Interview with the Owners of Creekside Treehouse
9450 County Rd. 9, Dunedin
In the heart of Dunedin, we sat down with the longtime owners of this charming property to chat about what makes it so special. Here’s what they had to share about life in their scenic, peaceful corner of the world.
Q: What do you love most about your property?
A: We absolutely love how connected we are to the outdoors here. The big windows we recently installed bring in so much natural light and provide amazing views of the woods and the water. It’s truly private and serene, and the sound of the creek is always a peaceful backdrop. We often host alfresco dinner parties on the deck by the pond—there’s just nothing like it. And in the spring, I get a lot of joy out of making our own maple syrup. I set up 10 taps each year and get about 8 liters of syrup. We collect wood from the forest for boiling the sap; it’s such a rewarding process. It will definitely be hard to leave all this behind.
Q: Where’s your favorite spot to read a book?
A: Oh, there are so many good ones! I love reading in the gazebo, surrounded by gardens and the sounds of nature. The two upstairs decks are also cozy spots, and they both offer different views and shade options, depending on the time of day. In winter, I’ll sit on the couch in the living room facing the big windows and watch the snow fall—it’s pure magic. My studio’s another favorite, especially for watching the garden. We also have a great little bunk that lets me feel like I’m channeling Henry David Thoreau!
Q: What do you enjoy most about the location?
A: We’re incredibly close to the Bruce Trail, which is such a gem. Just across the bridge and up the hill is a loop that goes through fields, woods, and along the creek—right from our backyard. For a longer loop, we can go across the road and connect up to Garden of Eden Road to rejoin the Bruce Trail. The creek nearby brings such beauty to every season.
Q: Are there any hidden gems on the property?
A: Definitely! The view from the top of the hill behind the house is a favourite for our grandkids—they love exploring there. In winter, the deer bed down in our backyard, which feels almost magical. We often see a beaver along the creek, and there’s a red fox that passes through each morning on its route. It’s a wonderful place for wildlife sightings.
Q: Have you done any renovations you’d like to share?
A: Yes! We recently added a Mitsubishi Zuba heat pump, which gives us efficient heating and air conditioning at a lower cost—and it’s environmentally friendly, which we love. Our in-line fiberglass windows are not only beautiful but also energy-efficient. They keep the heat out in summer and trap it in during winter. We also have a 20kW backup generator, so we always feel prepared.
Q: I spotted a beautiful bird on your property—can you tell me more about the wildlife here?
A: We’ve had some incredible bird visitors! A family of Broad-winged Hawks nested up the hill, and they’ve been spending time in the garden since hatching a few weeks ago. Every year, we have a Phoebe nest in our canoe, and purple finches are regulars at the feeder this summer. We can also hear the red-eyed vireos in the woods all summer, and in August, they come down to feast on dogwood berries in front of the living room windows. Winter brings chickadees, blue jays, mourning doves, and goldfinches, while the great blue heron and kingfisher love the creek.
9450 County Rd. 9 isn’t just a property—it’s a peaceful, nature-filled haven filled with the sounds of wildlife, gentle breezes, and a creek that runs through the heart of it all. From maple syrup in spring to cozy winter views, it’s easy to see why this home is so beloved.