Selwyn Township Real Estate
Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield (now Selwyn), Chemong Lake, and Peterborough's doorstep — this township wraps its city in green.
Living in Selwyn Township
Selwyn Township — formerly Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield — is the rural township that envelops Peterborough on three sides, creating a green buffer between the city and the Kawartha Lakes cottage country to the north. Lakefield village, at the township's northern tip, is the Trent-Severn Waterway community that educated Prince Andrew (Lakefield College School, 1977) and inspired Margaret Laurence's Manawaka fiction — a genuine heritage and cultural address on the Otonabee River. Selwyn village, further south, is the newer suburban growth node absorbing Peterborough's residential expansion.
The Kawartha Lakes connection is direct: Chemong Lake runs through the township's heart, offering a chain of lake access that extends north to Katchewanooka and the Trent-Severn system. Peterborough's hospital, university, and commercial core are minutes away from most Selwyn addresses — creating the rare township condition where rural lifestyle and urban services genuinely coexist without compromise. Lakefield College School's international profile adds a cultural institution unusual for a small waterway village.
Lakefield Waterfront and Village Homes
Lakefield's Otonabee River setting, College School presence, and heritage main street create demand for riverside homes, century cottages, and village properties at prices reflecting both the lifestyle and the literary pedigree.
Chemong Lake Waterfront Properties
Chemong Lake's chain of Kawartha access points through Selwyn Township offers classic Ontario lake-cottage properties with Peterborough proximity — waterfront without the drive to the true Kawarthas.
Selwyn Suburban Homes
Selwyn village's newer subdivisions offer modern family homes with Peterborough services at township tax rates — practical new-build options for buyers wanting Peterborough proximity with slightly lower density.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this township called Selwyn now?
In 2013, Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Township was renamed Selwyn Township — Selwyn being a historical township name in the area, adopted to give the municipality a more manageable single name. The communities of Smith-Ennismore, Lakefield, and Bridgenorth retain their own identities within the township.
What is Lakefield College School?
Lakefield College School is a private boarding school on the Otonabee River in Lakefield with international recognition — alumni include Prince Andrew, who attended in 1977. It draws students internationally and is a significant cultural and economic institution in a village of just 2,800 people. The school's campus occupies a large portion of the riverfront.
Is Selwyn Township good for Peterborough commuters?
Exceptionally so — Selwyn wraps around Peterborough, meaning most of the township is within 10–20 minutes of Peterborough's downtown, hospital (Peterborough Regional Health Centre), and Trent University. It's about as close as a rural township gets to its urban neighbour.
What Trent-Severn Waterway access exists in Selwyn?
Several. Lakefield village has a lock (Lock 26 at Peterborough), the Chemong Lake chain connects to the broader Kawartha system, and the Otonabee River corridor runs through the township. Selwyn gives boaters genuine Trent-Severn access without the drive to Kawartha cottage country.
Are there heritage designations in Lakefield village?
Yes — Lakefield has local heritage designations covering its Victorian commercial streetscape and several residential properties. The Lakefield Heritage Conservation District protects the village's 19th-century built fabric. Renovation buyers should confirm designation status before purchase.
What is Ontario's Land Transfer Tax?
Ontario's Land Transfer Tax applies to all Selwyn Township purchases: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001–$250,000; 1.5% on $250,001–$400,000; 2.0% on $400,001–$2,000,000; 2.5% above $2,000,000. First-time buyers receive a rebate of up to $4,000. There is no municipal land transfer tax in Selwyn Township.