A lakeside retreat that became a central setting in the hit hockey romance Heated Rivalry is officially opening to guests. Barlochan Cottage, the modern lakefront home in Muskoka, Ontario, where key scenes from the series were filmed, will be available to book on Airbnb starting March 3, offering fans the chance to step directly into one of the show’s most memorable locations.
Set on the shores of Lake Muskoka, about two hours from Toronto Pearson Airport, the cottage blends cinematic appeal with classic Canadian cottage culture. In the series, the secluded property serves as a private refuge for fictional hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. In real life, the home was designed as a four-season retreat by Toronto-based architect Trevor McIvor and built in 2020 as a private residence.
A Screen-Worthy Escape in Ontario’s Cottage Country
Barlochan Cottage sits at the end of a narrow, tree-lined road that opens onto expansive lake views and northern sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the water and surrounding greenery, while warm wood interiors create a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The home features three bedrooms with king beds branching off a central living area oriented toward both a wall-mounted television and sweeping lake views.
Architecturally, the property reflects the Canadian Shield landscape that surrounds it. Built using a prefabricated Douglas fir structure, the cottage was designed to integrate with its natural setting while maintaining privacy as a defining feature. Guests will have exclusive access to the entire property during their stay, including a private dock with direct lake access, a fully equipped kitchen, and a home gym.
The design encourages a slower pace of life. Mornings bring light across the wooden floors, afternoons invite swims from the dock, and evenings center around sunset views, fireplace gatherings, and quiet moments by the water. For those seeking a touch of local exploration, the nearby town of Gravenhurst offers small shops and restaurants that capture the spirit of Muskoka’s cottage country.
Limited Early Bookings and Surging Interest in Muskoka
Airbnb will initially release four early access weekend stays in May, priced at C$248.10 per night. The rate subtly references the jersey numbers worn by the show’s protagonists. General bookings are expected to open in June, with updated pricing to be announced later.
The listing arrives amid a surge of interest in Muskoka as travelers seek their own private cottage retreats. Airbnb reports that searches for the region have increased significantly in recent months, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for off-the-grid escapes that prioritize nature, privacy, and disconnection.
While the cottage gained fame through Heated Rivalry, it stands on its own as a destination property. With its secluded setting, refined architecture, and direct connection to Lake Muskoka, Barlochan Cottage offers more than a television backdrop. It delivers a quintessential Canadian lakefront experience – one rooted in simplicity, stillness, and the enduring appeal of cottage life.
