Whispering River Studio Retreat

Built into a forested hill beside a river, with a sleeping loft and in-floor radiant heating in a granite flagstone floor, a kitchenette and a three piece washroom, the studio is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate or retreat into creative work. Whispering River Studio Retreat is just 10 minutes from Parry Sound and located in a woods of old growth white pine, maple, oak and birch, on the banks of the Seguin River. In spring the scent of flowering crab and apple trees, wild roses, lilacs and pin cherries fill the air. Fall features gorgeous colour on the hills, and nearby hikes feature views of the rocks and cliffs that make this area famous throughout September, October, November and early December. Winter is beautiful too - the season of retreat and rejuvenation is filled with pristine vistas - and lots of snow for the dedicated snowshoe-er or cross country skier! Georgian Nordic X-country ski trails are only 15 minutes away, and can be used in the summer for hiking as well. If you want to enjoy a community Christmas, come and experience the many, many local activities centered around this warm and friendly time of year. You are welcome to relax in the loft, the house's screened in porch, or on the studio porch or the look out and enjoy the gentle whisper of the river, or the wind in the pines. A short walk by the river is beloved by most guests - especially in the mornings when the mist often streams of the water. There is a Heintzman upright grand piano in good condition the house that you are welcome to use. My baby grand in a nearby gallery is also available for rehearsals, workshops and concerts upon arrangement. During the summer the Festival of the Sound at the Stocky Center is home to an International Classical Music Festival. String Quartets, classical and contemporary concert music artists grace the stage, and provide unparalleled musical inspiration for people drawn from all over the world. I have a propane gas stove, washer and dryer, and will provide you with bedding. There is also a BBQ available for use if you want to cook outside. The Seguin River flows swiftly to Mountain Basin Lake - a short 15 minute paddle from the house. You can take trips in either direction. There is excellent canoeing ( although in late August and September the water is very low - but it is still well worth doing the two or three lift-over through shallows), hiking, cross- country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and hunting nearby. Deer Run Golf Course, a beautiful informal course with a waterfall in its backyard, is just across the road. Built into a forested hill, the studio is ideal for your creative retreat. The studio building is separate from the house, spacious and well lit, with incredible acoustics. There is a sleeping loft, a bridge to the hill beside it to a lookout deck where you can write or just enjoy the view. In-floor radiant heating warms a local granite flagstone floor in the lower area - walking on it in winter is a true delight! A deck facing the river makes a great place to sit in large Muskoka chairs and enjoy the forest around you. There is an upright piano in the living room in the main house, and a baby grand is available for rehearsal in town by arrangement - both are mine and you are welcome to use them. They are well maintained for professional use. You are welcome to enjoy the house porches or the screened in porch over the river at any time, in addition to the porches on the studio. The studio has a well equipped kitchenette with a crock pot, rice cooker, kettle, sink, bar fridge with a small freezer and infra-red hot plate. Organic coffee and a selection of teas is provided. There is also a bbq for your use. There is a laundry room with a washer and dryer and large sink in the main house which you may use by arrangement with me. The fire-pit is a great place to enjoy a long conversation and some organic local hot-dogs! I am a cellist, music educator and writer/composer who works out of the house, so I will be available to answer any questions or concerns guests have throughout the day. I will be present at the house during your stay, and happy to guide you around the area, feed you or not, or stay out of your way, as you wish! Please simply clearly communicate your wishes to me, and I will be there or not as you want. Parry Sound is a thriving town. Boat tours, a major classical music festival, and a wide variety of summer and winter sports are centered here. Tours, hikes, skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing,kayaking, sailing and water sports, and scenic drives are part of everyday activities for guests in this area. The rugged beauty of Georgian Bay is close at hand, and Canadian Shield country lakes and rivers are here to explore. There is Nordic skiing in the winter, and lots of great winter activities. It truly is a place for all seasons! I am 10 minutes from Parry Sound by car. Parry Sound has an airport, three railways and is close to Highway 400. Pets are usually welcome, but please take time to tell me about them. Cats are not welcome due to personal allergies. I reserve the right to refuse a pet but for the most part I love dogs, and they are very welcome. I have a large crate available, and there are many dog sitting services near by should you need them if you wish to do day trips. I own a rescue border collie who is kept on leash for his own safety - and yours. Please note that I have a double bed in the studio. During Covid-19 i am asking guests to bring their own sheets and bedding if possible, and towels. Please let me know if you need sheets and towels, and I will provide them. i will not be inviting guests for breakfast during the pandemic. I have always enjoyed this as much as my guests have - but it is simply not safe at this time. If you are displaying symptoms, please do not come. A full refund is available.