Over the Moon: Bala Waterfront Cottage with Barrel Sauna
Homeseeker Residences · Bala, Muskoka
A renovated cottage in Bala with cathedral ceilings, a barrel sauna in the trees and a wall of glass facing northwest, so every evening ends in colour.
- 7Guests
- 3Bedrooms
- 2Bathrooms
- SaunaBarrel
- 4 minTo Bala
- 2 h 30From Toronto
Over the Moon in brief
Over the Moon is a fully renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom waterfront cottage in Bala, Muskoka, within walking or boating distance of the village and about 2 hours 30 minutes from Toronto. It sleeps 7, with an electric barrel sauna, cathedral ceilings and a wall of windows, a stone fireplace, a large cedar dock over a weed-free, sandy-bottom swim area, kayaks, two paddle boards, a water lily pad, a fire pit and northwest-facing sunsets. Pets are welcome by approval.
Bala, by foot or by boat
Bala is one of Muskoka’s small lakeside towns: a falls, a bakery, a summer concert hall and a main street you can cover in an afternoon. Over the Moon is close enough to walk or boat into town and private enough that, once you are on the deck, the lake is right there. The cottage has been fully renovated, and it shows in the details: newer appliances, high-end furnishings and glass railings that keep the view uninterrupted.
The living room rises to cathedral ceilings, with wall-to-wall windows and a stone fireplace for cool evenings. The kitchen has a sit-up island, the dining table seats eight, and there is a workspace for anyone who needs it; guests have praised the Wi-Fi for remote work.
The sauna
Set on a platform among the trees, the electric barrel sauna is a short walk from the water. Heat, then the lake, then a chair on the dock: it is a long-standing northern tradition, and it works as well in October as in July.
Bedrooms and baths
The primary bedroom has a queen bed and a three-piece ensuite. A second bedroom has a queen. The third is the children’s favourite: a bunk with a single over a double, plus a trundle. The main bathroom is a four-piece with a tub.
On the water
A shallow beach area lets younger children paddle safely, while older swimmers dive from the large cedar dock into weed-free water with a sandy bottom. Two single kayaks and a tandem, two stand-up paddle boards and a giant water lily pad are included. Outside, there is a teak table with a BBQ smoker, Muskoka chairs, a hammock and a fire pit on the rocks. The cottage faces northwest, which means the sunsets are framed in the living room windows.
The views, dock, sauna added to our stay.
Tina, September 2026
A weekend in Bala
- Friday, 4 p.m.
Check in, take the paddle boards out, and watch the sunset from the deck.
- Saturday morning
Walk or drive into Bala, about 4 minutes away, for coffee and the shops. Then the lily pad.
- Saturday afternoon
Hardy Lake Provincial Park, about 12 minutes away, for a lakeside trail walk.
- Saturday night
The barrel sauna, a swim, and the fire pit. On clear nights, Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve is about 17 minutes away.
- Sunday
A last sauna. Checkout is 10 a.m. Port Carling and Gravenhurst are each about 20 to 30 minutes away for lunch on the way home.
In season, check what is on at The KEE to Bala. Drive times are routed estimates. Check park permits and opening hours before you go.
What guests say
Very kid and pet friendly which I loved and really fast wifi for those that may need to work remotely.
Jovana, October 2026The property is private and quiet with so many amenities to enjoy, we made use of all of them.
Sarah, September 2026The location is beautiful and it has everything you could need for a few days away.
Jovana, October 2026Great time, beautiful lake, and beautiful area close to town.
Jason, September 2026
More photos: see the full album on Airbnb.
The details
- Sleeps
- 7
- Bedrooms
- 3: queen with ensuite; queen; bunk room with a single over a double, plus a trundle
- Bathrooms
- 2: four-piece main and three-piece ensuite
- Wellness
- Electric barrel sauna
- Waterfront
- Large cedar dock, weed-free sandy-bottom swimming, shallow beach area, two single kayaks and a tandem, two paddle boards, water lily pad
- Outdoors
- Teak table with BBQ smoker, glass-railed deck, Muskoka chairs, hammock, fire pit
- Indoors
- Cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, kitchen with island, dining for 8, workspace, washer and dryer
- Check-in and checkout
- 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.
- Smoking
- No smoking
- Where
- Bala, Township of Muskoka Lakes, about 4 minutes from the village by car
- From Toronto
- About 192 km, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes in normal traffic
Groups and visitors
No parties. Planning a celebration or small event? Call or text 705-996-6799 to ask first. Visiting guests must be registered and approved ahead of time.
Pets
By approval. Small, hypoallergenic, non-shedding pets only; larger dogs share weight and breed for approval. A pet fee applies.
Check dates for Over the Moon
Call or text our team at 705-996-6799, or email [email protected]. We can tell you which dates are open and answer questions about the house, the water and the area.
Questions guests ask
Does Over the Moon have a sauna?
Yes, an electric barrel sauna set among the trees near the water.
Can you walk to Bala?
Yes. The village is within walking distance, about 4 minutes by car, and you can also go by boat.
How many people does Over the Moon sleep?
Up to 7, in three bedrooms, with two bathrooms.
Is the swimming good for children?
Yes. There is a shallow beach area for little ones and a large cedar dock with weed-free, sandy-bottom water for older swimmers.
How far is Over the Moon from Toronto?
About 192 km, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes in normal traffic.
Are pets allowed at Over the Moon?
By approval. Small, hypoallergenic, non-shedding pets only; larger dogs share weight and breed for approval. A pet fee applies.
Can we host a party or event?
No parties. If you are planning a celebration or small event, call or text 705-996-6799 to ask first. Visiting guests must be registered and approved ahead of time.
How do I check dates for Over the Moon?
Call or text 705-996-6799, or email [email protected]. Over the Moon is also listed on Airbnb and VRBO.
More Homeseeker Residences
Facts on this page come from our property records and were checked on November 10, 2026. Drive times are routed estimates for normal traffic; allow more on summer Fridays and long weekends. The street address is shared with confirmed guests.
