Dreaming of a life where outdoor adventures are just steps away? This stunning chalet in the Blue Mountains offers exactly that – a perfect blend of luxury and nature, designed for those who crave an active lifestyle. Let's dive into the details of this remarkable property!
Located at 146 National Dr., Town of the Blue Mountains, Ont., this gem is currently listed at an asking price of $2,385,000. The annual property taxes amount to $8,439.00 (as of 2024), and it sits on a generous lot measuring 80.1 by 114.8 feet. The listing agent is Paul Peterson from Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd.
The Backstory:
Imagine, in 2011, Catherine and David Staples, avid skiers, were searching for a winter chalet rental. A friend connected them with the owner of a two-story home nestled at the base of Ontario's Blue Mountains. But here's where it gets interesting: during their visit, the owner revealed plans to sell the property instead! The Staples, having recently sold their island cottage in Muskoka, were already eyeing the Blue Mountains area, envisioning their three children enjoying downhill racing in the winter and road cycling in the summer. Talk about perfect timing!
The Blue Mountains region, part of the Niagara Escarpment, offers incredible topography for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and exploring caves. Ms. Staples was immediately captivated by the home's timber-frame great room, four bedrooms, and, of course, the breathtaking views of the ski hills. With the private Craigleith Ski Club just steps away and the larger Blue Mountain Resort nearby, the location was ideal. The Staples wasted no time, quickly submitting an offer and securing the purchase – furniture and all!
The House Today:
This freehold property is part of the Orchard at Craigleith community, with residents contributing a monthly fee of $198 for the upkeep of shared areas. When the Staples bought the weekend home, their children were between 11 and 14 years old. The family was then living just outside Barrie, Ont., where Dr. Staples had his dental practice, and Ms. Staples ran a design firm. "We needed to be in Collingwood a lot," Dr. Staples says, explaining the children's busy schedule of training days and races.
Ms. Staples, with her designer's eye, made only a few changes, repainting the dark green walls white to brighten the interior. After a day on the slopes, the family would gather by the fireplace in the double-height great room, featuring Douglas fir posts and a beamed ceiling. The open-plan design includes a dining area and a large kitchen with an island and breakfast bar. The main floor also has a den with a fireplace. Upstairs, the primary bedroom boasts a balcony overlooking the ski runs and an ensuite bathroom with a soaker tub and walk-in shower. There are three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms on that level.
As the children grew up and pursued their own paths, the Staples sold their Barrie home and moved to the chalet full-time in 2020. They updated the kitchen with an induction cooktop and new countertops. The lower level was renovated to include a recreation room, a fifth bedroom, and a ski tuning room. Dr. Staples now enjoys cycling the backroads in the warmer months and Nordic skiing on trails through Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in winter. He also points out that the area attracts people with various interests, including golf, wildlife photography, and sailing on Georgian Bay. Ms. Staples highlights Collingwood's thriving arts community, saying, "I love working with the local artists."
The Best Feature:
This property is designed for rejuvenation after an active day. Recent additions include a cold plunge that Dr. Staples describes as "exhilarating," and a new bathroom with a steam shower. Outside, the modern sauna, nestled among the backyard's trees and shrubs, offers a private retreat. "It has a wall of glass, so sitting there watching the snow fall is really pretty," Ms. Staples says.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Do you think this property truly captures the essence of an outdoor lifestyle? What aspects of the home resonate most with you, and what features would you add or change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
