Frequently Asked Questions

Quite a lot, actually. Here's what you'll find at Vivian House:

• Fully equipped kitchen (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, coffee maker, sponges, dishwasher)
• Bed linens and bath towels
• Basic supplies (dish soap, paper towel, garbage bags, toilet paper)
• BBQ with propane
• Outdoor dining furniture
• Fire pit and a starter supply of firewood
• Lawn games (cornhole, volleyball)
• Kids' games, puzzles, and toys
• Baby gear - travel crib and high chair
• TV - WiFi Connected for Netflix, Disney+, etc to log into
• High-speed WiFi
• Central air conditioning
• Parking for 4 vehicles

Beyond your personal belongings, we suggest packing:

• Sunscreen, bug spray, and any medications
• Life Jackets, if needed, for anyone who can't swim.
• Swimwear, beach towels, and water shoes if you prefer them - the lake is sandy on 1 side.
• Extra firewood if you plan on nightly fires (we can arrange delivery — just ask in advance)
• Any specialty kitchen items you can't live without
• Boat, kayaks, or water toys if you want them

Main Floor

• Open concept Kitchen, Living Room & 12 Seater Dining Table.
• 2 Bedrooms with King Beds.
• 1 Bedroom with a Queen Bed and Twin Loft.
• 1 Full Bathroom.

Walkout Basement

• Open Concept Living Room with Games Table, TV and Sofas, Dry Bar with a Bar Fridge.
• 1 Bedroom with a King Bed
• 1 Bedroom with a Queen Bed and Twin Loft.
• 1 Full Bathroom
• Laundry Onsite

Port Severn has limited supplies. We recommend doing a full grocery run before you leave home or stopping in Barrie or Midland on your way up. A list of our favourite local spots will be included in your welcome guide. Coldwater Foodland would be your next best option - about 20 minutes away. 

Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. This gives us time to properly prepare the cottage between stays so it's at its best when you arrive. Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on the schedule, please ask when you book and we'll do our best.

We use a keypad system, so there's no need to meet anyone on arrival. Full access instructions will be sent to you 48 hours before your check-in date. All you need to do is show up.

We ask that you leave the cottage tidy — dishwasher running, garbage bagged and placed in the designated bins, and the property left in the same condition you found it. A professional cleaning is arranged between every stay, covered by the cleaning fee. You don't need to strip beds or do a deep clean!

Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your check-in date. We accept payment by e-transfer at this time.

 We understand that plans change. Our policy is designed to be fair to both sides:

• Cancelled 30+ days before check-in — full deposit refunded, minus a $200 administration fee
• Cancelled 15–29 days before check-in — 50% of the total booking value refunded
• Cancelled 14 days or fewer before check-in — no refund issued

A 7-night minimum applies during peak summer (late June through Labour Day weekend). A 3-night minimum applies during shoulder and off-season stays. We occasionally make exceptions, please enquire directly if you have something specific in mind.

Yes, a refundable damage deposit of $500 is collected at the time of final payment. It is returned within 5 business days of check-out, provided the property is left in good condition.

Vivian House is set back in a bay, away from boat traffic. The lake ranges from shallow (under 1 foot) to 5+ at the end of the dock. Although family friendly, adult supervision is required at the dock and waterfront at all times when children are present, no exceptions.

Yes. Vivian House has a private dock suitable for mooring a boat. Please note that boat launching facilities are not on-site - the nearest public boat launch is nearby in Port Severn. Contact us in advance if you're planning to bring a watercraft so we can confirm it's a good fit for the bay.

Yes. Little Lake offers great fishing, particularly for bass and walleye. A valid Ontario fishing licence is required for anyone fishing. Licences can be purchased online through the Ontario government website before your arrival.

Yes, no one reports carrier issues at Vivian House. High-speed WiFi is available throughout the cottage.

• Maximum occupancy is 12 registered guests.
• No smoking is permitted inside the home or anywhere on the property, including outdoor areas, decks, and docks.
• Pets are permitted only with prior written approval from the owner and are subject to an additional pet fee.
• Guests must comply with all municipal bylaws, noise bylaws, and property rules at all times.
• Quiet hours are 9pm-7am Monday-Thursday & 11pm-9am Friday-Sunday