The Barlochan Cottage, which served as the backdrop for the intense season finale of the new phenomenon Heated Rivalry — which premiered in Italy on HBO Max on February 13, 2026 — will be officially bookable as a vacation home on Airbnb starting March 3. The 230-square-meter property, arguably the most important location for the development of the romantic relationship between the two protagonists, Shane and Ilya, is located on Lake Muskoka in Ontario, in a lush, green area already known as a summer retreat for celebrities and a hotspot for nature tourism.
Built in 2020 by Trevor McIvor Architects of Toronto, this two-story prefabricated house sits at the end of a tree-lined driveway and offers almost 120 meters of private waterfront, with direct lake access via a dramatic granite staircase. A defining feature of the residence is its expansive glass façade, which frames the surrounding landscape and creates a seamless visual continuity between indoors and outdoors, making nature an integral part of the living experience.
At the heart of the indoor spaces is an impressive double-height granite fireplace around which the interior is organised. High ceilings, light wood surfaces, and natural materials create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. The cottage also features a fully equipped open-plan kitchen with a central island, three master bedrooms, three bathrooms, a recreation area, a small gym, and relaxation spaces, along with a radiant floor heating system integrated into the concrete flooring to ensure comfort even during the coldest months.
The success of Heated Rivalry, already hailed as one of the most significant series of the television season, has had an undeniable impact on the surrounding area: several lifestyle publications have reported a marked increase in searches for accommodations in the Muskoka region following the season finale. This is a clear sign that contemporary TV and cinema no longer remain confined to the screen but aim to shape new frontiers in cultural tourism — directing travel flows and transforming sets into real, livable destinations.
Opening image: Barlochan Cottage, courtesy Airbnb