What is it about an A-frame cottage that breathes peace? Maybe it’s the cathedral-like structure, orienting you to a wide open sky. Maybe it’s the suggestion of a towering tree, making you feel part of nature itself. Or maybe, like the four A-frames below, it’s just that they are often found in secluded forests or alongside serene lakes and rivers. Whatever it is, no doubt each of these Hastings A-frames — which run the gamut from a spacious 3-bedroom to a snug off-grid cabin — will bring you to your Zen place.
Rose-Eh Chalet
Harcourt, Ontario
The vibe: Spacious lake views
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: Two decks, outdoor fireplace, indoor fireplace, dock
You’ll find this spacious and recently renovated three-level A-frame on a small, quiet lake southwest of Bancroft. With big windows and an open concept layout, the inside of the cottage makes you feel like the lake and surrounding forest are enveloping you. The modern kitchen (with dishwasher) and living room (with fireplace) are on the fist floor, where patio doors lead out to the large deck (with barbecue and fireplace) overlooking the lake. On the second floor, there are two bedrooms that walk out to another balcony overlooking the lake and a spa-like bathroom with a heated pebble floor, a rain shower, and views of the woods. The third floor peak of the A-frame is a bright loft perfect for curling up with a good book. Outside, launch one of the available kayaks, canoe, or peddle boat — or just chill in an Adirondack chair on the big dock with deep breaths of fresh, forest air.
Starting at $250/night
AirBnB Listing Here.
Annie the A-Frame
The vibe: Secluded in evergreens
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Gas fireplace, air conditioning, loft bedroom, two decks
Tree-huggers would be wise to book this refurbished A-frame southeast of Bancroft pronto. Perched on a secluded hill, it’s surrounded by towering evergreens outside and wrapped in warm timber finishings inside. The open-concept main floor includes an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a small bedroom, a bathroom, and a living/dining room with a television and gas fireplace. The second floor loft bedroom is a beauty in the sky. Lined with wood and with a large triangular window at the head of the bed, you’ll be dreaming of floating through the treetops in no time. There is no internet here and spotty cell service, but with two large decks, the sound of birdsong, and stunning wilderness views, why would you need digital distraction? As one recent visitor put it: “A great getaway from reality.”
Starting at $219/night
AirBnB Listing Here.
Riverbend Cabin
Thomasburg, Ontario
The vibe: Throwback riverside retreat
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Record player, vintage furnishings, firepit, riverside deck, dock
Go to this two-storey A-frame south of Tweed for the hip, retro feel. Stay for the deck and firepit overlooking the Moira River. This one isn’t as secluded as the others on this list, but it is situated on a dead-end street surrounded by trees, so you’ll have lots of privacy. Plus, with the dock and all the cozy and curated vintage furnishings — including a turntable with records — the cabin feels aren’t lacking here. The top floor has the two bedrooms — one with a king bed and balcony, the other with a queen bed and balcony. Downstairs, there is a full kitchen with an island and a living room with a fireplace. From the living room, you can access the back deck, where there is a patio set for dining and lounge chairs for lazing. Head down the stairs to get to the firepit and the riverside deck beyond. The dock and the tranquil Moira beckon just a few more steps below.
Starting at $199/night
AirBnB Listing Here.
A-frame Near Algonquin Park
Thomasburg, Ontario
The vibe: Throwback riverside retreat
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Record player, vintage furnishings, firepit, riverside deck, dock
Go to this two-storey A-frame south of Tweed for the hip, retro feel. Stay for the deck and firepit overlooking the Moira River. This one isn’t as secluded as the others on this list, but it is situated on a dead-end street surrounded by trees, so you’ll have lots of privacy. Plus, with the dock and all the cozy and curated vintage furnishings — including a turntable with records — the cabin feels aren’t lacking here. The top floor has the two bedrooms — one with a king bed and balcony, the other with a queen bed and balcony. Downstairs, there is a full kitchen with an island and a living room with a fireplace. From the living room, you can access the back deck, where there is a patio set for dining and lounge chairs for lazing. Head down the stairs to get to the firepit and the riverside deck beyond. The dock and the tranquil Moira beckon just a few more steps below.
Starting at $199/night
AirBnB Listing Here.