Cottages
September 1, 2023
A Riverside Retreat In Muskoka, Ont., Offers Tranquil, Wooded Views
Most summer afternoons, you’ll find David Morris in the Muskoka room of his cottage on the Joseph River, sunk into the L-shaped sectional while the water laps against the dock. In many ways, the three-season room is a classic cottage-country space — wood beams, neutral palette, the aroma of pine needles — except this one boasts plush furniture and a retractable screen that locks out mosquitoes with the push of a button. The added efficiency, luxury and warmth are what make David happier here than practically anywhere else.
David is the chairman of his own property development group in Ontario. Until a couple of years ago, he owned a smaller spot on Lake Muskoka. When he began searching for a homier place with privacy and acreage, a friend and business associate with a place on the Joseph River mentioned an unsold turnkey cottage next door by J.S. Custom Builders. David decided to take the plunge. “It had a very classic, northern vibe,” he says. “I like to host my family and friends, so I was attracted to all the space. And seeing the impressive workmanship of my friend’s cottage by the same builder, I was comfortable taking the risk on a spec build.”
J.S. Custom Builders had already hired designer Jaime Drohan of Muskoka Living Interiors to take on the decorating, and David was happy to continue with the plan. Jaime, who grew up in the area and still lives nearby, is inspired by Muskoka’s classic cottages, but likes to bring them up to date. “I focus on neutral, earthy fabrics with lots of texture to bring the outside in, so you’re figuratively living in the woods,” she says of her decorating approach.
Jaime’s approach to decorating is relaxed. The interiors are clean-lined, fresh and airy, with plenty of white walls, white oak and stone, all anchored by black accents. You can count on one hand the range of materials — oak, stone, unlacquered brass, linen upholstery — that, together, create what David calls a “modern farmhouse” feel. The white, high-performance upholstery fabrics are also no-fuss, even for red wine spills. That sanguine attitude trickles down to the owner.
With David (pictured) as a sounding board, Jaime tweaked the open plan to accommodate his love of food, wine and entertaining. A wine cellar houses his private collection, the pantry off the kitchen is so well-appointed it functions as a second kitchen — handy for the private chef who often comes along — and, in the great room, Jaime designed a recessed wet bar, providing easy access to the day’s wine selection. “The wine cellar and wet bar are great entertaining spots when my friends are around,” says David.
In the great room, the furniture and art are in neutral tones to avoid drawing attention away from the forest views.
A sleek, 12-foot-long island in the kitchen is grounded by black oak stools; lantern pendants add a touch of glam.
Brass accents complement the honeyed color of the oak cabinets.
The überfunctional pantry is closer to a prep kitchen, complete with a full-size fridge and coffee station.
The dining room’s coffered ceiling lifts the eye up and elevates the space. David chose the teal velvet for the seat cushions.
The Muskoka room is open to the riverfront on one side and has a retractable screen to ward off pests.
The glass railing upstairs creates a clear sight line when viewing the house from outdoors.
White oak carries through to the serene principal bedroom; a boxy armchair has luxe leather details.
A freestanding tub has pride of place in the spa-like ensuite.
Ribbed wood vanity drawers echo the cladding on the kitchen island.
The builder spared as many pines as possible during construction to partially camouflage the cottage from boaters on the river mouth. “Seeing David lounging in the Muskoka room — he fits in so seamlessly,” says Jaime. Here on the quiet river mouth linking Lake Joseph with Lake Rosseau, pleasure-boaters smile and wave as they putter through, 20 metres from the shore. “It’s like he’s been here forever.”
Valerie Wilcox
Jaime Drohan