Lake Muskoka Meets the North Shore

This is a new residence on a woodland property north of Boston. Site challenges include setbacks from a small stream and pond as well as the unique feature of glacial eskers that wind their way across the 28 acres of forested property. Mature stands of Eastern White Pine and Red Oaks cover most of the land and are managed for future logging.  

The owner’s design goals included an exterior that was Inspired by late 18^th century summer structures on Lake Muskoka, north of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. She has fond childhood memories of summers spent at the lake with her extended family. The design evolved with a blend of the Adirondack Style of the lake setting and the Colonial Revival Style of homes that dominate the architecture of the North Shore of Boston. Clapboards are the primary exterior siding. A Red Cedar roof ties the home to the site. 

Inside, a circulation spine provides privacy for individual spaces and yet links the gathering rooms for easy access. This is reminiscent of the owner’s memories of the Lodge Room where her family gathered during the summer of her youth. Not surprisingly, the living spaces and large screened porch orient toward the pond. With the home set along one of the slight ridges that lace across the site, the design is based on a one – and – one half story concept. This tucks the home onto the land and diminishes its scale.   

The first floor of the home can “shrink” to a core living space with the main bedroom suite above. When her daughters arrive with their families, ground floor and second floor bedrooms offer ensuite accommodations for their families.  

As at Lake Muskoka, there are great outdoor recreation opportunities on this property. Yet, when the mosquitoes arrive, the family can retreat to the screened porch and adjacent living spaces. New memories of family gatherings are frequently created. 

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