Some comments from our guest book and emails:

Jan 5, 2022 – We all have immensely enjoyed the home, trails and pond. We did a lot of walking through the property, skating on the pond and enjoyed the fireplace. We must truly acknowledge that you have thought of everything. Nothing was missing. We are so grateful and thankful that you shared your little piece of paradise on earth.  Another season, another reason to visit. Michael & Nancy

Dec 29, 2021 – Thank you so much! We had a lovely visit and will definitely be back. Joe & Anna

Dec 2, 2021 – This is our fourth vacation here and not our last. I love this place. It is by far the best stress-free vacation every time. Thank you for sharing this peaceful property. Mark & Bonnie

Nov 15, 2021 – Another beautiful stay at the Homestead! We’re so grateful that you’re sharing your cabin with those who appreciate it. Thank you. We will be back. Marcie & Ken

July, 2021 – Thanks so much. We enjoyed our stay. What a great spot to put your feet up and relax. Sue and Bob

July, 2021 – Thank you for giving us the chance to stay here. We all had a lovely and relaxing time.  Gregg, Queenie, Connor, Casey, Indy

July, 2021 – Thank you so much for a lovely stay! What a beautiful and peaceful spot. The house was even nicer than we expected. Sophie & Zoe

June, 2021 – We had a spectacular getaway at the Homestead! the cottage is cozy, organized, and very well stocked. We spent so much time in the lovely gazebo and our dog loved swimming in the pond. It was a quiet and peaceful trip that we all needed.. Jasmine, Kona, Sunny, Mo, Sachin

April 2021 – Jean-Marie & David have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable and cozy. An amazing stay at a beautiful home!! Thank you!!!  Christianna & Patricia

April 2021 – We had an awesome time; it’s paradise! Had several beautiful walks in the woods, played Frisbee and football on the lawn. Amazing starlit evenings with moon and so very quiet and peaceful. What an incredible space; it’s all taken care of so well. Hope to be back in summer or fall sometime. Rachel & Tal

February 2021 – This is a special place. We love how you value nature, wildlife and those places carved our by our ancestors.  Ken & Marcie

December 30 – Jan 3, 2021 – Thank you!!! We always love to be here…Amazing!!!  Eugene & Alise

Dec 28-30, 2020 – Our friends recommended this place. It is so cozy and relaxing. With so much provided it was easy to pack. We hope to come back in the summer.  Molly, Lara & Mark

November 7, 2020 – Thank you for sharing your cozy country retreat with us. We were lucky to have had unbelievable weather for this time of year. We played games inside and outside, explored the forest, cozied around the fireplace, watched movies and imagined how beautiful the gardens must be in the summer and how much fun the pond would be. We had a fabulous 5 days. Laura, Andrew and family

October, 2020 – Thank you for letting us stay in your home. Everything was amazing and we enjoyed our stay. We hope to visit again. Michael & Larissa

September, 2020 – What a beautiful place you have here! Our family spent many hours outside enjoying the pond, gazebo and garden area. We even took a video of dozens of monarch butterflies out in the garden–gorgeous!  Jeremy & Tanya

August, 2020 – Another absolutely wonderful two-week stay at your beautiful property. This year was the year of the birds–turkeys, bluejays, and lots of colourful birds whose names we don’t know. We had the best time as always. Sophie & Robert

August 7, 2020 – Thank you so much for the lovely stay! The cottage is so cozy and charming, the amenities are so pleasant and we had everything we needed. We really enjoyed! The Junis family

November, 2019 – Thank you again for another relaxing, much needed retreat. We love your cottage so much and look forward to staying here all year. We enjoyed taking a hike through the woods in the wonderful weather.  Nadia, Emily, Andrea

August 2019 – We can’t remember how many times we have visited here. Can’t tell you how special this place is to us. We just don’t want to leave–it happens to us every time we are here. We had such an amazing visit. Thank you again for sharing this special place with us. Hope to be back real soon. Kelly & Rene

August, 2019 – We had a fabulous, peaceful week here. We knew it well from fall and winter holidays, but this was a first week away in the summer. It was the perfect setting for our dog who is unhappy at traditional cottages. She can run around and swim in the pond without fear of ending up on other properties. We will be back! Brian & Marie-France

March, 2019 – Thanks again for another wonderful weekend–it feels like home every time. Looking forward to our next visit. Nadia, Mike & friends

October, 2018 – We spent a much needed weekend away from our children to have a day to spend together. Your place is so cheerful and quaint and it’s exactly what we needed. Andrea, Nadia, Emily

August, 2018 – Another wonderful two-week stay (our tenth?). We really appreciate all the big and little touches that you and David make to the house and surroundings–one o the coziest and most charming holiday homes we have ever visited. We absolutely love the peace and quiet, and the privacy. Thank you so much for letting us share this wonderful place. Looking forward to next year. Sophie & Robert

July 7-14, 2018 – Once again a lovely stay. Enjoyed more wild life–chipmunks, red squirrel, and a variety of birds. The swimming was great. We are sure to be back next year. Thank you so much for the care you take to provide others with such a lovely, unique get-a-way. Margaret & Colin

December 30 – January 1, 2018 – Upon arrival we were welcomed by one of the coziest and warmest cottages we have ever been to. The little details that the house showcases add to the charm of it. We felt like we got exactly what we were looking for in terms of where and how we wanted to ring in 2018. The time we spent here has given us one of the most memorable times of our lives. We especially liked walking around the property and exploring the surroundings while most of it was snow covered. The scenery was spell binding. We would love to return no too long from now.  Angad, Janet, Vinay and Samvit, Toronto

December 27-30, 2017 – Thank you so much for letting us be your guests. We enjoyed every single moment of our stay in your cozy little house, where every corner has an aura or memories and history. The cold did not stop us from taking a walk in a fantastic snowy forest surrounding the cottage. Thank you for marking the trails. The fireplace made our evenings so warm and cozy. We are curious to see how the Homestead looks in other seasons so we will definitely come back. Elena & Pavel, Mississauga

October 20-22, 2017 – Our second visit was even better than the first! Gorgeous autumn colours. We can’t wait for our third trip to the Homestead. Chis & Madeleine

August 26-Sept 2, 2017 – The cottage was truly a unique experience. Thank you for the opportunity to rent your lovely cottage. I appreciated all you put in to making it as it was, and yet providing guests with all those wonderful amenities to make us feel at home. You have done a remarkable job. I can’t say enough about how we enjoyed our time here, and yes we will return.  Margaret, Colin, Simon, Hamilton

August  12-26, 2017 – We didn’t think you could improve upon an already perfect place, but each year you do just that. The Pioneer Garden is a work of art, and a wonderful place for contemplation of the past and the present. Thanks so much for sharing this very special place. Sophie & Robert, our annual guests, who have officially lost count of how many times they have visited.

February 26, 2017 – Thank you for another wonderful stay! You have the perfect cottage for a getaway. It is so quiet and serene; really rejuvenating. Beautiful! Until next year… Lisa and Andrew, Barrie

February 22, 2017 – We really enjoyed our time here as usual. A particular treat was snowshoeing on the property in +5 C weather. Thank you for the care you took in marking the trails. The world changes but Confederation Homestead continues to provide a peaceful haven and base to enjoy the many treasures in this area. We’ll be back! – Marie-France and Brian, Ancaster

February 12, 2017 – Thanks so much for a wonderful stay! This was our fourth time here and we’ll be back. Kids had a blast sledding and skating. A cozy, relaxing weekend. Looking forward to the next time already! – Nadia, Toronto

February 7, 2017 – Thank you for a wonderful stay at the Confederation Homestead. This magical place had us both so relaxed and calm. The forest was amazing and the beautiful snow falling constantly made this holiday so memorable and we are both dreaming of having a homestead of our own. Felt like home sitting for a grandmother. We did lots of snowshoeing and tobogganing. We hope to be back again. – Caitlin and Jason, London

January 22, 2017 – We have just returned to Toronto after 4 wonderful days at your homestead. Thank you so much for letting us stay, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and your place is special. We look forward to returning in the fall so we can explore the woods and spend more time walking in the area. Ken and Marina, Toronto

December 23-29, 2016 – We had a wonderful Christmas at this lovely home-away-from home…Cooking and baking was a pleasure, the kitchen equipped with more than we could wish for. Snowball fights and long walks for leisure between every other meal and dish. The calm side of Minden we enjoyed a lot when knowing on Christmas Eve there wasn’t a single spot open….After snow bath and jacuzzi we needed our time to warm up again, which was provided for by the fire and wine. We even tried out the telescope to look at the stars, but with snowflakes in our eyes, we didn’t get that far. Still, we were so  bewitched by the winter wonderland, and are sad we have to say goodbye, as it was better than beach and sand!  – The German Guests (German exchange students)

December 2-4, 2016 – When we read on the website that many of your guests return time and time again, we hoped we’d love the place so much that we’d return as well. We love this cottage more than we could have imagined, so we’re already talking about next time. – Chris and Madelaine, Toronto

November 17, 2016 – Just wanted to send a note to say how wonderful the house is– we just got here and are loving it!!!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!  – Nikki, Gary and Ruby (the dog), Uxbridge, ON

October 14, 2016 – Our Fourth visit to your spectacular cottage. We are so  happy to watch our dogs run and play. This cottage of yours is a most incredible and special place, and we truly appreciate your willingness to share it with us. – Kelly, Rene  (& Tara and Bronte.  Spencer too. – the dogs), Milgrove, ON

October 8-10, 2016 – As many people have expressed before, this is a very special place. So well appointed, supplied, organized and cared for. You can feel the love and dedication everywhere. This was the perfect place to spend quality time with my family. Thank you! – Erika, Toronto

October 2-4, 2016 – Thank you for the use of your wonderful cabin. Our weekend in Haliburton felt like a week. What a perfect escape from the city to see all the amazing fall colours. We will be back. Jeff and Jane, Mississauga

July 24, 2016 – We had a lovely time at Confederation Homestead.  It was so peaceful, private and welcoming.  (We loved swimming in the pond and having the coffee!)  We look forward to staying again! Melinda, Toronto

March 19-23, 2016 – We arrived home in Florida today. It snowed all day Tuesday at your house and made for a beautiful winter wonderland. We really enjoyed our time at your house and hope   to return in the future. Thank you. Eric and Ashley, Florida

February 21, 2016 – We had a great time again in this magical place. A wonderful place to write and study. Our dogs love this place, maybe more than us. ‘Til next time. Kyle & Emil, Toronto

February 12-15, 2016 -Magical walks in the snow, beautiful fire all night, delicious coffee in the morning. What a fantastic long weekend. We all love it! THANK YOU! I loved exploring the house, figuring out all the antiques. Alina, Alex, Ryan, Bianca, Ottawa & Toronto.

December 27-30, 2015 – Thank you for sharing your beautiful cottage. It was a welcome retreat from the busy city and the extra bit of snow only made it more cozy and special. The quilts, fireplace and even cookbooks from Newfoundland only added to the rustic charm making it even more like a down home Christmas of our childhood. We hope to return! Jason & Colleen, Mississauga

August 29-Sept 7, 2015 – This is our third vacation at Confederation Homestead.  We love the house. We  read, swam, cooked dinner every night. It was really the perfect vacation. Thanks for sharing Confederation Homestead with us. We hope to return next summer.  Judylaine, Toronto

August 22-29, 2015 – Thanks for letting us enjoy Confederation Homestead. We had an absolutely awesome time. Highlights: Quiet. No motor boats. Just birds and crickets and wind in the trees. Great hiking in the area. Late afternoon reading in the gazebo after a long hike. Lazy mornings with coffee and all that quiet.  Chris & Laura, Cambridge, ON

August 8 – 22, 2015 – Another Glorious two-week stay – our sixth! Your home is so pretty and has every convenience a person could need or want. Sophie & Robert, Toronto

August 1 – 8, 2015 – Had ANOTHER fantastic week up here. Spent lots of time just relaxing and taking it easy. This was our third visit and we just LOVE it. Can’t wait to come back again!  Kelly & Rene, Burlington

May 6 – 12, 2015 – It’s been heavenly to again spend time in this place with so many memories, inside and out. You have given the outside such a lift with all the flowers. We have been drinking in the freshness of the land and the peacefulness – it’s been a tonic!! Many thanks. Cavell (former owner) & Marilyn, Toronto

March 19 – 22, 2015 – We had a lovely stay at your cottage. We love how prepared your cottage is for any event or circumstance. The natural environment surrounding the cottage is a nice getaway from the city. We all loved the structure and style of the house. The stay was great!!!  Laura & Mario, Toronto

February 13 – 16, 2015 – Had a wonderful much needed retreat at your lovely cottage! Although it was -40 degrees C with the windchill, that didn’t prevent us from stargazing. What a magical sky!  Our two year old daughter had such an amazing time too. She loved picking new toys from the chest. Thank you so much for letting us stay here. It is such a charming and cozy home.  Melissa & Josh, Toronto

November 21 – 24, 2014 – So beautiful and peaceful with all the snow. Our puppy couldn’t be happier, bouncing in the snow. The hiking trails were lots of fun. Your tub! it was made for soaking away the cold day. Snuggling up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate was the highlight of my stay. Thank you for sharing this small piece of heaven. Alata & Mitch, Welland, ON

October 14-16, 2014 – After our stay in August we couldn’t wait to come back up here. It is so beautiful. Went for a nice walk in the woods. The dogs loved it. Thanks again for sharing your place with us. We love it here! – Kelly & Rene, Burlington, ON

October 5, 2014 – Thank you so much for the lovely stay. We had an amazing experience here. Love the cozy cottage and attire. It will be a good memory forever.  Gautam & friends

September 29, 2014 – Another wonderful stay! The weather was superb and the night sky, exceptional. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your homestead! Jules, Joe & John, Toronto

August 23, 2014 – This is our fifth stay at Confederation Homestead, which I think tells you how in love with the place we are. Such peace as well as peace of mind. We are both so saddened by having to return to the city. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home. – Sophie & Robert, Toronto

August 11, 2014 – It certainly is difficult for us to return to work today after having enjoyed such a fantastic week up at your beautiful cottage. We just want you to know how much we LOVED the Confederation Homestead and appreciate that you share this with others. It was real sad having to leave on Saturday after packing and cleaning up, but it confirmed to us that we have finally found our favorite spot. We have rented several cottages in several parts of Ontario over the last six years and this one, your cottage, is our very favorite yet! It suited us and our dogs MORE THAN perfectly.

THANK YOU again for the opportunity to soak up some rest and relaxation at your special place. The history of it is just remarkable and the owners that she has had through her years have obviously been the RIGHT ones, because the cottage has been SO WELL PRESERVED and maintained. It’s amazing to us. – Kelly M., Burlington, ON

July 26, 2014 – Thank you for sharing this lovely home with us. We are sad to be heading home to the big city. We saw lots of wildlife in our stay. I love the history of the place. Glad you kept the history going as part of the stay. Hope to come back one day! – Kevin & Monika, Kitchener, ON

May 24, 2014 – Leaving today 🙁  Wish we weren’t. We had a lovely stay. Your cottage is perfect! Our cats enjoyed lounging on the deck and exploring – I think every one of us feels a sense of sadness leaving. We would love to come back – Irma & Brian

March 16, 2014 – Thank you for a lovely time in this beautiful cottage. We had such fun snowshoeing, playing games, watching movies and relaxing by the fire. The dogs also had a great time running about in the snow. Would love to come back in the summer! – Jules & Joe – Toronto

January 4, 2014 – This house and this property are absolute treasures. We’re astounded, not just by the way it has been preserved, but by the attention to detail in making it a rustic retreat (with modern amenities, of course). Between daytime snowshoe romps, afternoon skates on the pond and evening sips of wine by the fire, our time was almost perfect. – D & K, Peterborough

October 27, 2013 – We had a wonderful weekend, enjoying the house, trail and camp fire in this late autumn! Your house is warm and comforting. We had a great experience and would wish to come back again! The lake (pond) is also a blast and I believe it would be perfect in the summertime. Thank you!  – T & L & W & W & L & Y, Toronto

October 18, 2013 – Thank you! This was exactly what I needed…such a great place and such wonderful hospitality. L.G, Burlington, Ontario

October 18, 2013 – Thank you for all of the details you have lovingly thought of to make our stay so enjoyable. We had fun discovering all about Confederation Homestead. We came to relax and unwind from our busy lives in the city. Your welcoming home made this immediately possible upon driving up the driveway. Thank you! Hopefully this will be the first of many visits! What a jewel you have.  K.D., Hamilton, Ontario

October 7, 2013 -You have a beautifully appointed heritage home. Your love and attention can be seen in every detail. Confederation Homestead is a true gem to have had the pleasure of discovering–as is Minden!  – F.W. Toronto, Ontario

August 27, 2013 – We just returned from spending two glorious weeks at Confederation Homestead. This is a most picturesque cottage and property. Inside, it is very comfortable with all the amenities that one could need. Outside, it is stunning–the wraparound deck, the gazebo, the view through the meadows into the woods, the private pond for swimming. You can tell the owners love their home and take great pride in its appearance–and have spared no expense to ensure that their guests enjoy their holiday. Highly recommended!  – S & R O’Reilly, Toronto, ON

August 10, 2013 – Our family loved this quiet, peaceful cottage. We were thrilled with how clean it was. Such a welcoming place, as soon as we arrived, we knew we were going to come back! Thank you so much for the opportunity of staying here!

C & M, Burlington, ON

January 4, 2013 – This was our first visit, but I’m confident it won’t be our last! What a beautiful place! We saw three deer crossing the yard around midday, one day, and the snow made for a beautiful view. Our dogs loved romping through the fields, following their noses. We had a lovely time, thank you!  – J.T., Oakville, ON

December 28, 2012 – Wonderful winter experience in this hidden-away property. Love the trails and woods. Cottage felt like home. Well equipped and everything was thought of. We would love to return in the summer and try out the pond. A very relaxing Christmas for all of us plus two dogs. Thank you.  – E.D., St. Clement’s, ON

October 16, 2012 – Your cottage is just lovely and we had a great weekend and first anniversary together! I would definitely recommend it to any of my friends or family who are looking to get away…Mostly I really loved the charm of the place- it was exactly what I was hoping for and wasn’t disappointed in the least.

Thanks again so much for lending us your home away from home, it made our weekend very special and we’ll keep it in mind for our next cottage vacation!  – Brit Hayes, Toronto

October 1, 2012 – We spent a glorious 2 days and nights at the Homestead! The weather was great. I love this place. I have already recommended it to several friends as a quiet country retreat.  – A.C., Burlington, ON

March, 17, 2012 – Thank you Jean-Marie and David for opening your beautiful home to us. The weather has been incredible and we have enjoyed every moment: skiing on your property, walks with our dogs on many trails in the area, relaxing in your comfortable and cozy home and sunning on your deck. We spotted deer and two minks. What a wonderful holiday we have had and we will hope you will allow us to return.  – D.D. & A.F.

November, 2011 – …What I enjoyed most was the preservation & history of the Homestead & special touches along with the modern conveniences & the privacy!!

I’d like to thank you very much for your gracious hospitality & for making us feel immediately at home. I developed a special bond in 3 short days with Confederation Homestead & to be able to learn some of it’s history & about the families that have owned it & lived there was very touching. I felt privileged to have been able to stay in such a historic home. I hope it was my first visit of many.  – K.C., Newmarket, ON

October 16, 2011 – First impression was positive when we walked through the door and it remained with us the whole weekend. We felt very welcome and comfortable with all the amenities provided. Had a wonderful time taking a trek through the property. Hopefully this well be the first of many visits.  – L. & M.

July 23, 2011 – It was lovely to have such a distinctive place to spend our week. The house and furnishings are remarkable. Nice to have so much quiet around. We heard nothing but the wind in the trees. We practically lived in the gazebo.   – P.R.

February 21, 2011 – Had a wonderful time in this lovely, peaceful Cottage.  – M.F., Toronto

February, 2011 – Fun weekend with the family. A couple  hours of skating was much enjoyed. Some treks into the woods were enjoyed by all. Comfy, cozy cottage.  – A.R. Hamilton, ON