Coastal Chalet Spirit

STORY MADDIE JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY SABRINA COOPER | STAGING BRITLEE BARKS

As seen in the Southern Georgian Bay Spring 2026 Issue

Some cottages are made for summer. Others come alive in winter. This Wasaga Beach retreat was designed to do both.

Positioned between the sandy shores of Georgian Bay and the slopes of nearby Blue Mountain, the home offers the perfect foundation for a four-season escape. With the help of Rewind Design Inc., the homeowners reimagined the cottage as a coastal chalet, blending a beach house vibe with the warmth and practicality needed for snowy ski weekends.

The homeowners had been looking for a recreational property for several years before finding the right fit. While many cottages offer summer appeal, few provided the combination they were hoping for – easy access to both the beach and the ski hill.

“We had been looking casually, but nothing had all the elements we wanted,” the homeowners said. “We wanted something we could use all season. When we saw this place, we realized it was the ideal year-round home because of its proximity to Blue Mountain and being right on the water.”

While the location was exactly what they were looking for, the cottage itself needed some updates to make it functional for their lifestyle.

To help realize their vision, the homeowners enlisted Katy McNabb, principal designer and founder of Rewind Design, who collaborated with intermediate designer Carrie Harden to bring the project to life. Will Stephenson handled construction.

Referred through a family member who had previously worked with the firm, the homeowners were confident Katy’s team could help turn the space into a warm and welcoming retreat. Their goal was to create a home that balanced beach-house breeziness with ski-chalet comfort – a true four-season getaway.

“We wanted it to feel warm and cottagey,” the homeowners say. “At the same time, we asked for elements that would make it work for both skiing and the beach – lots of storage for gear, but also a beach-inspired colour scheme.”

Katy approached the renovation with an emphasis on functionality and thoughtful use of space. Rather than dramatically altering the structure of the cottage, much of the work focused on improving how the home worked for everyday life.

“We always start by understanding how people actually live in their space,” Katy says. “Function is the most important part of the design – everything else builds from there.”

Custom millwork by Pride Kitchen & Bath became a defining feature, providing much needed storage while also adding visual interest throughout the cottage. Built-ins were added in key areas, including around the fireplace in the living room and bedrooms, maximizing storage without sacrificing charm.

In one particularly challenging area beneath the sloping roofline of the A-frame structure, the design team leaned into the architectural limitations and transformed the space into one of the home’s most delightful features. “The most difficult room in terms of space actually ended up becoming the cutest part of the house,” say the homeowners. “Tucking the beds into the low-ceiling area really utilized the space perfectly.”

For Katy, “One of the most rewarding moments is when a client says, ‘I never thought the space could work like that.’ ”

Throughout the home, the design blends soft coastal tones with warm textures and natural materials. Layered textiles, light wood finishes and decorative touches create an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet refined – perfect for hosting family and friends after a day on the beach or slopes.

Katy says designing cottages often begins with understanding the feeling homeowners want to create. “I always ask clients how they want the space to feel,” she says. “It’s less about specific colours and more about creating an atmosphere where people want to come together and relax.”

Playful details also help connect the home’s dual personality as both a summer and winter destination. Patterned wallpaper nods to outdoor adventures, while crisp blues and soft neutrals lean into the surrounding shoreline.

“We wanted it to feel playful and lived-in,”Katy says. “Cottages aren’t meant to feel perfect or staged. They should feel comfortable, well-loved and welcoming.”

The living room quickly became the heart of the cottage and one of the most important spaces to get right. Prior to the renovation, the layout felt awkward and fragmented, making it difficult for people to gather comfortably.

“The family room was the most important element,” the homeowners admit. “We wanted to spend a lot of time there, but the space felt split up before. Creating a place where a lot of people could sit and relax together was essential.”

Now that the renovation is complete, the cottage has become exactly what the homeowners hoped for: a welcoming retreat where friends and family naturally gather.

“We entertain family and friends all the time, and renovating has made the home truly feel like ours,” they say.

One small detail, however, has become a personal favourite. “I love the round swivel chair in the living room,” one homeowner admits. “I find myself sitting there with a book and looking out toward the water all summer.”

It’s a simple moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of the home – a place designed for gathering, relaxing and enjoying every season along the shore. OH