Take Your Lake
Property To The
Next Level
Custom Boathouses on Kawartha Lakes
Are you ready to bring your family’s vision for a
custom boathouse on Kawartha Lakes to life with
a builder you can trust?
At Gilbert + Burke, our expert team designs and builds your dream boathouse
that perfectly fits your family’s goals and helps build your family’s legacy.
For over 20 years, we have created stunning, unique boathouses throughout
Kawartha Lakes, helping each one of our clients experience a truly exceptional
lifestyle space for their family.
Your Dream Boathouse Doesn’t
Need To Be Complicated
We know that building anything can be stressful. That’s why our design process is set up to be as stress-free as possible.
We provide a 3D image and floor plan so that you can see your vision coming to life.
The design and plans are finalized and permitting begins
A groundbreaking date is set and we begin building!
What Makes Gilbert + Burke Different?
We believe everyone building a custom luxury boathouse in Kawartha Lakes deserves a builder whose process and experience delivers the exact design your family wants and helps build your family’s legacy.
That’s why we make sure every client experiences…
- Exceptional communication
- Expert interior & exterior design
- Transparency in every step
- 20+ years of custom-building expertise
And all backed with the Gilbert + Burke brand and reputation
We contracted the services of Gilbert & Burke Design and Build to renovate our existing cottage and then add on a major addition. The quality of the work was exceptional. Close attention was paid to details and they were proactive in identifying design options that saved time and money. G + B has a very creative, well seasoned and experienced team and provided all round great customer service. They were always responsive to our questions and very proactive in solving all construction issues. We are extremely pleased with the end result.
We have been working with Gilbert + Burke over the last 3 years on the design and construction of our new home on Lake Simcoe. I think one of the most remarkable things is that as the project draws to a close, we will be sorry to say goodbye to the Team. We have very much enjoyed working with this team, even when the inevitable bumps in the road happened. We have never doubted that they had our best interest at heart, and knew they were working to give us the very best home they could within the budget. We love our new home and we have lots of good memories of working through the project. Thank you Gilbert + Burke for making our family dream a reality.
Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of working alongside Gilbert + Burke on various projects. Gilbert + Burke's team is truly professional from the bid stage, down to the final completion. Questions are answered promptly, coordination between trades is spot on , communication through out the project is excellent, and the staff is always very friendly and happy to help however they may be needed.
The Gilbert + Burke is a team of truly talented individuals committed to the project for close to a full year. We encountered crumbling lathe and plaster, a bat colony in the attic and a tow-foot-high crawl space under the house. With each setback, Gilbert + Burke dug in their heels and found often ingenious solutions that spoke to their decades of experience and depth of character. The challenges were many but we really felt that Gilbert + Burke were as truly invested in our project as we were.
Gilbert and Burke completed our cottage on Peninsula Lake in Huntsville in 2019. Their team lead by Brian Gilbert was outstanding. From permits to finishing touches, we were guided throughout the process. Our site super intendant took every detail of the cottage personally and was as proud of the results as we were. Their design team took great care to ensure that the cottage match our personalities and goals. Nothing was ever “cookie cutter”. Everything was designed to our thoughts and dreams. The team was flexible and communicated very effectively throughout the build. We do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to build, renovate or fix.
Having worked with Gilbert + Burke in the past, we knew that there was nobody else that we trusted in completing our dream. On this project, we tasked them with a tight deadline for completion and even with some setbacks in permits, they were able to deliver. Everybody that was associated with this project was so professional and committed to the end goal. The final result was more than a kitchen or a place to retire, but a warm and inviting place for friends and family to gather for many years to come.
Gilbert + Burke have a professional approach through the entire project process from the first client meeting, to the preparation of a project budget, to establishing a build time-frame, and most importantly their commitment to organization and client communication, made all aspects of the build and enjoyable and rewarding experience. From the start through construction completion, delivery and deficiency resolution, Gilbert + Burke have proven that they are the ones who deliver your dream on time and on budget.
We really appreciated the prompt, friendly service. Brian Gilbert is an excellent representative and his integrity to get the job done at the cost and time projected is of great value. It was a pleasure doing business with Gilbert + Burke and I would highly recommend them to others.
I have built three houses in the past and have worked with many contractors and sub contractors and this was the first time ever that I had one show up on time, do quality work, and within estimate. 3 out of 3, in my opinion.
Wonderful to work with. It was a pleasure to have them in our home and we are very pleased with the results. Looking forward to working with Gilbert + Burke in the future
My family and I are very pleased with the completed project on my house! It looks great! Just what it needed!
What a great team at Gilbert + Burke! They took our vision and transformed it into reality. We love our new space.
The entire Gilbert + Burke team was a pleasure to work with. They were experienced, competent, and exceptionally organized.
Working with Gilbert + Burke was a pleasure. Their workmanship and thoughtfulness throughout the project was amazing.
The Complete Guide to Building Your Custom Boathouse
Industry-leading advice to help you design and create the perfect finishing touch to your homer cottage.
get Your e-book
Here’s What You’ll find Inside:
Section 1: Goal setting and alignment
Section 2: Location, location, location
Section 3: Budget matters
Section 4: One-of-a-kind style
Section 5: Sourcing the right materials
Fill out the form to get your ebook now.
Complete Guide to Building your Custom Boathouse
You already have your ideal cottage that’s become a home away from home. To complete your picturesque getaway, the final piece is building the boathouse of your dreams. Whether you envision an expansive rooftop deck, plenty of storage for boats and any other water toys or space to host loved ones, there are a few key steps in designing a boathouse successfully. Our new ebook will walk you through all the details you need to know about goal setting, partnering with a design-build team and executing your plans to perfection.
Boathouses can be a fun way to customize your space and enjoy the outdoors. These structures are an extension of your cottage, in a way, and there are endless opportunities for design and storage options. Our team at Gilbert + Burke has been offering design-build insight and excellence for custom homes and boathouses to our clients in the Muskokas, Kawartha Lakes and GTA for years. We are honored to share our deep-rooted expertise with you as you embark on the planning and designing process for your new boathouse.
Download our Complete Guide to Building your Custom Boathouse
Your Custom Boathouse Builder For Kawartha Lakes
Are you ready for a new boathouse to love?
You already have a cottage that you spend weekends and vacations at, and it’s a home away from home in every sense.
Now, it’s time to design and build a custom boathouse to add an elegant finishing touch to your favourite cottage getaway.
Are you dreaming of a cozy getaway cottage where your family can enjoy time together year-round?
For twenty years, Gilbert + Burke has worked with families in Ontario to create beautiful homes and cottages where they can relax and make memories together.
At Gilbert + Burke, we know finding a trustworthy contractor is essential for a job well done. We’re committed to exceptional communication with our clients and transparency in every step of the process. Our experienced team of experts will work with you every step of the way, so your custom luxury cottage or home is completed beautifully.
As a builder in Kawartha Lakes, we look forward to helping you create the home of your dreams!
Nestled within cedars and white pines, granite and meadows, lakes and beauty, Kawartha Lakes is just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto—the perfect distance for creating your cottage getaway!
There’s no shortage of adventure in the Kawarthas, whether you’re a hiker, skier, angler, boater, or birder. And that’s not all – there’s plenty of history, art, and culture in this region, too!
Kawartha Lakes is famous for its incredible food scene, fresh farm produce, and the variety of communities within the area allows for a different vibe no matter where you go. You’ll also find a slice of the great Trans Canada Trail and Victoria Rail Trails within the Kawarthas, which offers a green scene unlike anything else.
As one of the most varied and beautiful places on earth, the Kawartha Lakes region melds together all the best of nature with a feeling of friendship and culture at every step.
The Kawartha Lakes area is beautiful no matter the time of year, whether you’re ready to bask in the sunlight or looking for the perfect spot for a great ski weekend.
If you’ve been to Kawartha Lakes, ON, then you already are familiar with the natural beauty and attractions here:
- Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park
- Lock 35 – Rosedale
- Emily Provincial Park
- Ken Reid Conservation Area
- Kawartha Settlers’ Village
- Horseless Carriage Museum
- Fenelon Falls Museum
- Balsam Lake Provincial Park
- Academy Theatre
- Kirkfield Lift Lock
- Devil’s Elbow Ski Area
- Dunks Junk Flea Market
- The Kinmount Heritage Model Railroad & Museum
- Globus Theatre
- Youngtown Rock and Roll Museum
- Bobcaygeon Farmers’ Market
- And much more!
Kawartha Lakes area includes over 250 lakes and rivers, including the Trent River, Talbot River, Mitchell Lake, Balsam Lake, Four Mile Lake, Cameron Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Pigeon Lake, Shadow Lake, Silver Lake, Lake Chemong, and Stony Lake.
We service all neighbourhoods and communities in the Kawartha Area, including Bobcaygeon, Bolsover, Burnt River, Cambray, Cameron, Coboconk, Dunsford, Fenelon Falls, Janetville, Kinmount, Kirkfield, Lindsay, Little Britain, Norland, Oakwood, Omemee, Pontypool, and Reaboro.
The City of Kawartha Lakes has a population of 79,247.
We service all area and postal codes for the Lake Kawartha Area, including K0M, K0M 1L0, L0B 1K0, KOM 2MO, L0A, K0M 1B0, K0M 1E0, K9V, and KOL.
As an incredible spot every day of the year, Kawartha Lakes is the ultimate spot to build your cottage and then wrap it in memories, adventure, and family fun.
Enjoy the summer heat, cozy up in the crisp winter air, and enjoy the newness of spring from your Kawartha Lakes cottage.
As a summer haven and a winter wonderland, Kawartha Lakes beckons.
Get in touch with us today, and together we can make the year-round getaway of your dreams!
Custom Boathouse FAQ’s
When planning to build a boathouse, it is important to check with local municipalities/bylaws on what is and is not allowed. Some areas allow up to a certain size, others do not allow any at all.
When considering building a boathouse, you need to consider the seasonal water levels, whether you will be storing a boat in the boathouse, kind of watercraft, the draft of the boat. These are all main considerations to know whether a boathouse is plausible. These are all things we take into consideration when planning your boathouse. Confirming local bylaws is part of our planning process, and will determine whether the waterfront is feasible for a boathouse.
A permit is required for building a boathouse – the bottom of the lake or body of water is considered Crown Land and is not owned by the homeowner, for this reason you must have a permit to occupy Crown Land.
We build custom homes, cottages, and boathouses throughout Ontario and the greater Toronto region. Please visit our Locations Page or Contact Us to see if we serve your area!
Locations we serve include:
- Dufferin
- Durham
- Haliburton
- Hastings County
- Kawarthas Lakes
- Muskoka Lake
- Parry Sound
- Peterborough
- Prince Edward County
- Simcoe Lake
- Simcoe County
- South Georgian Bay
- Toronto
- And many more!
We build many custom structures including:
