Open_Concept_CottageAs 2018 cottage and cabin season is quickly approaching, it’s time to turn our heads toward what recreational property trends buyers and renters want this summer. With this list of must-haves, you’ll be armed with the knowledge of what vacationers want and why.
Solar Flares
Thanks to Elon Musk’s solar roofing shingles, and other solar technologies, the idea of sun-powered houses becoming mainstream is no longer a far-off fantasy. People are jumping on the solar-power recreational property trend in a big way, so if you have them, you’re already winning. Installing panels (and batteries) will cost upfront but they’ll pay off in the long run — plus, you can really go off the grid.
Pizza Party
Outdoor kitchens have long been a wish-list staple for cabin goers — having the ability to move cooking outside is a massive bonus, and another recreational property trend. This year a very specific dish will be prepared—wood-fired pizzas. Perhaps it’s the desire to bring the flavours of popular city pizzerias to the Great Outdoors, but pizza ovens are popping up.
Let There Be Light
When you’re at the cottage, it’s all about squeezing out as much daylight as possible so the fun can go on longer. So, another recreational property trend is having effective lighting indoors and out—a big draw for vacationers. Whether it’s skylights and sun tubes inside or an integrated solar powered night-lighting system outside, if you illuminate it they will come.
Espresso Bar
While having a cocktail bar used to be the sign of an on-trend summer home, the drinks menu has moved to morning. A built-in espresso bar, complete with a sleek, stainless-steel machine and a variety of coffee-cup styles, is now a must. Providing a place for people to power up before a long day of lounging is a recreational property trend that will sell people on your special spot. Have fun with the design and include a cute chalkboard for morning messages, and also set up hot-chocolate fixings for the kids.
Hot Seat
Blame it on the popularity of hygge — the Danish concept of feeling warm and cozy — but saunas are the next recreational property trend. Scandinavians love their saunas hot and their water cool, making Canadian lake country the perfect spot to set up these sweat boxes. Premade electric-infrared kits or custom wood-burning designs, whichever sauna you go for just having one makes your cabin a must.
Colour Me Beautiful
Whether the property is in the city or out in cottage country, having a new, modern chef’s kitchen is always a pull. When it comes to colour, grey has ruled the day (and decade) but in 2018 the trend is taking a different tack. Splashing out with colour on the cabinets and backsplash will instantly make a property Instagram worthy and generate a lot of likes.
No matter if you’re buying or selling, staying on top of recreational property trends can help when it comes down to decision time. From solar panels to a strong cup of coffee, 2018 is looking to be an interesting year for Cottage Country.
You may also like 7 Features Every Recreational Property Must Have on HGTV.ca.
Courtesy of HGTV.ca.
