Wild purple irises blooming along a sunny Canadian lake

About

Hi! I'm Ashley.

The human behind Your Cottage Connect.

Grab a warm mug, get comfortable, and let me tell you how a little lakefront cottage — and one very unexpected year — turned into the business I love today.

Ashley smiling by a sparkling blue Canadian lake

A childhood spent outside.

Ever since I was a child, I've been happiest outdoors. I grew up in a small town where weekends and summers meant swimming in lakes, wandering through forests, catching bugs, and following winding creeks just to see where they would lead.

Nature was my playground, and those carefree days sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Sunlit forest trail through the pines

Then came the city.

When I was a teenager, my mom moved us to the city — and I hated it. I missed the quiet, the trees, the fresh air, and having a place to truly unwind.

I was always searching for the nearest patch of green space, a hidden lookout, or a clean lake to swim in. Whenever a friend invited me to their cottage, it felt like heaven.

“I followed my heart instead of convention — and bought the cottage.”
Ashley's little lakefront cottage nestled in pines

The choice at thirty.

When I turned 30, I had saved enough money to buy my first home. I had two choices: a small condo beside a cemetery with no balcony, or a little lakefront cottage just an hour and a half away.

Since I had the flexibility to work remotely, I followed my heart instead of convention.

I bought the cottage.

Wild purple irises blooming along the rocky shoreline of a Quebec lake

A quiet chapter I didn't plan.

During the pandemic in 2020, I was unexpectedly laid off from my job in business development. While it wasn't the plan, it became one of the most peaceful chapters of my life.

It was just me, my cat, long swims in the lake, evenings singing karaoke, and plenty of time to appreciate the slower pace of cottage living.

Eventually, though, I started to miss what I loved most about my career: meeting people, building relationships, and helping others.

Cozy cottage interior with wood beams and linen sofa

Everything cottages ask of you.

After owning my cottage for about a year, I'd learned just how much goes into caring for one. Septic systems, water pumps, firewood deliveries, maintenance schedules — you quickly realize that owning a cottage is rewarding, but it's also a lot of work, especially if you live hours away.

That's when everything clicked.

Why not help cottage owners who couldn't always be at their properties?

Ashley photographing a bright cottage interior

One simple ad. One first client.

I posted a simple ad on a cleaning website, offering to help local cottage owners. Not long after, I landed my very first client — a man from Toronto who had just purchased a cottage in the area.

From there, everything grew naturally.

I spent my days exploring scenic back roads, discovering beautiful lakes I'd never seen before, meeting incredible owners, and helping prepare cottages for guests. Every property had its own personality, and every owner had a story. I quickly realized I had found something I genuinely loved doing.

That's how Your Cottage Connect was born.

Today

A little business built on lake days.

I help cottage owners throughout the Outaouais manage and promote their vacation rentals while helping guests discover unforgettable places to stay. I also share my passion for cottage life through hosting tips, local recommendations, decorating inspiration, and carefully chosen products that make every getaway even more memorable.

The purpose of Your Cottage Connect is simple:

  • Connect people with unique and unforgettable cottage stays.
  • Help cottage owners create exceptional guest experiences and successful vacation rentals.
  • Share my love of cottage life through inspiration, practical advice, and trusted product recommendations.
  • Celebrate the beauty of slowing down, getting outside, and making lasting memories by the lake.

Whether you're searching for your next weekend escape, looking for help managing your cottage, or simply dreaming about cottage life with a coffee in hand — I'm so glad you're here.

Welcome to Your Cottage Connect.

Two Muskoka chairs on a dock at pink sunset over a calm Canadian lake

Let's make cottage life even better.

Wherever you're starting from — a weekend away, a listing that needs love, or just some inspiration — there's a place for you here.

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