Arriving at Nortehaus, near Kawartha Lakes in southern Ontario, Canada, felt like stepping into a scene from a movie. The snowy, winding road leading to the house was mesmerizing, with towering trees dusted in white and a serene stillness that set the tone for the perfect winter getaway. Tucked away just two hours from Toronto, this Nordic- and Japanese-inspired retreat offers the tranquility of nature paired with cozy, minimalist luxury.
Photo: Joanna Maj
Nortehaus Offers A Hidden Winter Escape Near Toronto
We hope you love Nortehaus! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Traveling to Canada? Check out Matador’s Canada accommodations guides
- The Most Chic Montreal Airbnbs in the City’s Coolest Neighborhoods
- The Best Airbnbs in Calgary For City Life and Mountain Escapes
- The Best Airbnbs in Vancouver, From a Skyhigh Loft To a Beachside Cabin
- The perfect Vancouver hotels to experience the best of the city
- 13 Epic Airbnbs in Montreal for a Bachelorette Weekend
A peek inside Nortehaus
@epic.stays POV: You escape to a Nordic and Japanese-inspired Airbnb nestled in nature @nortehaus #airbnb #airbnbfinds #traveltiktok #canada ♬ New Home – Frozen Silence
From the moment you step inside, Nortehaus feels like a warm hug on a snowy day. Perched among the trees and overlooking the river, the home embodies a harmonious blend of Nordic and Japanese design principles, focusing on simplicity and a deep connection to nature. The primary bedroom is a standout feature, offering a luxurious bathtub with river views, a plush queen-size mattress, and a sleek ensuite bathroom with a rainfall shower. It’s a space where you can truly unwind.
The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is designed to bring the outdoors in, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the surrounding natural beauty. The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials for preparing a comforting meal. Just off the kitchen, the second bedroom provides a cozy retreat with a comfortable queen bed and an ensuite bathroom.
The outdoor patio and sauna seamlessly extend the home’s calming atmosphere into the forest. The sauna, crafted with a striking Shou Sugi Ban exterior — a Japanese wood-burning technique — offers a tranquil and unique space to unwind. For more outdoor relaxation, take a short stroll to the riverfront, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the summer or a brisk cold plunge during the cooler months.
Getting to Nortehaus and what to do during your stay
@epic.stays This cabin is only a 2-hour drive from #Toronto @nortehaus @Joanna | Travel Creator #airbnb #airbnbfinds #traveltiktok #canada ♬ original sound – Full Crate
Nortehaus is a place to slow down, leave your devices behind, and savor the moment. Relax in the freestanding soaking tub in the main bedroom while enjoying serene river views, or unwind in the outdoor sauna surrounded by crisp winter air. The house invites you to connect with nature and find peace in its cozy, minimalist spaces. Just a short drive away, Indian Point Provincial Park offers year-round activities that make Nortehaus a true four-season escape. In the summer, you can rent a canoe and paddle through serene waters. The fall brings a spectacular display of changing leaves, while winter offers the chance to go snowshoeing through the park’s trails. Every month at Nortehaus offers a new way to connect with nature and embrace the season.
Getting to Nortehaus is part of the adventure. The two-hour drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport takes you through picturesque snowy landscapes. Just make sure your car is winter-ready for the final stretch near the house. 