is in fuit swing and there are many unadvertised specials on furniture and accessories throughout our store. Drop in today and take advantage of the savings! Y-rHOUM Clcwd.Mo.,daý rTue% -(1u1L 10^ ?w Uà&LXU S/sjZt HERITAGE HOUSE limited 216 Mary Suftt.East. Whitby 6ffl3483 Tornto Uane 696«06L1 1 BO-387-0242 o FnackAaLbf