Perched Above The Bluffs: Inside Meadowcliffe House

STORY GINA MAKKAR | PHOTOGRAPHY YOUNES BOUNHAR (EXTERIOR) LAUREN MILLER (INTERIOR)

As seen in the Best of Ontario Spring 2026 Issue.

Nestled in the Scarborough Bluffs above Lake Ontario, Meadowcliffe House rises like a modern sculpture from the earth – a home inspired by the landscape and connected to its surroundings. The design is the work of Luc Bouliane and Natasha Lebel of Lebel & Bouliane, a full-service design firm known for its innovative approach.

Shaped by more than 6,350 square feet of locally-quarried Algonquin limestone that anchors the home to the geology of The Bluffs, the project recently received the Residential Interior/Exterior – Single Family Award at the 2025 Tucker Design Awards, presented by the Natural Stone Institute.

“It’s a really interesting house, and it took many years to design and many years to build, in part because of its very unique location,” says Luc. Building the home was no small feat. Decades ago, rapid erosion along the lake required shoreline reinforcement. Today, visible break walls protect the escarpment, stabilizing what was once a precarious edge.

The homeowners purchased the property for its breathtaking vistas and own the land from the cliff down to the lake. Securing approvals proved complex, involving multiple agencies, from ministry and forestry approvals to zoning changes. “Helping shepherd our clients through the process is a key aspect of what we do,” says Luc.

The team also considered the 100-year erosion setback when designing the home and tested the soil to ensure a solid foundation that would stand the test of time.

Kaela Shaw of No.2 Collection helped style the space. The homeowners envisioned a space designed for everyday family life and large gatherings. With a close-knit extended family, they often host weekend celebrations of up to 100 guests. Plans for the property incorporate generous spaces, from a large driveway to an expansive kitchen and outdoor areas suited for entertaining.

The design also thoughtfully includes space for elderly parents to age in place, with fully accessible features and a comfortable ground-floor suite.

The home's shape ensures each room has its own unique view. The north rooms enjoy a view of the forest, while the atrium offers an unfettered view of the lake. The layout balances togetherness and privacy.

With three young children at home, the homeowners wanted privacy with the ability to remain connected. Two wings are separated by a dramatic three-storey atrium that extends to the basement, with a bridge linking the spaces.

On the second floor, the primary suite sits on one side of the atrium while the children’s bedrooms are located on the other, allowing easy access while maintaining independence. Thoughtful planning ensures each area remains private and self-contained, creating a layout that supports both family closeness and individual space.

A key part of the design process was responding thoughtfully to the unique conditions of the site and the family’s needs. “We are conceptual designers and find the meaning of the home based on the site conditions and the needs of the family,” explains Luc. “Our clients have a one-of-a-kind home born out of that site.”

The team approached the project conceptually, shaping the home around the property’s natural features, regulations and landscape, from soil and light to views and terrain. The result is an original home rooted in its surroundings, with architecture that reflects both the character of the site and the lifestyle of the family who lives there.

The receding glaciers and ravines inspired the shape of the home, while the atrium draws from the natural landform of the escarpment.

As visitors enter the home, the view opens directly over the pool to the lake, creating a connection between indoors and out. The interior finishes reflect a modern, streamlined aesthetic, with a warm palette of natural materials. Oak flooring from Moncer and Benjamin Moore Oxford White walls create a calm, refined backdrop, while thoughtful detailing brings elements from the exterior indoors, most notably limestone, which extends through the glass facade and into the dramatic atrium.

Furnishings and artwork were also carefully sourced from Canadian makers and artists, including Montauk Sofa, Atelier Dimo, Nadine Hajjar Studio and artwork by Bau-Xi Gallery’s Casey McGlynn and ceramicist Thomas Bollmann, reinforcing the home’s connection to craftsmanship and supporting local design.

Luc says many of their projects start with a founding idea that helps anchor the design, often inspired by the site itself. These founding principles help guide decisions, from form and layout to materials and structural solutions.

“We find that it helps us later, especially during construction,” he says. “If there’s a question about how to do something, we revert back to the founding principles.”

Meadowcliffe House is a testament to the seamless integration of architecture, landscape and family life. Every element, from the limestone and glass to the flowing interior spaces, reflects a deep respect for the site and careful consideration of the homeowners’ lifestyle.

The home’s design not only celebrates the dramatic vistas of the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario but also provides a functional, nurturing environment for a multigenerational family, thoughtfully crafted with a sense of permanence to be cherished for generations to come.

In balancing beauty, practicality and a connection to nature, Lebel & Bouliane has created a residence that feels both timeless and deeply personal – a home that truly belongs to its place and the people who live there. OH