A Toronto couple builds a contemporary Muskoka cottage that's all about family life: past, present and future.
Though this cottage is just a year old, it’s already steeped in tradition, which isn’t surprising given the homeowners’ long-time connection to the area. “My husband and I bought our first cottage, a small two-bedroom, on Ontario’s Lake Muskoka before we were married,” says one of the homeowners. “We brought our eldest son [the couple has four] there when he was only 10 days old,” she says.
The babies are now young men, and the original cottage design was eventually outgrown, but family time at the lake continues, with the couple happily settled into their third cottage: a 3,800-square-foot, five-bedroom, year-round retreat seamlessly nestled in the signature pink and grey rock of Muskoka. “The views here are incredible,” says one of the homeowners. “To the right is a provincial park, straight ahead is Lake Muskoka and to the left is our bay.” It was these picturesque vistas, as well as the privacy of the lot, that instantly spoke to the couple.
Photo Gallery
House tour: Casual contemporary cottage
Upper-level family room
The upper-level family room show cases the homeowners’ desire for modern style. The gas fireplace is fronted with slabs of natural limestone, which have clean lines that are echoed in the furnishings.
House tour: Casual contemporary cottage
Dining room
The dining room is a realization of the homeowners' vision: an open space with a neutral-toned room and views to the outdoors. The couple designed the large dining room table, which has a stainless steel base, and had the wooden dining chairs stained in a light tone for contrasting effect.
House tour: Casual contemporary cottage
Kitchen
The kitchen island is the most-used area in the room, designed by Nancy Fournier of Northern Living Kitchen & Bath. “We have small meals here and use it as a bar, a spot for hors d’oeuvres and for congregating,” says one of the homeowners.
House tour: Casual contemporary cottage
The master bedroom
A charcoal grey upholstered bed frame and a shag rug make a soft statement against the rustic hardwood flooring and panelled walls in the master bedroom. The shiny aluminum sconce is hard-wired in place; the simple floating bedside shelf was designed by the homeowners.
House tour: Casual contemporary cottage
Master bathroom
In the master bathroom, concrete-look flooring is actually porcelain, which the homeowners love because it’s easy to clean. The floating vanity features his-and-hers sinks and a practical Caesarstone countertop.
House tour: Casual contemporary cottage
Picture-perfect view
“The views here are incredible,” says one of the homeowners. “To the right is a provincial park, straight ahead is Lake Muskoka and to the left is our bay.” It was these picturesque vistas, as well as the privacy of the lot, that instantly spoke to the couple.
Comments