Welcome to Hilltop Retreat

Hilltop Retreat has always been a property with presence — expansive land, a striking layout, and the kind of space that naturally brings people together. But like many long-standing properties, its journey hasn’t been linear.

As of 2025, Hilltop Retreat has entered an entirely new chapter under new stewardship, with a completely redefined standard of care, operation, and guest experience.

This is not a minor update. This is a full reset.

The History: What It Was

Hilltop Retreat existed long before its current management. Over the years, the property developed a reputation that was… mixed.

On one hand, it was known for:

• Its size and ability to host groups

• Its indoor pool and hot tub

• Its proximity to nature and escape from the city

On the other hand, it became associated with:

• Unregulated gatherings

• Inconsistent guest experiences

• Operational gaps and lack of oversight

• General wear, neglect, and misuse over time

At one point, the property functioned more like an open-use party space than a curated retreat. That reality matters — not to dwell on it, but to acknowledge it. Because what Hilltop Retreat is today is a direct response to what it used to be.

The Transition: What Changed

As of 2025, Hilltop Retreat is under entirely new management and direction. This is not a continuation of previous operations. It is a complete overhaul. A new team has taken over with a clear objective: to transform Hilltop Retreat into a structured, respected, and intentionally managed short-term rental experience.

The Investment: What Was Done

Significant upgrades and reinvestment have gone into the property, including:

Structural & Core Improvements

• Full roof replacement (the previous was notoriously hazardous)

• Property stabilization and safety upgrades

• Ongoing preventative maintenance systems

  
  

Interior Renovations

• 2 major bathroom renovations and restorations

• Upgraded fixtures and finishes

• Improved functionality across living spaces

Amenities & Equipment

• New hot tub installation

• Updated appliances

• Refreshed furnishings and essential inventory

Operational Infrastructure

• Organized storage and supply systems

• Cleaning and turnover standards implemented

• Property monitoring and maintenance protocols established

This was not cosmetic. This was foundational. This was intentional.

The Reset: How It Operates Now

With new management came entirely new standards.

Hilltop Retreat now operates with:

• Defined policies and enforcement

• Structured booking processes

• Verified guest expectations

• Accountability on both sides

What That Means for Guests

We are intentional about who we host and how the property is used.

This includes:

• Registered guests only

• Clear occupancy limits

• Enforced rules around property use

• Accountability for damages, misuse, and negligence

This is not a “free-for-all” property.It is a managed environment designed for respectful use.

The Business: Built Properly

The backend of Hilltop Retreat has also been rebuilt from the ground up.

This includes:

• New booking platforms and direct booking systems

• Secure and trackable payment methods

• Structured invoicing and deposits

• Proper tax reporting and compliance

• Formalized agreements and documentation

What was once informal is now fully operationalized.

The Brand: Repositioning the Experience

Hilltop Retreat is no longer just a place to crash and dump.

It is being positioned as:

• A private escape

• A curated group experience

• A flexible environment for relaxation, connection, and intentional use

This shift is supported by:

• New website infrastructure

• Updated property manuals and guest guides

• Active social media presence

• Strategic partnerships and brand alignment

What Remains From the Past

For transparency:

The only elements that remain tied to the previous era are:

• The name “Hilltop Retreat” (for consistency and familiarity)

• Select legacy photos and media (until full physical transformation)

• The existing listing on Cottages in Canada (including past reviews)

Everything else, from operations to standards to management, is new and improved.

Moving Forward

Hilltop Retreat is not trying to erase its past. It has learned from it. The current standard exists because of what came before and because of a clear decision to do better.

For guests, that means:

• A more reliable experience

• Clear expectations

• A property that is actively maintained and respected

For us, it means:

• Protecting the integrity of the space

• Being selective and intentional

• Continuing to invest in both the property and the experience

In Closing

If you’ve heard things, or even experienced things at theHilltop Retreat from years past, much of it is valid. But please keep in mind that you’re also not looking at the same property anymore. This is a new chapter. And we intend to run it properly.

Updates — 2026

Hilltop Retreat is not a finished project, and intentionally so. We believe in continuously improving the space, not just maintaining it. Each season brings new updates, refinements, and care into the property, all done hands-on by our family and trusted teams.

Looking ahead, you can expect continued upgrades across both comfort and functionality.

Ongoing Property Improvements

Our team continues to invest in the structure and quality of the home.

This includes:

• Replacement and upgrading of select doors throughout the property

• A full renovation of the master bathroom

• Continued structural and interior refinements as needed

These improvements are part of our long-term commitment to maintaining a safe, high-quality environment.

Seasonal Grounds & Outdoor Care

With warmer months, the property naturally expands beyond the interior.

Our landscaping is personally handled and will continue to evolve seasonally, including:

• Grounds maintenance and visual enhancements

• Outdoor usability improvements

• General care to preserve the natural beauty of the space

Comfort & Technology Enhancements

We are actively upgrading the in-home experience to better balance comfort and convenience.

This includes:

• Updated entertainment systems and smart TV integrations

• Streamlined access to digital platforms and apps

• Ongoing small tech upgrades to improve ease of use for guests

These are thoughtful additions, not over-complications. Designed to make your stay smoother.

Expanding Accessibility

One of our priorities moving forward is making Hilltop Retreat more inclusive and functional for a wider range of guests. Plans are underway to make the main floor nanny suite available as part of this effort, supporting:

• Easier access for guests with mobility considerations

• Greater flexibility in how the space can be used

This is an important step toward making the property more welcoming without compromising its character.

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A Personal Note From Our Team (Family)

Hilltop Retreat is not run by a corporation or a distant management team. It’s run by what is now a long-term family bond, doing our best to build something meaningful together, even if that looks a little unconventional from the outside.

Between us, this place is cleaned, maintained, repaired, restocked, managed, and protected with familiar hands because we support our own and local. The long days, the late nights, the back-and-forth, the problem-solving — it all happens in real time, by people who genuinely care about what this space is and what it can be.

Some days are smooth. Most days are exhausting. And some days, if we’re being honest, there’s no return at all. Just effort, time, and energy poured into keeping everything running the way it should. But we continue.

Because to us, this isn’t just a property.

It’s something we’re trying to build properly. Something we’re trying to be proud of. Something we’re trying to protect and grow into a space that people can truly enjoy, respect, and return to.

We are naturally private people. We’re not always front-facing, and we don’t always show everything that goes into this behind the scenes.

But we do care. Deeply.

And while we put a lot into ensuring our guests are comfortable, informed, and taken care of, the one thing we ask in return is simple:

communication and mutual respect.

If something is off, if something is unclear, if something needs attention, we want to know. Not after the fact, not through assumptions, but through direct communication so we actually have the opportunity to make it right.

We don’t expect perfection from anyone.But we do believe in fairness.

Hilltop Retreat works best when there’s a shared understanding — that this is a space being actively cared for by real people, not just operated. For those who understand that, who respect it, and who meet us halfway — we notice, and we genuinely appreciate it more than you know.

Thank you for being part of that.

— Hilltop Retreat Family