Colin and Justin: Testing, testing
Article content
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Hedge your bets, and bring adventure closer with a spot of ‘try before you buy’ logic
Do you ever dream of a new life, far from the madding crowd, eagles soaring overhead and the forest in every breath? Or does a pared back existence in a windswept ocean cabin make your heart beat faster?
Recommended Videos
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Colin and Justin: Testing, testing Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
But what of the associated risks? Might your ‘dream’ existence prove less than expected? Might you regret upending an otherwise happy situation?
Hmm. Before ditching your metropolitan norm’ to permanently commune with nature, appraise the highs and lows of your proposed ‘shift’. What if you could walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, before going to the cobblers?
Navigate myriad real estate portals like Pinterest and Instagram, to see how much Canadians dream of ‘getting away’. The cross-country boom in ‘extreme’ rentals (partly fueled, post pandemic, when the world was released from ‘prison’) affords the humble city dweller endless opportunities to live out the fantasy, before making a permanent commitment.
Perhaps renting an escapist home, to see how it really feels, is the way forward. Yes indeed, your (temporary) sense of abandon starts here…
Tiny home phenomenon
Many of you will be familiar with the ‘tiny home’ phenomenon, a pared back, ‘minimal’ existence in deliberately spare accommodation. Whilst it sounds tempting, would a diminutive domicile work for you?
Before selling up to downsize, examine whether the Lilliputian lark is all it’s cracked up to be: check in to one of Cabinscape’s micro abodes that pepper cottage country.
Hawkweed cabin, for example, is located on a magnificent 230 acre property, overlooking a spring-fed sparkling lake, just an hour and a half from Toronto.
The pristine body of water is home to five lakeside bothys, each on its own beautiful lot, with dreamy desert-like vistas. Find out more at www.cabinscape.com
Leave the road behind
If you long to venture deep into the forest, a perfect spot would be Deacon Escarpment in Golden Lake. The dreamy destination invites visitors to explore a remarkable, pared back existence, detached from the outside world.
Enjoy the tranquility of a beautiful cabin, whilst watching the sun set and the moon rise over Golden Lake. Wake up refreshed, and ready to hike the trails that weave the beautiful landscape. Check out the Algonquin Wolf Cabin at www.deaconescarpment.ca
In the can
A shipping container abode is a popular scenario for many rustic aspirants. To that end, the team behind Northern Shield Development, a modular construction company, built a cottage in Tiny, Ontario (using three containers) that delivers a mod’ industrial feel while maintaining a cozy vibe with shiplap and inviting textures.
Join the steel age by searching: www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/580365884199579167?source_impression_id=p3_1745835159_P3rJDzW6r0nC4CYg
Trailer Flash
Sate your appetite for vintage trailers by booking a short term stay in an Airstream caravan, set deep in the forest. Positioned to make the most of lake views with a spacious deck and barbeque, this smart set up has a confetti of indulgent finishes such as a mini mosaic bathroom, HBC striped deck chairs and a Nespresso machine to ensure a great cup of Joe as the day dawns. Find out more at https://northridge-inn-resort.ontariocahotel.com/en/
Island life
You needn’t be Richard Branson to experience private island life: Ontario has loads of water access domains that can be rented without long term attachment. Just think how it would feel to boat in to your own private retreat, your only neighbours birds and wildlife.
Visit Bob’s Island for a quick fix taste of that indulgent dream. For more, visit www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms
A road less travelled
Did you watch the movie ‘Nomad’ and think: who actually needs a house? Before selling your home and taking a risk, scratch that wanderlust itch by renting a ‘van’ to taste a nomadic lifestyle without commitment. Appraise the options at RVezy, pack up your cases (and your cares) and hit the road for a cross Canada adventure like no other. Wheels up at www.indiecampers.com
Have we piqued your interest? Try before you buy, with an iron clad get out clause, because, well, nothing (ad)ventured, nothing gained!
Watch for Colin and Justin on City-tv’s Breakfast Television and Colin and Justin’s Sub- Zero Reno on Paramount Plus TV. Find the Colin and Justin Home Collection in stores across Canada.
Visit www.colinandjustin.tv
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.