LUXURY TRAVEL 59 a significant holiday rental market and one business leader who has been key in the development of that is Jayne McCaw, owner of Jayne’ s Luxury Rentals. In 2013, she identified a gap in the market for a credible and reliable agency that could support homeowners in the area in securing additional bookings for their properties while also delivering the seamless experience sought by high-end clientele. Her goal was and is to deliver five-star hotel services within a home setting.
The company currently manages some 300 properties, the majority of which are in and around Muskoka, and Jayne is herself an owner. Having grown up in Sarnia, Ontario close to Lake Huron, and initially pursuing a career in corporate sales and marketing, she established Jayne’ s Luxury Rentals in order to meet that gap based on her personal experience of holiday rentals around the world in tandem with the increase in private residences in and around the Muskoka lakes.
These stunning private residences include a complete housekeeping and concierge service, with homes kitted out with Jayne’ s own collection of linens( reputedly bigger than even the nearest JW Marriott hotel’ s supplies), as well as whiteglove service spanning private chefs, exclusive boat tours and more.
Old Woman Island
Jayne’ s also champions a host of local suppliers from Muskoka, and across Ontario in order to provide the ultimate authentic and exclusive experience. Guests regularly arrive by floatplane, which has both wheels and floats allowing it to take off from an inland airport and deliver guests directly to the dock of their cottage.
Private chefs draw on a wealth of local produce, from craft beers and artisan distilleries to butter tarts( Don’ s Bakery in Bala serves up a superb example)
and plenty of fresh produce- the area is especially renowned for strawberries, asparagus and rhubarb.
While typical cottage stays revolve largely around peace and quiet, lounging lakefront on the dock( typically in a traditional Muskoka wooden chair) with kayaking and hiking for more energetic pursuits, Jayne’ s team can organise excursions and activities both onand off-property. From scenic float plane flights, heading to secluded islands for lunch, driving tours around the lakes in classic cars, cookery classes and wine tastings, all are carefully curated to offer a more in-depth immersion in the local culture.
Old Woman Island
PROPERTY SUGGESTIONS
Ideal for larger groups, Old Woman Island sleeps 32 guests across 14 beds with 10 bathrooms. The 16- acre estate- on a private island at Lake Muskoka- encompasses 7 matching buildings with 6 beaches, a yoga pavilion, hot tub and tennis court.
ISSUE 70 2025 THE ART OF LUXURY