When we bought our 59-acre property in Southeastern Ontario two years ago, we were immediately drawn to its rugged beauty and the potential it held for creating a peaceful retreat. Nestled in the middle of the land was an old hunting camp, a remnant of a bygone era. The camp, though weathered and in need of significant repair, intrigued us. Despite its age and deterioration, we saw the possibility of revitalizing it into something functional—a place where we could enjoy the outdoors and create new memories with family and friends.
The hunting camp was clearly built with care, but time had not been kind. The structure was falling apart in several places, and it was evident that it had seen many seasons. However, the front trailer was surprisingly intact, providing a small glimmer of hope. The trailer had a wood stove, which was still in decent condition, but the roof was leaking, and water had begun to seep through, causing damage to the interior. While the roof issue was troubling, it wasn’t insurmountable. With some repairs, the trailer could be saved, but it would take time, effort, and resources to address the ongoing issues.
When we first visited the hunting camp, we found remnants of its past life. One of the most notable features was a large commercial grill/stove, which had likely been a centerpiece of the camp’s original kitchen. It was clear that the stove had seen some action, probably serving as the heart of many gatherings around the campfire. However, shortly after we arrived, our neighbor informed us that they had taken the stove and sold it. We were left wondering how much it had sold for and whether the stove would have been of any use to us. Regardless, the absence of the stove was a reminder of how the camp had been stripped of some of its more valuable items over the years.
Despite the loss of the stove, we were determined not to let the camp fall into complete disrepair. The front trailer with the wood stove remained a valuable asset, and with some effort, we believed it could be made functional once more. However, the roof leak was a major concern. Without proper attention, it could lead to further damage, making the structure uninhabitable in the long term. Replacing the roof and sealing the trailer was going to be a priority, but that was just the beginning.
The rest of the camp was in even worse shape. Several sections of the building had been neglected for years, and the walls were sagging, the foundation was shifting, and the floors were uneven. It was clear that a significant investment of time and money would be required to rehabilitate even just one section of the camp. We began to consider our options carefully—whether to invest in restoring the old structure or to tear it down and start fresh. While it would be expensive to rehab the existing camp, there was something about the idea of preserving its history that appealed to us. After all, this camp had been part of the property long before we arrived, and it held a certain charm and character that a new structure might lack.
We decided to begin by assessing the most urgent repairs. The leaking roof was the first issue to tackle. We enlisted the help of a local contractor who was experienced in working with older buildings, and together, we worked to patch the roof and install new materials to prevent further water damage. While it wasn’t a complete fix, it provided temporary relief and allowed us to begin using the trailer during the colder months. The wood stove became an invaluable source of heat, and we found ourselves gathering around it for warmth and comfort, enjoying the solitude of the camp.
After addressing the immediate roof issue, we turned our attention to the rest of the camp. The commercial grill/stove that had been removed by the neighbor had left a gap in the camp’s kitchen area. While we had hoped to replace it with a similar model, the high cost of a commercial stove was prohibitive. Instead, we opted for a more practical solution—a smaller, more affordable stove and some new shelving and storage. It wasn’t a grand replacement, but it would serve the purpose for now, and it was a reminder that sometimes, simplicity is key.
Over time, we began to see the potential in the camp again. The old structure, though weathered and worn, had an undeniable charm. We could imagine it as a place to gather with family, to enjoy quiet nights by the fire, and to reconnect with nature. The surrounding 59 acres of land provided ample space for outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring. The idea of having a small, rustic retreat in the heart of this beautiful property seemed more achievable as we put our plans into motion.
However, we also realized that rehabilitating the hunting camp would require a long-term commitment. It wasn’t going to be a quick fix, and it wasn’t going to be cheap. Each repair, each update, was going to take time and effort, and the cost of materials and labor would add up quickly. But despite the challenges, we felt a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that we were preserving something with history, something that had been a part of this land for years before we arrived.
In the end, the decision to restore the old hunting camp was about more than just repairing a structure—it was about honoring the legacy of those who had built it before us. We knew that the camp would never be perfect, but it would always be a place where we could gather, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The journey of rehabilitation would be a long one, but we were ready for it, and we knew that the end result would be worth the effort.
As we continue to restore the camp, we are reminded that sometimes the most valuable things are the ones that require the most work. The camp may not be in the best shape right now, but with each repair, each update, we are breathing new life into it. And in the end, that’s what makes it so special—a place that, despite its flaws, will always be a part of our story.
