As someone dwelling in a region where winter dominates half of the year, the arrival of summer is cherished and revered. The extended days and nights of June, July, and August beckon us to relish the company of our loved ones and embrace the great outdoors.

Regardless of your stage of life or your penchant for opulence or simplicity, summer living boasts its own distinctive essence. In this article, I will embark on an insightful exploration of various summer living spaces, ranging from rudimentary to lavish, drawing upon my personal and professional experiences.

The Basic

For those new to the realm of outdoor living, commencing with the basics is always a prudent approach.

Tenting or Tent Trailering: If you yearn to venture beyond the confines of your backyard while keeping things uncomplicated and cost-effective, tenting or tent trailering are excellent choices. Delightful facets of camping encompass:

• Economical advantages, as a modest campsite in Manitoba’s campgrounds can be secured for under $25 per night.
• Embracing a low carbon footprint.
• The ability to wander freely. With the portability of a tent or tent trailer, exploring a new location every weekend becomes effortless.
• The liberating experience of simplified living, reveling in the bare essentials.

Simple Backyard Upgrades: For those unenthusiastic about rustic living in the wilderness and desiring the comfort of their own bed each night, introducing modest enhancements to the backyard provides an ideal solution. Consider embarking on the following journey:

• Construct or purchase a fire pit. Gathering around the crackling flames, engaging in conversations, and relishing delectable roasted marshmallows constitutes a splendid way to savor a summer evening (or any evening, for that matter, as fire pit season knows no bounds).

Moving Up

Once the joys of summer outdoor living have firmly captivated your heart, you may find yourself ready to ascend from the realm of basics. But where does one go from there?

Trabin: Does the term seem unfamiliar? Fear not, for it is a phrase coined by our esteemed Office Administrator, Lynda. (And possibly, others have embraced it, though Lynda was the one who introduced it to me.) Here is our “official” definition:

A trailer permanently stationed on a site for individuals who cherish the concept of a cabin but eschew the upkeep associated with a second house while still yearning for the rustic ambiance of camping (or perhaps, the allure of glamping).

My family upgraded from a tent trailer to a trabin last summer. The benefits of owning a trabin are as follows:

• Having your summer haven prepped and awaiting your arrival each weekend, devoid of the need to pack and tow it around, yet retaining that authentic camping feel.
• Escaping the arduous task of securing a campsite reservation through Manitoba’s somewhat sarcastically acclaimed reservation system (a predicament known all too well by seasoned campers).
• Acquiring a trabin at a substantially lower cost than purchasing a full-fledged cabin, accompanied by minimal maintenance requirements.

Upgrade Backyard: For those inclined toward the comforts of home, there are numerous additional elements you can introduce to elevate your backyard living space. Here’s how you can elevate your yard to the next level:

• Integrate an intimate sitting area, adorned with plush furniture and vibrant cushions.
• Fashion pathways using a combination of soft and hard landscaping elements to create distinct “zones” within your yard.

Going All Out

Now that you are wholeheartedly committed, it’s time to pull out all the stops! There are no boundaries when it comes to crafting your dream summer space. Let’s explore the extravagant possibilities.

Cabin, Cottage, Summer Home: Regardless of the terminology employed, owning a summer retreat remains a cherished dream for many. Cabins and cottages can range from rustic simplicity to opulent grandeur. Here are a few indispensable features that our esteemed clients insist upon:

• A spacious kitchen, complete with a substantial island. Given that summer homes often serve as entertainment hubs, an expansive area to cater to large gatherings becomes indispensable.
• An abundance of sleeping quarters. With guests often choosing to spend the night, extra bedrooms, bunkrooms, and versatile living spaces furnished with pull-out beds become essential.
• Scenic waterfront views. If your cottage graces the shores of a picturesque lake, the ability to relish captivating water vistas from key vantage points is a paramount consideration. Many cottage owners opt for sprawling decks adjacent to their dwellings, complemented by additional decks overlooking the water and atop boathouses.

Backyard Extravaganza: If the notion of owning a secondary property fails to ignite your passions, fret not, for you can infuse your backyard with the same design elements. In addition to the previously mentioned features, consider the following to take your backyard to unparalleled heights:

• Incorporate water features such as pools, hot tubs, fountains, and cascading waterfalls. These not only enhance the visual allure but also provide respite from sweltering temperatures, elevating your outdoor sanctuary.
• Illuminate your space with carefully placed lighting fixtures, whether suspended overhead or integrated into patios and walkways, casting a soft and enchanting glow.
• Embellish your yard with architectural elements like pergolas, privacy fences, and gazebos. When harmoniously combined with the surrounding landscape, these features transform an ordinary yard into a captivating oasis.

Conclusion

In the realm of summer living, from basic to luxurious, there exists a wide array of stages and spaces to explore. Whether you prefer the simplicity of tenting, the comfort of backyard upgrades, the convenience of a trabin, or the grandeur of a cabin or cottage, the choices are abundant.

No matter which stage you find yourself in, embrace the essence of summer, connect with loved ones, and create cherished memories in the great outdoors. Enjoy the upcoming months and savor the magic of summer living.