Cottages
Straddling Water And Land, This Muskoka Boathouse Epitomizes The Best Of Lakeside Living
Updated on January 8, 2024
As a longtime cottager, designer Anne Hepfer understands the allure of Ontario’s Muskoka region very well. So when she was asked to rebuild a family’s boathouse after it was damaged by ice, she rose to the challenge, overseeing both the architecture and the interior design. The completely new structure visually relates to the main cottage and feels like it’s always been here.
Once she’d navigated the many technical considerations, Anne set about creating a design plan that balanced beauty with practicality. She zeroed in on the sheer romance of a boathouse, a slice of real estate that’s half water, half wood, where cottage memories are made. The decorating is graphic and understated, with subtle nautical touches, woven accents and pops of blue. Wire-brushed white oak floors add warmth, and lantern sconces, rope mirrors and Breton stripes are nautical touchstones.
Keep scrolling to tour a Muskoka boathouse that straddles the water and the land!
“It’s such a privilege to be on the Canadian Shield, with the granite rocks and soaring pines,” says Anne. “It takes my breath away. I think a boathouse is where you want to be — and I know I’m not the only one who would agree!”
The boathouse contains a guesthouse, as well as space for entertaining, so it’s well-equipped: there’s a bedroom, kitchen, full bathroom, and dock-level powder room and bar. With white board-and-batten walls throughout, Anne kept the palette airy on both levels, never losing sight of the fact that nothing can compete with lakeside views.
On the upper level, Anne created interesting tension by juxtaposing the white palette with black outlines. “I love to do outlines, and I’ve been obsessed with black window frames,” says the designer. “They almost act as picture frames to provide depth and contrast.” Anne layered the space with white furniture and woven pieces. Lighting provides a discreet glow at night.
In the kitchen, Anne designed a symmetrical look with black-outlined cabinets and a panel-ready fridge and pantry that flank a rope-framed mirror. The island houses a wine fridge and beverage center, and the barbecue is steps away. A quintet of pendants offers a playful moment over the island.
Anne chose wire-brushed white oak flooring and painted pine board-and-batten for the walls, which withstands moisture better than drywall or MDF and has a modern, nautical look.
In the full upper-level bathroom, a curvy pill-shaped mirror, oval vessel sink and round pendant shade break up the linear wall boards.
On the lower level, Anne took a page from her own cottage and added a cozy covered seating nook, then installed pocket windows into the bar around the corner so it’s easy to serve a crowd right on the dock. “It’s like an outdoor living room,” says Anne. “You’re protected from the sun and, even if it’s raining, you can still be near the water.” A built-in sectional (with a porthole-esque mirror just above) maximizes seating and provides 180-degree views of the water. “You can lie on the banquette and take a nap, or pack people onto it for cocktails.”
The downstairs bar has a pass-through with pocket windows for serving snacks and bevvies to guests outside. “The porcelain tile feels very ‘Italian café,’ and it’s also weatherproof,” says Anne.
The lower-level bathroom has a floating vanity in case of flooding.
The completely rebuilt boathouse is designed to echo the main cottage. The covered cabana provides shelter so the dock can be enjoyed in any kind of weather. Meanwhile, bags and towels are always at the ready for a boat ride.
Virginia Macdonald
House & Home July/August 2022
Anne Hepfer