By Adriana Ermter
A sales representative for Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc., Josie Schywiola has been making home life better for her clients for more than three decades. Today, she’s once again looking to help as many people as possible, and she hopes to do it with Ramara Estate, a magnificent 123-acre estate (being offered for $6.9 million) just 10 minutes outside of Orillia, Ont. Her goal here is to create a legacy of beauty on this estate that can be used as an example in other communities. “There’s no doubt this is an absolutely awe-inspiring property that will touch people’s hearts,” Schywiola says. “It’s the kind of place that’s ideal for several scenarios. For one, it would be perfect for a family with strong values and act as a family compound for close-knit folks who want to live in separate homes but close to one another. It’s also a simply marvelous opportunity for an individual or a group of investors who yearn to make someone else’s life beautiful and give back to society — this property is the perfect place to create a picturesque and comforting health or wellness center, yoga retreat, a treatment center, or an equine therapy business. The possibilities are truly endless, and that’s very exciting.”
Visit the property and you’re greeted by a maple tree-lined road leading to four separately deeded and impeccably maintained homes. Each one is strikingly unique and private, surrounded by lush flora, a thick forest, tranquil hiking trails, a scenic pond, and a custom treehouse — all within walking distance. There’s the quaint cottage-like 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bathroom place that’s been affectionately dubbed the “Groundskeeper’s House,” which has a simple, comfortable layout and a large screened-in porch. The casually luxurious, three-level, 9,000-square-foot “Estate House” boasts five spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms, an indoor pool with hot tub and indoor BBQ dining area, plus an outdoor tennis court, expansive patio, and alfresco dining area. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom 3,200-square-foot “Ranch House” features a sizeable great room overlooking the forest and an outdoor swimming pool, and the two-level, three-bedroom, 5,900-square-foot “Stone House” is a unique space that features horse stables. “This is the kind of property where you can unwind and heal — land that has great meaning. The estate easily lends itself to being a family compound or a health center, and the fact that it’s an idyllic location for a much-needed treatment center is so inspirational. This land can reprioritize our sense of community,” says Schywiola.
The Haven Mental Wellness Centre, a group looking for investors, is interested in the grounds for a wellness retreat where Ontario’s finest — our heroic first responders, public safety personnel, military, and their families — can receive therapy, peace, and have a place for reflection. Away from traffic, noise, and congestion, Ramara Estate’s impressive tranquility and relaxed feel translate well as a sanctuary for those who need it most. Abundant in facilities, it can cater to treating 20 people comfortably. Surrounded by 123 acres of land rich in agricultural soil, this could be a wonderful step toward food sustainability. The property runs off a well and septic system, making utility costs low, plus it’s near airports, marinas, hospitals, as well as grocery and retail stores.
“When you think about it, this establishment could do wonders. It could help thousands of people and with possibilities for expansion, even more people can be included in whatever the vision may be,” says Schywiola, who cares deeply about the country’s mental health issues. “Ellen Campbell, who received the Order of Ontario for the protection of abused women and children opened my eyes 10 years ago to the many needs out there,” she adds, mentioning she was mentored on community outreach by Linda Bell, co-founder and retired CEO of Bellwood Health Services Inc. (an accredited mental health and addictions treatment center, where one of the first programs to assist military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and addictions was developed). Grafton Pinheiro, a colleague, collaborated with Linda on expanded treatment services for youth. Schywiola says this property could truly help our proverbial neighbors. “Mental health issues are more significant than ever before, and this property would certainly give investors and philanthropists who want to give back the chance to change lives.” Brimming with passion about what this land could do for others, Schywiola — in conjunction with the Municipality of Ramara and planner Angela Baldwin — has ensured a health and wellness center use is permitted, in association with the agricultural use of the lands, so buyers and investors can move quickly with their community-centered plans. “I’m following what’s in my heart,” she says. “When you’re in service, your heart shapes the direction you take. When you see a need, you’re driven to support it. Think about the legacy of good this would leave? It would be so profound and transformative for generations to come.”
