By Angelica Ingram

Jan. 10 2017

After more than a decade of creating fine cabinetry and furniture Willy and Patti Ewaschuk will soon be hanging up their tools and dimming the lights on their business Cottage Hill.

The couple who live in Wilberforce have decided to close their Highland Street store in Haliburtonas they begin to ease into retirement life.

The shop for the business will continue to operate in Harcourt for the next little while while Jan. 28 will mark the last day for the store at 165 Highland St. The store has been on the main street for three and a half years.

Patti said she will miss having the store as it has been a convenience for customers. The Harcourt shop does include a showroom and will continue operating while the couple tries to sell the property.

Cottage Hill Furniture and Cabinets has been operating in the county for 12 years.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) Willy designs and creates the furniture and pieces in his shop in Harcourt. The skills he possesses earned him a Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence for skilled trades and industry in 2014.

Some of the things Cottage Hill specializes in is kitchen and bathroom cabinetry Murphy beds tables wall units and more.

“The bulk of our business has been kitchens” said Willy. “My background is in design and woodworking and cabinet making.”

Now at the age of 70 Willy says he has 56 years of experience behind him as he began working in the industry at 14.

“I can build just about anything” he said.

Clients of Cottage Hill have been located through the Highlands and beyond including Toronto.

The couple moved to the county from the Toronto-area after cottaging for a few years and have thoroughly enjoyed living in the Highlands.

Store inventory has been reduced in price with everything ready to be sold.

“We have some good bargains” said Willy.

“Everything’s gotta go including the kitchen sink” says Patti.