For a Toronto couple with three young children, The Colborne Architectural Group was asked to design a year-round recreational residence on lakeside property near the small town of Beaverton. The user programme developed into a 5,600 sq ft. two-storey plus full basement home which the owners wanted as much as possible to fit in with an existing row of south-facing traditional 'cottages' lining an escarpment overlooking Lake Simcoe.

The plan centres on a two storey 'grand hall' which gives direct views through the home to the lake as well as space for large family gatherings and cooling breezes during the summer months. The kitchen/dining area is prominent in the plan as this remains the focus of daily family activity. The open plan also allows all main floor living areas to flow together, offering casual access to outdoor decks with prime views to the treed escarpment and lake activities. Second floor sleeping areas are divided into adult and children's areas, linked by a open stairway and bridge spanning the grand hall. Interior finishes feature the use of natural materials- stone flooring, wood siding and soothing 'earth tone' colours - all highlighted with generous daylighting via large clerestory windows and skylights. Exterior building massing and finishes also feature traditional building materials including cedar shingle roof, pre-stained board & batten and horizontal siding to blend with adjacent cottages. Construction cost $850K, 1993.