There are few businesses that are as quintessentially Muskoka as Port Sandfield Marina and Lake Livin’.
Port Sandfield Marina opened in 1952 and has been under the care of four generations of the same family. While many Muskokans are familiar with the marina’s home near the historic Port Sandfield canal and swing bridge, some might not be aware that for many years the business has also been home to a destination retail location.
“When Alf started the marina in the 1950s there really weren’t any retail options in this part of Muskoka,” says Nada Blair, who now owns the business with her husband Jonathan Blair – the grandson of founder Alf Mortimer. “My husband’s father, Jon Blair Sr., is the one who started to include a retail component, which really transformed it into a destination location.”
These days you can find a little bit of everything in their 4,000 plus square feet of retail space. Lake Livin’ features home decor and seasonal gifts, quality clothing, jewellery, and functional furniture for decks, dock and patios and much more. They also have toys, books and confectionary; and with gift wrapping and gift cards also available, shoppers can run down their entire Christmas list in one stop.
“Our goal here is to try to offer things that are affordable and unique,” says Nada. “We try to stay ahead of the trends and have products you can’t find anywhere else in Muskoka. We also do our best to support other local businesses and try to buy Canadian-made products as much as possible. That includes a massive selection of Canadian Native moccasins.”
Despite the fact that they are located only a 25-minute drive from Bracebridge, Nada says many people are not aware that Lake Livin’ is open year-round and have just as much to offer permanent residents of Muskoka, as they do seasonal residents.
“We’re a family-run business so we’re here all the time. Once we hit mid-December we actually increase our hours to be open seven days a week,” says Nada, adding that her son is now also helping with the business, making him the fourth generation of the family to chip in.
Lake Livin’ has a comprehensive array of their available products on their web page (www.lakelivinmuskoka.com) and they offer a $15 flat rate on shipping across the country.
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