As you travel down a tree-lined road deep in the Canadian woods, trying not to hit a bear, you’ll reach a clearing where a slick mansion made of blocks waits. This is just the sort of place a superstar would vacation. Just to assert its status, parked outside is a 427 AC Cobra and McLaren, which guests can take for a spin during their stay.
You know you have arrived somewhere special when you enter the property, kick your shoes off and explore this sprawling holiday home in awe. This is The Lifestyle, a stunning holiday property set in the spectacular Canadian countryside of Dunrobin, Ontario, which was chosen to feature in the Everyone Wins Oscar Goodie Bag, curated by Cleo Anderson, which is personally handed out to Hollywood stars at the Academy Awards.
Leave your busy life and smooth asphalted roads behind to be greeted by peaceful nature. The three-storey property, built with sustainable materials has a trio of bedrooms and there are many activities to enjoy inside to make it a truly special holiday destination.
Prepare for every whim to be catered for with private chefs, your own secluded pool and hot tub, an archery practice lane and a bocce ball court. There is also an entertainment level that includes a home cinema, billiards, darts and pool table, and gaming. It also has a huge pool and hot tub/ jacuzzi and sauna outside on a deck and gardens to relax in. The property serves as a fully private retreat experience with every opportunity to explore the Ottawa area as a holiday home and is available for short-term rentals and exclusive events, such as weddings and product launches.
Built-in 2014, originally a private residence until summer 2022, it now operates as a luxury vacation and special events property. It’s a holiday home located on a large plot of land with views of the surrounding countryside.
Inside it is decorated in a country-style, with a focus on natural materials and earthy colours that complement the rural surroundings. Furnishings throughout the home are often comfortable and casual, with an emphasis on relaxation and comfort. Guests can find cosy sofas, armchairs, and chairs around fireplaces in many areas. It offers a range of modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchen, to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. The main room has 11-ft ceilings and spacious rooms throughout.
Dunrobin took its name from Dunrobin Castle near Golspie, Scotland. Situated near the Ottawa River in Ontario, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The area was settled in the 19th Century. Dunrobin is located near popular attractions such as the Ottawa River, Gatineau Park, and Calabogie Motorsports Park, making it a convenient location for outdoor enthusiasts. It also has over 10 acres; the property has access to a stunning saltwater pool, bocce ball court, horseshoe pits, archery lane and gazebo.
During the day, deer and wild turkeys roam the landscape. Occasionally, at night, you can listen to the howls of coyotes in the distance. These often rise and fall in pitch, punctuated with staccato yips, yaps, and barks. The air is clean and fresh, the harmony of scents on the property make you feel like you are breathing for the first time.
The Eagle Creek Golf Course is close by, and the town is surrounded by beautiful parkland and hiking trails ideal for walking or snowshoeing.
Meet the owner
Owner Roger Fortner was born and raised in the West Midlands in the UK, and he earned a degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from The University of Birmingham. However, he had a strong desire to travel and gain new experiences which led him to a consulting career that allowed him to travel to many parts of Europe.
Those experiences abroad resulted in vacations in Canada, the place he would later settle in 2003 and make it home. The success of his consulting career has allowed him to acquire real estate, which he lets out as holiday lets and he owns four properties in the Ottawa area. A chance LinkedIn inquiry to a local realtor resulted in the acquisition of The Lifestyle. “I saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own such a unique property,” he said.
Sustainability
Sustainability is incredibly important to Roger and with The Lifestyle he found the ability to exist and develop without depleting natural resources for the future. There is currently an eco-friendly waste management system in place on the property with plans for a solar energy system soon. It utilises recycled building materials, such as reclaimed wood or brick, rubber slate or recycled asphalt shingles, or recycled glass and it has energy efficient windows and doors to drastically reduce energy consumption.
Harnessing the sun with panels; the property is contributing to significantly longer-term energy savings. Making use of high-quality eco-friendly insulation is important and options like sheep’s wool or cork provide strong, natural insulation. The property has all of these and is very state of the art.
Fit for Hollywood stars
In fact, the property is so exclusive that it was chosen to be included in this year’s Everyone Wins Oscars gift bag. Roger is delighted as this offers a special opportunity to showcase the property and the greater Ottawa area.
“It would be great to have a Hollywood star visit who appreciates the ultimate in private living but would also like to learn about and explore the local Ottawa area. Fundamentally, it offers a unique experience; a fully private retreat combined with local access to the Ottawa area. With the property based in the west end of Ottawa, all city amenities are a short travel time away.”
Roger added, “To me, luxury is an emotion; it is the opportunity to enjoy and experience a property such as The Lifestyle, that one would not normally have access to, and that makes the guest feel exclusive.”
Factbox
The Lifestyle, Dunrobin, Ottawa – thelifestyle.ca.
Fly from UK to Ottawa with Air Canada.
Top places to visit in Ottawa
1. Parliament Hill and Buildings
2. Canadian War Museum
3. Rideau Canal National Historic Site
4. Canadian Museum of Nature
6. Canada Aviation and Space Museum
7. Peace Tower
8. Small Pony Barrel Works Breweries
9. Royal Canadian Mint
10. Notre Dame Basilica
11. Carp Farmers’ Market
12. KIN Vineyards
13. Wineries and Vineyards
14. Canadian Space Services
15. 1Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
16. Greensmere Golf and Country Club
17. Irish Hills Golf and Country Club
18. Carp Cabin
For details of the many attractions that Ottawa has to offer go to ottawatourism.ca
