Cottages
June 13, 2024
Lynda Reeves Design Studio Transforms a Century Lakehouse Into A Charming And Comfortable Retreat
There’s a benefit to having a well-travelled client. Who can holiday in the south of France and the English countryside or comb through the markets of India without wanting to bring some of that beauty home? “My client loves to travel, so ‘Parisian French,’ ‘English Country,’ ‘Classic American Trad’ and the textiles of India happily found their way into the recent renovation of their country house,” says designer Lynda Reeves.
After working with Lynda on two other projects, the client reached out for help when she bought a graceful Dutch Colonial farmhouse on Lake Simcoe. Intended to be a weekend retreat for extended family, the early-1900s house needed help — previous renovations had removed some of the original detail.
Architect Paul Roth was hired to restore some of those details and add new windows, exterior finishes and structural elements. Lynda and her team at LRDS were brought in to do the interiors. “The mandate was to transform this farmhouse into what we thought an original heritage country house should feel like,” says Lynda. The owner, who frequently hosts her six adult children and 12 grandchildren, has fond memories of being her for the first time. “When I stepped on the property after a long winter in the city, I felt my shoulders just drop,” she says. “This house is one of the first in the neighborhood and has quite a history in this little community, so I wanted to preserve the feel of it.” Architect Paul Roth adds: “Much of the interior was gutted during this renovation, but we retained the original detailing and character wherever possible.”
The two-year-long project started in 2020 and included all-new windows and exterior doors, siding, insulation and a new cedar-shingled roof. On the main floor, the hardwood floors, staircase, fireplace, interior French doors and fir panelling in the sunroom were all retained, while the kitchen was expanded. Upstairs, a new bathroom was created and the existing bathrooms were all redesigned.
“I love great sight lines,” says Lynda. “One of my favorites in the house is the view from the living room through to the ‘kids’ dining room’, where you can see the fir window frames against the soft, blue-green walls.” The custom table doubles as a craft table and can seat 10 for large dinner parties.
Throughout the house, the furniture is a mix of old and new. “I like classic Canadiana pieces, new modern seating and good reproductions like the Addison Round Jupe extension table in waxed oak from RH,” says Lynda. “It’s new, but the finish has a great patina, and it marries well with the simple black bentwood chairs, and the modern Fontaine pendant and sconces by Aerin. Paisley-print drapes in the living and dining rooms, and the principal ensuite’s patterned bedding, throw pillows and skirted dressing table in a feminine floral fabric are part of the mix. To help the freshly painted rooms blend in with the original fir panelling, most of the new windows feature wood interior frames and mullions left unpainted in natural fir.
John Derian plates form a fun pastiche that can be added to over time. “The sideboard was a good surprise,” she continues. “We couldn’t find an antique piece shallow enough for the space, so we took a chance on a Crate & Barrel reproduction of a simple country sideboard and it looks perfect. Over it, we hung an assortment of decoupage plates by John Derian. Over time, as new plates are released, our client will add to it. She’s an artist herself and some of her paintings have been hung, with more to come, I hope. These are the personal things that give a room both singular style and soul.”
A new bar off the dining room is a nod to a Parisian brasserie, with custom brass and glass shelves. The living room feels “pure Ralph,” says Lynda, with classic leather seating, leather-wrapped floor lamps and a woven striped rug.
The original living room ceiling looked heavy, so the dark wood beams and ceiling planks were painted a warm cream. The fireplace was re-stuccoed, but the original mantel beam was salvaged. The two-year-long project started in 2020 and included all-new windows and exterior doors, siding, insulation and a new cedar-shingled roof. On the main floor, the hardwood floors, staircase, fireplace, interior French doors and fir panelling in the sunroom were all retained, while the kitchen was expanded. Upstairs, a new bathroom was created and the existing bathrooms were all redesigned.
The painted kitchen and adjoining mudroom have classic English country style. The house is used by extended family primarily as a weekend house and friends often visit on their own, so the design had to be intuitive and functional. “I’m not very good at practical and low-maintenance, I admit it,” says Lynda with a laugh. “That was a particular challenge for me, because I wanted it to be elevated yet still really comfortable, and as childproof as possible.”LRDS
A big island was a must-have. “The dads serve breakfast to the kids lined up at the island,” says the hostess. A new yellow barn door buffers the sounds and cooking chaos in the kitchen from the dining room. “You don’t know how your client is going to live in a house until they do,” says Lynda. “I try to give every possible option. But I don’t think the barn door is ever closed.”
The combination mudroom–laundry room was an addition. The dog shower is essential for the owner’s two goldendoodles
Paver floor tile was laid in a herringbone pattern.
The effort to keep the house practical meant finding great bedding that can go straight from the dryer onto the bed — no ironing required. Kiska bed linens fit the bill perfectly. The charming prints and soft hand feel make them favorite choices for an elevated country look.
The sitting room off the principal bedroom has a vintage daybed fitted with a new custom mattress and woven throw pillows.
The custom oak vanity, glossy tile and glass-walled shower are elegant.
A skirted dressing table with matching drapes brings charm to the principal ensuite.
Original wood panelling is a wonderful backdrop for rich blue bedding and drapes in this guest room. “I think Lynda struck a brilliant balance between a home that’s comfortable enough for young children and their parents, but elegant enough for my adult friends,” says the client. “It works very well on a sophisticated level, and I’m tremendously proud of it. I don’t think that’s an easy combination to strike.”
Another favorite sight line, the corner of a guest room with antiques and naïve art. “It’s a pretty house, so one of the goals was to bring a mix of classic country prints, graphic modern elements and artisanal accents to each room.”
A trio of twin beds gives a “Madeline” feel to this bedroom, which is sophisticated enough for adult guests.
Watch the full tour of this lakehouse makeover here!
Stacey Brandford
House & Home
Paul Roth Architecture (architecture)/Lynda Reeves Design Studio (design)