Header: Courtesy of Airbnb
Fans of the hockey drama Heated Rivalry have spent the winter glued to their screens, but now the show’s most famous setting is moving from the TV to the travel bucket list. Airbnb has just added Barlochan Cottage to its collection, inviting guests to stay in the actual private house on the shores of Lake Muskoka.
While the show places the hideaway in Quebec, the real building is tucked away in Ontario’s cottage country. It was built in 2020 by architect Trevor McIvor and serves as an example of modern Canadian building styles, using local materials to create a quiet space that feels completely tucked away from the rest of the world.
Raw materials and lakeside views
The house is a 2,500-square-foot structure made largely of Douglas fir and local granite. One of the most interesting design choices is the use of Yakisugi, a traditional Japanese method where the wood is charred to make it last longer and give it a deep, textured look. This dark wood sits alongside huge glass walls that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, making the lake feel like it is part of the room.
Inside, the layout is open and easy to move through. The main living space is anchored by a central granite fireplace, which acts as a gathering spot for cold nights. The roof is designed to look incredibly light, almost as if it is floating above the glass walls, which allows sunlight to fill the rooms throughout the day.
High-end features for a quiet life
Every corner of the house is set up for slowing down. The kitchen is large and fitted with modern gear, making it easy to whip up anything from a quick smoothie to a late-night snack. For those who want to keep up with their fitness, there is a private home gym with top-tier equipment.
The house has three bedrooms, each with a king-sized bed. The main bedroom is particularly private, featuring the only en-suite bathroom in the house and electric curtains that close at the push of a button. Outside, the property includes nearly 400 feet of private waterfront, a sandy beach with shallow water, and a dock equipped with kayaks and canoes for exploring the lake.
Booking the ultimate fan escape
To celebrate the launch, Airbnb is offering a few early-access weekend stays this May. The price is set at $248.10 CAD per night, a clever nod to the jersey numbers of the show’s leads – 24 and 18. If you miss out on the initial dates, the cottage will open for regular bookings later in the year, and the town of Gravenhurst is only a short drive away if you fancy a bit of local shopping.
Whether you are a fan of the series or just someone who loves good architecture, a weekend here offers a rare chance to live inside a piece of modern design history.
