The inspiration behind this project was as deep-rooted as the Muskoka landscape itself. A desire to create a space that seamlessly melds with its surroundings fueled the vision—a cottage intentionally hidden from the lake, harmonizing its colours and profile with the natural beauty of Muskoka. The result? An architectural marvel where wood, native stone, and metal converge to mirror the elements of the surrounding landscape.

Bringing this vision to life posed its challenges. Placing the cottage close to the water, with all main rooms offering views of the lake, required innovative solutions. Blasting a corner of Muskoka granite became a distinctive architectural feature—a stone wall that now stands proudly as a backdrop to the cottage. The collaboration with Groh Construction and Muskoka Custom Carpentry proved instrumental in overcoming these challenges, ensuring that the vision unfolded seamlessly.

Choosing Northern Wide Plank flooring was a natural decision for the homeowner, “we had previously used Northern Wide Plank flooring for our home renovation and were impressed by the quality of the product,” he states. Mill Creek, with its durability and beauty, extends through the main areas, while Wolf Creek in the bedrooms offers a sober yet warm ambience. Both are part of the Artifax Collection, embodying the timeless craftsmanship, unparalleled quality, and rich history of reclaimed woods from around the globe. With an industry leading ¾” (6mm) wear layer, these flooring choices not only underline the aesthetic symphony of the home, but also offer a durable surface that will last for a very long time.

As the homeowner eloquently puts it, "We built this cottage to stand the test of time and draw elements from its surroundings. The flooring is a big part of that concept." These words encapsulate the essence of the project—a dedication to enduring design that harmonizes with Muskoka's natural beauty. The choice to use the Artifax collection further emphasizes these design principles, mirroring the surrounding oak found on the property inside the home, as if the space were an extension of the landscape itself.

As you step inside the cottage, a narrative of design unfolds. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and metal chandeliers create an ethereal atmosphere, a blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication. Natural textures ground the space, while white wood paneling and Northern Wide Plank flooring tie it all together. The dining, kitchen, and living areas seamlessly flow into one another, fostering easy conversation and warm hosting.

In the dining area, a long table, crafted from reclaimed wood, stands as a centerpiece—a stage for family gatherings and dinners with friends. A chef’s dream kitchen boasts a large island, white cabinets balancing modern style with traditional design, and a gas range stove. The white tile backsplash and a separate coffee nook adjacent to the spacious walk-in pantry add practicality and elegance.

The living room features a show stopping stone fireplace flanked by sleek white built-in cabinets. Natural textures like the brown leather armchair and matching ottoman, along with the light grey linen couch, ground the home in a cozy cottage style, paying homage to the bounty of nature surrounding it.

In the primary bedroom, a serene retreat unfolds. Wolf Creek reclaimed oak flooring is used in this space, harmonizing with the horizontal white wood paneling that reflects light from the large windows facing the lake. An ensuite washroom with a soaker tub continues the theme of elegance and relaxation, creating a personal haven within the cottage.

On the opposite side of the house, a staircase leads to additional sleeping spaces upstairs. Just off the dining room, sliding doors reveal a small sitting area with contrasting dark grey vertical paneling creating a cozy retreat. Outside, a large fire pit beckons, positioned to capture the breathtaking views of Muskoka's waters.

In essence, Northern Wide Plank's flooring becomes a cornerstone of the cottage's enduring design, acting as a physical embodiment to a commitment to craftsmanship and a deep connection to the natural Muskoka surroundings. This lakeside retreat is not merely a dwelling; it's a narrative of the land it calls home—a retreat where every step tells a story of timeless elegance.