Our legacy begins in 1958, when Len and Shirley Horsfall took a leap of faith and purchased
Browne’s Cottage Court and Marine on Big Rideau Lake. Leaving behind a stable life in Toronto,
they moved their young family to rural Portland, Ontario to build something of their own. With no
roadmap and no shortcuts, they built the business from the water up through hard work, strong
relationships, and a commitment to always doing the right thing, even when it wasn’t easy.
From the beginning, Len’s Cove was built on people. Len, Shirley, their sons, and a small team
did everything themselves, from dock and cottage repairs to customer care. The marina quickly
became known not just for boating, but for the way people were treated as family. As boating
grew in popularity, so did Len’s Cove. Through the 1970s and 80s, the property expanded, more
docks were added, and relationships were built with families who still return today, generations
later.
The next generation of Horsfalls carried that forward. Doug, alongside his brother Steve and his
wife Judy, grew the marina while staying true to what made it special. Over time, Len’s Cove
evolved into a more complete operation – expanding its service capabilities, storage facilities,
and overall footprint on Big Rideau Lake – without losing the foundation it was built on.
Today, Len’s Cove is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business, with the fourth
generation already part of the story. It has grown into a full-service marina, boat dealership, and
waterfront destination – offering sales, service, storage, dockage, rentals, cabins, and a
restaurant experience that brings people together all summer long. While much has changed,
the approach stays the same: help people find the right boat for their life, and care for it the right
way so they can enjoy every moment on the water. It’s a simple idea, but one we’ve built
everything around.
More than 6 decades later, Len’s Cove remains a place shaped by family, hard work, and the
people who spend their summers here. Len and Shirley’s legacy lives on in every interaction,
every decision, and every experience we create, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
