An inside look at some of Canada's finest boathouses.

Shelter at the Shore takes the reader on an exclusive tour inside 25 of the famous Muskoka lake district's most remarkable boathouses -- the rustic, the charming, the grand and the glamorous.

This lavishly illustrated wish-book is great source of design ideas for cottagers, designers and decorators, builders and even landlocked homeowners. Readers will discover what the owners, architects and designers did to make each boathouse a truly exceptional place to live, while maintaining its traditional role as safe haven for canoes, sailboats, motorboats and vintage mahogany launches.

Personal interviews record the stories of how these singular shoreline structures came to be and why they are so beloved -- and so often coveted. For boating enthusiasts, this is a rare tour of lakeside life and style.

John de Visser, R.C.A. and the Grand River Conservation Foundation

John Visser's profile page

Judy Ross' profile page

Cottage envy? Not me. I have boathouse envy. Before I read this book, I'd never thought of the utility or beauty of boathouses...Styles range from rustic to country to modern to grandiose. The pride of the owners shines through the narrative and the history surrounding the boathouses is detailed and fascinating... For those interested in recreational maritime history in the Muskoka area, this book is an excellent reference.

The Toronto Star

Highlights 25 of Muskoka's finest residential boathouses -- both historic and modern... The photography in particular makes Shelter at the Shore a standout.

Vancouver Sun

I must admit, I cannot pick a favourite and love them all. And as stunning as the boathouses are, the boats they contain, many of them antique boats that are so loved in Muskoka, are even more beautiful.

Sideroads

Takes readers inside 25 of the area's most enticing boathouses -- the rustic, the charming, the grand and the glamorous... [It] is a great source of design ideas [and] also contains the delightful stories of how these singular shoreline structures came to be and why they are so beloved -- and often coveted. Shelter at the Shore offers an exclusive look at lakeside life and style in the incomparable Muskoka.

Boating Ontario

Stunning...filled with eye-popping images of both interiors and exteriors... Shelter at the Shore is an inspiring look at some of the most treasured icons of lake life, in one of Ontario's most coveted regions of cottage country.

The Cottager

Highlights 25 of Muskoka's finest residential boathouses -- both historic and modern... The photography in particular makes Shelter at the Shore a standout.

Ottawa Citizen

Photographer John de Visser captures the graceful elegance of each boathouse... Judy Ross tells the story behind each abode, including details about the architects, the builders and owners. This collection is light on text, but its charming photography may inspire you to build a boathouse of your own, whether or not you have a boat.

Grand Magazine