Like many, owning a second property to enjoy during the summer months is a dream. Picture the endless sunsets, refreshing swims, relaxing days at the beach, and countless evenings basking in the glow of the setting sun. It’s genuinely picture-perfect. Buying a second home can also be a stressful and emotional process. Real estate is a significant investment, particularly in the gorgeous Collingwood Blue Mountain area, which offers stunning views overlooking Southern Georgian Bay. To find the perfect property, it is essential to determine what you and your family hope to gain from a summer home.
We interviewed one of Collingwood’s most experienced realtors, Justin Bock of Bosley Real Estate. With his expertise and local knowledge, Justin can answer any questions and provide valuable tips to help you purchase your dream summer home.
Key Considerations
Evolve: Usage intent is crucial when looking for a summer home. What are some initial questions you should ask yourself when considering purchasing?
Justin: Finding a neighborhood-specific to your needs and fits your interests is valuable. Do you wish to use this property year-round or plan to use it seasonally? As a family, is it a property by the beach, close to the mountains, or within walking distance of the historical main streets? These are good questions to ask to get started.
What is the process of purchasing a summer home? Is it for your family’s personal use, or are you looking for an investment property for potential rent income? Future resale value is another question to ask your realtor. By having your family take time to answer these questions and clarify your objectives, you can streamline the process and make informed decisions that will align with your goals for your summer property.
Costs
Evolve: Various costs go into owning a second property that could be different from your primary residence. What are some costs to consider?
Justin: Maintaining and insuring a second property involves several ongoing costs that can significantly impact your budget. Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving the property’s condition and value, including routine tasks such as landscaping, HVAC servicing, pest control, and minor repairs, all of which can accumulate over time. Additionally, insurance is a critical component of owning a second home. Overall, the combined expenses of maintenance and insurance for a second property are essential to remember and should play a crucial role when finding your next property.
Amenities
Evolve: Finding the right neighborhood is critical. Why should people consider Blue Mountains when purchasing a summer home?
Justin: Neighbourhood Windfall at Blue Mountain is renowned for its exceptional amenities catering to a luxurious and active lifestyle. The community features an inviting residents-only clubhouse, The Shed, with a heated year-round pool, hot tub, sauna, and gym, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings. Beautiful, landscaped trails and parks also encourage outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Proximity to the Blue Mountain Village offers convenient golfing and a variety of dining and shopping options, making Windfall an ideal location for seasonal and year-round living.
Rentability
Evolve: Renting out property in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains can be highly lucrative due to the area’s popularity for tourism and outdoor activities. What are some key things to remember when renting out your property?
Justin: Short-term rentals are permissible but regulated to maintain community standards. Property owners must comply with local bylaws, including obtaining a short-term rental license, adhering to occupancy limits, and ensuring proper property maintenance. Understanding and following these regulations is crucial for a successful and legal rental operation in these regions.
In Collingwood and the Blue Mountains, bylaws governing short-term rentals are designed to balance tourism benefits with community standards. In Collingwood, short-term rentals typically require a business license, compliance with safety regulations, and compliance with occupancy limits. The Blue Mountains has more stringent regulations, often requiring properties to be registered, inspections to ensure safety and fire code compliance and adherence to strict zoning laws. Both areas enforce noise and nuisance regulations to minimize disruption to permanent residents. Owners must stay updated on local bylaws to ensure their renters remain compliant and avoid penalties.
Evolve: Can you give us an idea of the real estate pricing in the area?
Justin: Purchasing a summer home in Southern Georgian Bay is more than an investment; it’s an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of relaxation, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. By pairing up with a seasoned, knowledgeable realtor, you can confidently navigate the market and make the right decisions to ensure your dream summer home becomes a reality. Here are some examples.
Available Properties
104 Black Willow at Windfall.
$1,679.00
Single Family Residence
The Blue Mountains, Ontario
4+1bd, 5ba, 2,940 sqft
A walk away from The Blue Mountain Village
Available Properties
116 Dorothy Drive
$2,749,000
Single Family Residence
Clarksburg, Ontario
4+2 bd, 5ba
3,045 sqft, + 1,190
ABOUT JUSTIN BOCK:
Growing up visiting The Blue Mountains, Justin Bock always felt a deep connection to the area. This bond led him to make a move to the Blue Mountains full-time, where he now thrives as a dedicated real estate agent. Justin combines his local knowledge with a passion for helping clients find their dream homes in this beautiful region.
An avid skier and active community member, Justin enjoys exploring the slopes and participating in local events. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a property, Justin’s commitment and expertise make him the perfect guide for your real estate journey in the Blue Mountains.
1. Attend Summerlicious
Toronto’s best-kept foodie secret is back: Summerlicious starts this July 5th and runs until the 21st. This annual summer food event offers prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s best restaurants for every budget.
With set lunch menus ranging from $20-$55 and dinner starting at $25 -75, Summerlicious is your opportunity to explore over 200 restaurants, from high-end to hidden gems in the city.
Pro Tip: ask your server what wine they’d recommend for your tasting menu to make this experience the best!
Make your Summerlicious plan and find the perfect spot for your next meal here.
2. Wine Crawl in the City
Looking for the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer’s day? Why not spend the day enjoying a patio wine crawl with friends? Toronto has an abundance of perfect patios, both new and old, for you to explore. Here are some must-tries to add to your list:
Stop 1: Vela
This gorgeous restaurant also boasts a beautiful patio in the heart of the entertainment district. Start things off at Vela to get the day started just right. Looking for the perfect order? Watch my video here on my wine picks here.
Stop 2: Astoria Great Hall
It does not have a patio, but it is located on Queen West. This open-air dining experience is the perfect French-American spot to grab a glass of wine and a couple of shared plates with friends.
Stop 3: Enoteca Sociale
Stop by Enoteca Sociale on Dundas St West for incredible Italian cocktails, desserts, and wine!
Stop 4: Gia Toronto
Just steps away from Enoteca is another excellent Italian stop on Dundas St. West: Gia, a plant-forward restaurant serving fresh meals paired with incredible wines.
Stop 5: Compton Ave
This excellent spot, founded by the Bar Chef crew, is known for its cocktails. However, Compton Ave also boasts an impressive wine list. Stop by this unassuming spot with gorgeous interiors on Dundas and grab a glass of the Yuntero Mundo De Yuntero Rosado, an organic rosé.
3. Visit a Wine Bar
Toronto’s wine bar scene continues to expand year-over-year. For your next Summer activity, stop by a local wine bar and ask their team to make a recommendation for you and your crew of wines typically not available at the LCBO. The best part? You can almost always shop for wines in-store and take a bottle home.
Here are some wine bar recommendations in the city:
Make your way to Grey Gardens for a sophisticated wine experience. Their wine list features unique and exciting options from around the world, paired with delectable dishes.
Sip: My top pick is the Saint Cyr La Galoche Rouge.
Located in the Bloorcourt borough, this boutique wine shop and bar are part of the Paradise Theatre and the iconic Osteria Rialto restaurant. Pop in here before seeing a show, ahead of your dinner reservation, or as a stop all on its own!
Sip: Two must-try bottles include the Antonutti Ribolla Gialla, or try the La Montina Franciacorta DOCG Extra Brut for your bubbly fix.
For the perfect 30-degree weather activity, head to On Third Thought for a wine and gelato flight. This gelato & wine bar serves perfectly paired gelato and wine combinations that are ideal for a hot summer day.
Sip: Sit on the patio and indulge in flavors like lemon gelato with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chocolate gelato with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a match made in heaven and a must-try experience.
Are you a wine lover in a group of beer fans? Your next patio reservation has got to be at Blood Brothers Brewing. Located on one of the city’s best stretches of streets for dining: Greary Avenu. Blood Brothers is the perfect casual spot to visit before or after dinner.
Sip: Tenuta I Fauri Il Piano Del Cavaliere.
4. Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake
Escape the city and head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a tranquil wine experience.
Where to go: Two Sister’s Vineyards is our top pick in Niagara-on-the-Lake—a family-owned estate known for its award-winning wines. Two must-try bottles on your visit are the Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Getting There: Niagara-on-the-Lake is just under a 90-minute drive from Toronto, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or an overnight stay.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay: For a day trip, start with a wine tasting at Two Sisters Vineyards, then explore the Old Town. For an overnight stay, consider booking a room at one of the charming bed-and-breakfasts or boutique hotels and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s top-rated restaurants.
5. Host a Themed Wine Night with Your Friends
Hosting a themed wine night is one of my favourite ways to explore different wines with friends. Here are a couple of theme ideas:
Euro Summer: Everyone picks a country and brings a bottle of wine to bring the Euro summer vibes home. Set the scene with decorations and food inspired by the countries you’re “visiting.” Travel Europe through wine without leaving your home!
Rosé Night: Celebrate summer with a rosé wine night. Ask each guest to bring a bottle of rosé from a different region worldwide. Compare the various styles and flavors, and pair them with light summer fares like salads, seafood, and fresh fruit.
Old World Vs. New World: This is always a fun experience for big wine lovers. Compare and contrast wines from traditional wine regions (Old World) with those from newer wine-producing areas (New World). A few suggestions for the Old World include France, Italy, Spain vs. New World USA, Australia, and Chile. You can even include newer versus older wine techniques and trends to incorporate new styles like low-intervention wines.
