This lovely courtyard of cottages at Wasaga Beach was originally called Vella Villa and then, Pitman Courtyard. We renamed it Birch Haven By the Beach in honour of another Wasaga Beach Birch Haven. The original Birch Haven was owned by Frank and Sadie Reeves in the 1950s and ‘60s. It was on the river, across from the Nancy Island. Although it’s now a parking lot, there are many wonderful traditions and memories that are alive today.

From 1950 to 1963, Frank looked after the grounds, built furniture for the units and provided boat rides on the river to guests when he had time off from his job at the Post Office. That was long before the river became the busy, highly populated waterway that it is now. The family’s living quarters were on the top floor of the lodge on the property.

Sadie was the hostess with flair as well as cook and baker. She had a personality that endeared her to so many over the years. Most seasons, she provided dinner for their 75 guests. Other years, she cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for everyone. That included freshly baked breads, rolls, pies, tarts, cakes and cookies.

Her cooking was superb, but it was her fantastic baking that everyone raved about most. The Birch Haven slogan was “Meals That Merit Mention”…an understatement if there ever was one!!

Frank and Sadie were nicknamed Paw and Maw or Mur and Pur by the various high school students who worked at Birch Haven each summer. 5 at a time would live with the family through July and August. They were paid for the work they did like cleaning the cabins, setting and waiting tables, doing dishes and food prep as well as many other chores.

Although Frank Sr passed away in 1988 and Sadie left us in 2003, several of these people continue to stay in close contact with Jim and Frank and their wives.

Warm hospitality was Frank and Sadie’s cornerstone. It’s now become ours. We will happily answer your questions, give you assistance, and try to provide you with what you need to make your stay a delightful and memorable one.