Since purchasing the property in spring 2012 we have done many updates.
We had only been in for a few days when we heard from the health unit that they wanted to do a site inspection of our pump-house. The change in owners had triggered this visit. We were informed that the water system was well below code and that the previous owners had been notified in 2008, but had not done anything. We were given a grace period, but by 2013 it had to be done. Of course one thing leads to another, and once the new equipment was in we realized that there were leaks. In the fall of 2013 we dug up the property and ran all new waterlines to each cottage, along with re-plumbing 4 of them inside. This is ongoing and we hope to have all the cottages done over the next couple of years. Our water is tested and is safe to drink. And as of June 22/15, our final inspection on the pump-house was done and it passed with flying colours. The inspector was most impressed.
Next phone call was about the beds. They looked fine to us, but of course we do not sleep in the cottages so we listened. Off we went to the store and we have replaced pretty well all of the beds. Sofa-beds were next. They were terrible. I could not imagine anyone sitting on them, never-mind sleeping. The store owners loved us. All sofa-beds have been changed.
Appliances—we have replaced all the stoves and all but 1 of the fridges. Did I mention the store owner loved us?
New baseboard heaters have gone into many of the cottages and new wood stoves went into #1 & #9 in 2012.
A new dock went in in 2013—the old one was a safety hazard. This year—2015—we have extended the crib a little bit so the dock sits further out—only by a couple of feet, but every little bit helps. That same year we replaced the retaining wall. Mother Nature saw fit that spring to flood our waterfront, and the retaining wall went floating out into the lake somewhere. We knew we had to replace it, we just thought we would get another year.
We have replaced several picture windows, with a new window that has just gone into Cottage 1.
There are new water toys in the lake along with a new swim platform.
Cottage 10 has a new bathroom, along with flooring, and Cottage 7 has a new shower and a new floor in the main room.
We have upgraded the internet a couple of times. You are able to surf and check e-mails. We have blocked any downloading and Netflix etc., otherwise our bill goes through the roof and we would have to start charging a fee. We operate under fair usage policies.
We have replaced many picnic tables around the property.
The REK Hall has a new TV and ping pong table. There was a foosball table but it was broken the first summer. (They are not meant to be jumped on).
A new playground has now gone in. It’s very pretty—and is something we can add to over the years.
Future Plans—fingers crossed
We want to re-build Cottages 2, 7 and 11. Cottage 2 we intended to re-build when we first moved in until we found out about the issues with the water system. The cost of the water system could have probably built 2 cottages. We cannot enlarge Cottages 2 & 7 because of their proximity to the water so they will have to stay the same size, but in #2 we will change the layout so the bathroom is separate. Cottage 11 we hope to turn into a 3 bedroom bungalow. It will be the last one we do on the list—unless my lottery ticket wins.
There are plans to tweak all the cottages, but everything takes time.
The cottages that we are not re-building at all we hope to side (vinyl or aluminum).
We are still considering winterizing so we can open a couple of cottages in the winter. We have to look at the logistics as hydro is so expensive.
And on the hydro comment—we are also looking at solar power—to heat the hot water in the cottages, along with trees—we need to plant lots of trees.
Please note—we will do something every year to upgrade. You may not see it—like the underground water lines– but we do promise to do something.
We know the cottages need work, and we are working on them.
Williamol says
Appreciate you sharing, great forum post.Really thank you! Fantastic. Zacchini
Barbara Thompson says
So happy to see that White Birches is still a viable resort. It was owned and run in the 50’s and 60’s by my aunt, Margaret Craig and her partner Betty Pernoud. They always had a big dog and my aunt was 6 feet tall so no one gave them any trouble. She took my blue Schwann bike when I moved West. She wanted it to go back and forth to the cottages. I have good memories of visiting as we also went to Ronville Lodge every summer. Spent part of my honeymoon there in 1964. Beautiful area and lots of good childhood memories! Best wishes from Oregon!
Dave Kuhar says
Hello thinking about revisiting the resort as we had spent seven summers there. Glad to hear beds are replaced. Nothing worse then going on vacation and leaving with a sore back. Lol. One of my recommendations was due to lack of air conditioning at least put in ceiling fans . Can you tell me if that’s been done . We are thinking of coming back next summer as we have very fond memories !
whiteBirches says
Good Morning Dave,
Thanks for the note. There are ceiling fans in cottages 1, 8 & 10. We have installed new picture windows in 1, 7, 9 & 10—the windows in 1 & 7 now open so that there is a breeze that comes in. As we go along more improvements will be made.
If you are interested in 2018 and can let me know the numbers of people in your group—whether or not you need a 1 or 2 bedroom cottage, I can let you know at the end of January 2018 what might be available. Our guests from this summer have until the end of January to commit to next summer—February 1st the dates open up. If it’s this summer you are interested in, please let me know as soon as possible as we do have a few vacancies depending on the size of cottage and the week you are interested.
Thanks for checking with us—have a great day.
Jenny
Laura Johnstone says
We went to White Birches for years but had to switch to Blue Spruce, because we could not sleep on the beds any longer and the septic system was terrible, with clogged toilets and horrible odors in the playground on most days. We loved Cottage 1. New owners, and new beds, appliances, and water systems sound fabulous. Is Cottage 1 or Cottage 7 available in July or August next summer? We don’t want to book anything yet, but are very curious, and thrilled about all of the new changes at White Birches. It is a beautiful spot.