Nestled in the heart of the Canadian wilderness the cabin property was originally owned by the Woods family. The Woods patriarch, a soldier in the Boer War, was granted land as a veteran, supposedly farm land.

In 1932, “Uncle” Vic Hariot acquired the land from Mr. Woods, and with the help of Woods, began constructing the original cabin. This one-room structure, lacking bedrooms, kitchen, or a living room, had its original door facing the riverside.

In 1948, Vic Hariot passed away, leaving the cabin to his best friend Hal Barkley and his wife Rosalind.

In 1949-50, the first addition took place with the construction of a living room, featuring a large window. The cabin, initially a modest one-room structure, began to evolve into a more comfortable abode.

In 1950, a kitchen was added, shingled by Rosalind during her pregnancy. The following year, a bathroom was added, although the cabin still lacked plumbing and electricity; water was carried up from the nearby river.

In 1954, a transformative phase began with the addition of electricity, water supply, and a septic tank, replacing the old outhouse. A fireplace was also initiated, with stones sourced from the Old Algonquin Park Highway.

The years that followed saw further enhancements. In 1957, Hal added a master bedroom to the cabin. The fireplace project, initiated in 1954, took three years to complete.

In 2002, a refurbishment and other modifications were carried out, preserving the cabin’s historic charm while adapting it to modern needs.