Perched on an 11-acre private island on Lake Muskoka, this 8,500-square-foot modernist cottage—part of the “new Muskoka”—has sparked debate among traditionalists and contemporary design enthusiasts since its 2014 construction. With southern views, a heliport, infinity pool, smart glass, and imported finishes, it was designed as a global family’s dream retreat. Its tray-like layout follows the island’s contours, using Douglas fir, local granite, and clear cedar to soften modern lines and harmonize with the landscape. Inspired by Arthur Erickson and Frank Lloyd Wright, the design emphasizes openness, indoor-outdoor flow, and connection to water. Once controversial, the cottage—now under new ownership—incorporates rustic Muskoka materials, showing how modern and traditional styles can coexist. For Lakeside Architecture, it stands as a bold, site-responsive design and reminder that Muskoka architecture should reflect both client vision and spirit of the land.
This cottage is a striking hybrid timber-frame cottage that blends contemporary design with natural materials, including reclaimed hemlock floors, bamboo cabinetry, and FSC-certified Abaco siding. Innovative features like a sunken “lake room,” cantilevered timber staircase, and PaperStone countertops create a luxurious, eco-conscious retreat that maximizes lake views and natural light. Thoughtfully integrated into the rocky site, the cottage also incorporates a sustainable Waterloo Biofilter septic system and multiple outdoor living spaces that enhance its connection to the landscape.
The Kawartha Lake cottage is a striking example of post-and-beam timber-frame construction blending mid-century modern aesthetics with the natural Canadian Shield landscape. Inspired by architects like Arthur Erickson and John Lautner, the cottage integrates timber, glass, and clean geometry to create a light-filled, open-concept retreat that harmonizes with its rugged, sloped site. The structure’s adaptability minimized environmental disruption, preserving vegetation and topography while maximizing lake views through expansive windows. Featuring flat roofs, sustainable materials, and thoughtful art display spaces, the cottage offers a warm, modern sanctuary that feels both rooted in nature and reflective of the owners’ artistic and architectural passions.
The owners of the Chandos Lake cottage are long term cottagers on the Lake. The owners father built the original cottage on site however, like many families the family cottage is too small to host family and friends. The owners have decided to build a new cottage on the footprint of the existing cottage. The new build is constrained by conservation control and existing setbacks so the design includes a larger cottage with sloped roofs and outdoor areas to take advantage of stunning lake views and natural light. Stay tuned for the final construction photos of this beautiful cottage.
This classic Lake Muskoka boathouse features a timeless blue and antique white colour palette, cedar shakes, natural granite base cladding, and Douglas fir wood timbers. Boathouses have long been a staple of Muskoka cottage life, and this one blends tradition with function—providing not only character to the shoreline but also practical storage and gathering space for carefree summer days. The ground floor includes three boat slips and a dock at lake level; two slips are used for boats with hoists that allow for easy winter storage, while the third accommodates jet skis and water toys. Inside, there’s ample room for lifejackets and all the essentials of lakeside living. A timber staircase leads to the second storey, where a spacious guest suite with cathedral ceilings and a sunny cedar deck offers the perfect retreat for morning coffee or afternoon relaxation.
This Pine Lake cottage exemplifies post-and-beam timber construction seamlessly integrated with mid-century modern design, inspired by architectural greats like Arthur Erickson and John Lautner. The cottage balances structural strength and visual lightness, using exposed timbers, expansive glass walls, and sustainable materials like Abaco hardwood. Nestled into a rugged, sloping site in Ontario’s biodiverse “Land Between” region, the home follows the land’s natural contours while preserving vegetation and minimizing environmental disruption. With open-concept interiors, artful details, and panoramic lake views, the cottage feels like a modern sanctuary rooted in nature and architectural tradition.
The Bay of Quinte residence is organized around an L-shaped plan that frames screened and open deck spaces. A double-height great room, kitchen, and dining area—supported on helical screw piles—anchor the composition, while the two-storey bedroom wing rests on a poured concrete foundation. A breezeway separates the garage, preserving privacy and quiet in the sleeping areas while allowing the main living spaces to remain open and active.
The vaulted timberframe ceilings and expansive glazing of the great room contrast with the more restrained yet durable finishes of the bedroom wing. Oriented to capture western views and light, the plan also creates sheltered outdoor spaces on the leeward side. The combination of timberframe and conventional stud construction balances architectural expression with cost efficiency.
