For 50 years, the couple has lived on and cared for the place, which is visited often by friends and family.
Some people wonder what others’ backyards are like. Do they have pools? Parks? Barbecues and sofas for entertaining guests? Are there any animals or children playing? To write this article, The Drive Magazine was invited to visit one of the most incredible “backyards” in South Woodslee. We found a true paradise in the middle of the fields. The place belongs to Tom and Linda Strong, who, for almost 50 years, have daily cared for their nine-acre space. They are a smiling and welcoming couple aged 72 and 71, respectively, who embrace every visitor warmly.
The area is incredibly green, filled with native trees and small gathering spaces with colourful chairs, inviting people to come together. The bamboo bar features a large counter, an ice machine, and cabinets full of drinks. A sign on the wall says: “If you are waiting for a sign that you should have a glass of wine, this is it.” Strings of lights add charm to the place at night. Bella, the couple’s 13-year-old dog, is gentle and welcoming, though she isn’t the only animal around. Geese, ducks, rabbits, birds, deer, and fish also call this place home. You can see the main attraction as soon as you arrive: the pond, nicknamed Lake Linda. The lake was dug in 1962 to build the 401 overpass, and it is 20 feet deep, according to them. In the middle of it, there is a floating wooden platform where dozens of geese sunbathe and rest. There is also a deck with a slide, sun loungers, and stools. Several trees and plants surround the pond, with numerous fish they catch and release. Hanging from the two trees, a white swing hammock is the perfect spot for reading
The outdoor space also features a large green-painted wooden table; a stainless steel tub that was used to clean milk machines when it was a dairy farm, repurposed and installed as a sink with hot water; an extraordinarily well-maintained and decorated bathroom down to the details; and an outdoor shower with all the necessary structure. Despite the heavy workload, maintenance is managed by recycling and repurposing materials. Nearby is the trail entrance with signs bearing funny and motivational messages.
Then, Linda and Tom show the other main – but no less important – attraction of their place: the cabin, nicknamed Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Made of wood, and measuring 12×24, the cabin is an old granary to store grain which was moved from the farm when it was a dairy farm. It has only two rooms: the bedroom with two beds and the living room with a sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchen. Every corner of the cabin is decorated. The bed blankets are colorful, as are the shelves, which contain various books – some of stories, others of photos, but most are guestbooks. Linda says she has dozens of them. This makes clear how much they like to share their haven with people. “What is the sense of having this place and not sharing it with people we love?” said Tom.
Tom’s connection to this property runs deep. Born here, he spent his youth with his family on this land, which was once arid, hot, and devoid of trees. In 1975, when he married Linda, they decided to purchase the property from his parents and transform it into the haven it is today. Over the years, they made significant changes, from adding hydro lines to updating old structures. Their hands planted every tree, plant, and flower that graces the space. In addition to the backyard, the pond, and the cabin, they also have a main house built in front of the property.
In fact, one of the memories that Tom and Linda brought is that they lived for six months in the cabin during the building of their new main house in 2000. “We loved living here so much that we couldn’t understand why we’re building another house,” jokes Linda. During the work, they would barbecue for the workers every Friday. “We’d cook them hamburgers, hot dogs, and then they return to work. It was a fun time,” remembers Tom.
This story is indeed about this secret paradise, but also about how the couple have always shared it with special people. Tom and Linda couldn’t have children, but this didn’t result in a quiet life; quite the opposite. Over all these years, they have received countless people in their private paradise, mostly family. “My nephews and nieces were brought up here. Now we have great nieces and nephews, and they’re always coming,” said Linda. Especially during the summers, the couple usually receives many friends and family members. They like to swim in the lake, fish, drink, chat, and have fun. Canadians, Americans, French, Mexicans, Africans, and even Russians have passed through here. Sometimes they also receive visits from nursing home residents to spend the day there. They have an annual tradition with some family members where they play competitive yard games. “This feeling that people are creating memories here, in my backyard, is incredible,” Linda says. The place is so welcoming that it has also been the setting for several family weddings. One of them was Vanessa’s.
A 32-year-old government employee, Vanessa Montigny, resides in Tilbury, Ontario, with her husband, Justin Montigny. The couple has shared a loving relationship for seven years and tied the knot last September. “Our wedding was a magical feeling. I got to be married, where there are so many cherished memories with my family. It felt nostalgic – the ceremony held under the arbor my cousin used for her wedding; the dance floor next to the cornfield we used to build forts; the reception on the laneway where we drove for hours up and down on the gator; and then ended the night with fireworks over the pond where I learned to swim.”
Vanessa decided to celebrate her marriage on her aunt and uncle’s property, a place that holds significant sentimental value for her. She explains, “My uncle’s property is not only surrounded by natural beauty but also evokes the best feeling in the world: unconditional love. I wanted all the closest people in my life to experience the sanctuary of warmth and acceptance they created.” The wedding was attended by 100 guests, including friends, family, and the couple’s two dogs, making it an intimate and heartfelt celebration.
To Vanessa, the property is more than just a beautiful location; it is a place rich with family history and personal memories. “I visit the pond every summer to take a vacation. We had the best childhood memories – mud fights, gator rides, racing crabs, campfire games, and swimming,” Vanessa recalls. “When I think of the pond – I think of the quality time spent with all our loved ones. It was our playground as kids and our sanctuary as adults. I’m so thankful for them giving us all a place to feel safe and all the unconditional love.” Despite so many incredible moments, believe it or not, Linda and Tom discuss moving. The reason being the high maintenance that the place requires. “We’re always doing something; it’s a lot of work. It’s fun work, but our bodies can’t handle that anymore,” said Linda.
Their happiness together is evident: Tom and Linda could enjoy anywhere as long as they were together. When I asked what it would be like if they had this wonderful place but didn’t have each other, they briefly looked at each other before answering me. Linda answered first: “Without him, we wouldn’t have all this.” Tom added: “If she hadn’t, I wouldn’t have stayed here. It wouldn’t make sense.”
