Cliff House
STORY DREW BETH NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
When homeowners Paul and Kitty bought this unique waterfront property five years ago, their goal was to create a private getaway where they could eventually retire and escape the busy city life.
With retirement just five years away, they’ve designed a cottage that best suits their current lifestyle. Perched on top of a steeply sloped property overlooking the reflective waters of Lower Buckhorn Lake, phase one of the Cliff House project demonstrates immaculate attention to detail and efficient design.
With a professional background and personal passion for design, Paul spent hours planning a property that could adapt in phases as their family’s needs changed. During the first year, Paul started working with designer Marco Vieira, principal and CEO of Epic Designs Inc., to complete the construction drawings.
“Once things were settled and we had a better idea of our long-term plan, we moved ahead in the second year with second and third iterations of the design,” explains Paul. “Then we started looking for the right general contractor, which is key to a project like this.”
Paul discovered Blackwood Developments by word of mouth. “When I met Blackwood’s Mark Teixeira, it was a perfect fit with great references,” says Paul. “He had done some really cool projects, and he was super excited about working with someone like myself who had this kind of understanding of construction and finishes.”
Blackwood Developments is a custom home and cottage contracting business owned by Mark and his wife Amy Muir. “Both Mark and Amy were amazing to work with,” says Paul.
Over years three and four, the construction of phase one took place. “In phase one we wanted to allocate a certain amount of investment funds to be able to finish the waterfront, build the guesthouse, build the coach house and garage and complete the hardscape and landscape,” says Paul. “We bought the land five years ago and plan to retire in five more, so we invested in a piece of land for our future 10 years before we needed it, with a short-term plan to enjoy it.”
The garage and coach house sit on top of the sloped property overlooking the spectacular view. The exterior is finished with a mixture of black metal siding from Havelock Metal Co. and cedar shakes from Monaghan Lumber Specialties, giving the building a modern yet organic feel.
Custom 12-by-12-foot aluminium-and-glass pane garage doors from Maple Overhead Garage Doors enclose the large garage space, which houses the boat and other outdoor toys. “I wanted the juxtaposition of the glass, metal and cedar on the exterior,” says Paul.
The second-level coach house features large windows supplied by Everlast Windows & Doors on the front and back sides. High above the water and surrounded by tall mature trees, the large windows make the interior feel as though you’re encased in a cosy cottage treehouse.
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The interior design of the coach house focuses on flow. After climbing a flight of stairs, guests are welcomed into the open-concept space. The modern, minimalistic, organic and warm interior has everything a cottage needs. It includes a kitchen, dining and living area, bedroom space and a full bathroom. Every detail is efficient and serves a design purpose.
The custom kitchen by Scavolini features a large island and top-quality appliances from Tasco Appliances. Exposed Douglas fir timber beams from Kingdon Timber Mart frame the ceiling, bringing the warm hue of wood into the space.
In contrast, the floor is finished with smooth Italian porcelain tile that mimics natural stone. The floor’s stonelike appearance is an ode to the beauty of The Kawarthas.
Custom oil-on-canvas artwork by Laura Warburton hangs as a focal point in the dining room beside the kitchen, adding a dramatic touch of colour and texture to the room. “Laura is a spectacular artist,” says Paul.
A spacious sectional sofa and wood fireplace complete the serene indoor environment, making this a quintessential cottage retreat year-round.
An impressive stairway weaves down a slope to the water’s edge. Large armour stone hardscaping is offset by intentional greenery and gardens, adding beauty to the extensive work. At the bottom of the hill sits the guesthouse, a waterfront seating area surrounding a fire pit and the dock.
The guesthouse exterior matches the coach house and garage. Large windows and sliding doors open to the view of the water, allowing guests to wake up to peaceful surroundings. A hydraulic dock from R&J Machine holds the spectacular large boat above the water, ready at any time to go explore the connected waterways.
“There was a real happiness in designing this project and I think that comes through in the final product,” reflects Paul. Phase two of the Cliff House will add three additional bedrooms and bathrooms, giving Paul and Kitty more space to host their families and friends. “We’re so happy to be able to do this in preparation for eventually spending more time out of the city and more time on the water and in the trees.” OH
