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office locations

Lindsay Office
17 William Street N.
Lindsay, ON K9V 3Z9

Huntsville Office
1 Crescent Road, Box 14,
Huntsville, ON P1H 1Z6

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Local:
705.328.9431

Toll Free:
1.866.846.9254

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Custom Boathouses

Custom Boathouses in Muskoka

Are you ready to bring your family’s vision for a
custom boathouse in Muskoka 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
Muskoka, helping each one of our clients experience a truly exceptional
lifestyle space for their family.

Build Your Custom Boathouse
With a Simple Process

We know that building anything can be stressful. That’s why our design
process is set up to be as stress-free as possible.

1.
Design Alignment

Fine-tune your vision with our team to ensure every design detail reflects your desires and lifestyle needs.

2.
Concept Development

Transform your ideas into a concrete plan, with initial sketches evolving into a detailed blueprint.

3.
Finishing Selections

Personalize your boathouse with a choice of high-quality materials and finishes that capture your unique style.

4.
Build Your Boathouse

Our expert builders bring your custom boathouse to life with precision craftsmanship and attention to every detail.

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What Makes Gilbert + Burke Different?

We believe everyone building a custom luxury boathouse in Muskoka 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

Start A Discussion
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Our Valued Clients
Tell Their Stories

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.
B.W. and S.W.
Tiny, ON
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.
N.V.
Lake Simcoe
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.
S.B.
Loretto, ON
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.
M.R.
Baltimore, ON
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.
B.J. and D.J.
Peninsula Lake
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.
A.W. and S.W.
Sturgeon Lake, ON
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.
D.G.
Balsam Lake
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.
M.L.M.
Midhurst, ON
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.
D.M.
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
N.A.
My family and I are very pleased with the completed project on my house! It looks great! Just what it needed!
B.M.
Bobcaygeon, ON
What a great team at Gilbert + Burke! They took our vision and transformed it into reality. We love our new space.
J.D.
Haliburton, ON
The entire Gilbert + Burke team was a pleasure to work with. They were experienced, competent, and exceptionally organized.
P.J.
Etobicoke
Working with Gilbert + Burke was a pleasure. Their workmanship and thoughtfulness throughout the project was amazing.
Y.K.
Cannington, ON
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Your Custom Boathouse Builder In Muskoka

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.

At Gilbert + Burke, we’ve worked with families in Muskoka for twenty years to create beautiful, environmentally responsible homes where they can relax.

From design to construction, Gilbert + Burke is committed to exceptional communication and transparency at every project stage.

Our experienced experts will work with you, so your custom luxury cottage or home is completed beautifully.

As a custom boathouse builder in Muskoka, we look forward to helping you create the lakeside property of your dreams!

Only 80 miles north of Toronto, Muskoka’s glistening lakes, awe-inspiring waterfalls with sharp granite cliffs, and sensational pine and maple forests draw in tourists and new residents from near and far.

Publications like National Geographic and Reader’s Digest have consistently named it one of Canada’s top destinations for its charming and quaint environs. Making your home in Muskoka will set you up for a life of dreamy sunsets over the glistening water, picturesque nature walks, friendly community gatherings, and endless adventure.

With great lakes and forests, outdoor adventures are nearly limitless in Muskoka. Whether your hobby is swimming, fishing, boating, water trampolines, or enjoying the sandy beaches, Muskoka awaits plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in the sun and water and memories to last a lifetime.

If you’ve been to Muskoka, ON, then you already are familiar with the natural beauty and attractions here:

  • Sugar Brush Hill Maple Farm
  • Arrowhead Provincial Park
  • Santa’s Village
  • Muskoka Steamships
  • McCrae Lake Conservation Trail
  • Lion’s Lookout
  • Sawdust City Brewing
  • Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
  • Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
  • Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery
  • Hardy Lake Provincial Park
  • Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Preserve
  • Muskoka Heritage Place
  • Brookland’s Farm
  • High Falls
  • And much more!

The District Municipality of Muskoka contains three big lakes: Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph.

Muskoka has a population of 66,674 and covers 3,937.76 square kilometres of land.

We service all neighbourhoods and towns in Muskoka, including Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays and the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

We service all area and postal codes in Muskoka, including L0K, P1L, P1H, P1P, P0B, P0C, and P0E.

Dozens of hiking trails wind through the rich mosaics of forestry for those who appreciate time among nature. A budding craft brewery scene makes for a well-spent afternoon, and entertainment abounds with the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and The Kee to Bala.

From art to music, creativity is everywhere in Muskoka.

From hiking to craft breweries to arts festivals, the well-rounded activities and findings that Muskoka offers residents and visitors are endless, making for an appealing and always-inspiring backdrop for your new home.

You can start on your dream boathouse today! Simply contact us, and we’ll work with you on every step to create a unique and beautiful luxury home for your family!

Custom Boathouse FAQ’s

What is meant by a “custom boathouse”?

A space uniquely designed to fit the landscape, lake and needs of the client. Boathouses can be built inland as a place for storage, or on the water for water access.

Are there any Ontario towns or cities that don’t allow boathouses?

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.

Is there a certain lake depth or water requirement for a boathouse to work?

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.

Do you need a permit to build 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.

Is it possible to use a boathouse year-round in Ontario’s climate; particularly if it contains a living space?

Accessibility and building specifications will dictate whether or not a boathouse can be used year-round. If it is built as a four season building, and is accessible, then the living space can be used year-round. Keeping in mind seasonal weather patterns for the area, and intended use will dictate this.

What is Gilbert + Burke’s process in quoting and designing a custom boathouse?

As a custom design/build firm our process is in collaboration with you to make sure that your vision for your new boathouse is captured. Once we have your vision in mind, we can identify your budget, develop concepts, create a project development plan and then begin construction. Contact us to get started!

How long does it take Gilbert + Burke to build a boathouse?

There are many factors that influence the length of a build. Weather, size of the structure, complexity of the build, lake levels, and finishes are all contributing factors to the length of time it takes to complete.

Ken Jaquith Director Of Client Experience
Have Questions? Ask Ken! learn more
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