This region of Norfolk County is also known for its campgrounds, agri-tourism, breweries and wineries, drawing many southwestern Ontario daytrippers. Affectionately dubbed “Ontario’s Garden,” Norfolk County is Ontario’s No. 1 grower of blueberries, Saskatoon berries and rye.
Port Dover was once home to the world’s largest fresh water fishing fleet and is now regarded as a highly coveted adult-lifestyle community along Ontario’s Southwest Coast. Builders are designing raised bungalows that cater to the 50+ demographic with intelligent and efficient one level floor plans.
Did you know?
•Port Dover’s Friday the 13th celebration began unexpectedly on November 13, 1981. Chris Simons asked a few motorcycle pals to meet for beers at the Commercial Hotel (now Angelo’s of Dover). On the inaugural Friday, 25 motorcyclists showed up. The Friday the 13th date is now a phenomenon attracting more than 100,000 bike enthusiasts from across North America to witness the spectacle.
•The Erie Beach Hotel was once a 60-room summer resort where guests could stay for as little as $10 to 12 a week, including meals. For locals and tourists alike, The Cove Room is a necessary stop for a fill of their famous breaded Lake Erie perch and celery bread.
•The Sandalmaker is a popular stop to marvel (and inhale!) the talent of John Miller and Liz Barrett-Milner. Miller began the leather sandal-making business in an old fishing shanty more than 50 years ago. Their sandal designs were used in Ed Mirvish’s production of The Lion King!
Housing market
In June 2020, the average listed price for a home according to the Simcoe & District Real Estate Board was a record $503,589 (a 24.9% increase from June 2019). Prue Steiner, President of the Board observed that a “continued lack of overall supply on the market and a few million-dollar sales helped to push the average price to a new record, breaking the $500,000 mark for the first time in history.”
Accessory Residential Dwelling Units (ARDUs) or “Tiny Homes” were pending approval by Norfolk County Council and subject to local regulations. On the flip side, developments like Dover Coast Adult Community are attracting retirees seeking all the pleasures like a championship links-style golf course in their backyard. Close to the historic downtown, the 500-acre property has a spa, martini lounge, restaurant and swim dock. Prices at Dover Coast start at $550,999.
Whether you’re investigating retirement properties or a cottage rental investment, Port Dover delivers on both ends. Be sure to connect with an experienced local REALTOR® to help you explore your options.
Where to live
Both couples and singles are downsizing from larger homes and expenses to upsize on the fun of Port Dover. For year-round and three-season residents alike, Norfolk County offers a full agenda with endless opportunities to golf, sail, bike, birdwatch and beachcomb.
Housing options in Port Dover are broad and will satisfy all budgets from a waterfront building lot downtown for $299,900 to a cafe and studio apartment on the main street for $649,900. For deeper pockets, there’s also the grandiose Clonmel Castle on Prospect Hill listed for $2.7M. Built in 1929, the opulent 12-bedroom, 7-bathroom estate has four floors of surprises, from secret staircases to an internal pipe organ.
What to do
•Come hungry and queue up Port Dover’s darling, The Arbor. Since 1919, the iconic take-away has remained a seasonal favourite for its “Golden Glow,” Ritz Red Hots (footlongs) and fresh cut fries.
•If you still have an empty spot to fill in your stomach, grab a decadent chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick at The Ice Cream Tank and walk the pier. The heritage-designated Port Dover West Pier Lighthouse was built around 1850 and continues to guide the commercial fishery industry fleet and recreational boaters.
•Walk a little further—all the way to Simcoe (10 km)! The Lynn Valley Trail is located on the former CNR rail line, a pioneer river trail that was first established in 1873 as the Lake Huron and Port Dover Railway.
CREA
We hope you are finding our Blog informative and enjoyable to read while keeping you up to date with the ever changing real estate market.
Please feel free to contact me via Direct/Text or e-mail at any time and my team will be pleased to assist you, family members and friends with all your real estate needs. Referrals are always welcome and rewarded!
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