at water’s edge

pigeon lake 16 Paradise St. (Omemee) Asking price: $1.2-million Taxes: $5,043 (2013) Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4 MLS# X2883389

It’s fitting that this house is on a street called Paradise. The custom cedar home, built in 2012, is on 1.3 private acres with 425 feet of water frontage. It is set back only 100 feet from the water’s edge, unusual because most new builds have to be 300 feet from the water, says listing agent Richard Ling.

The level lot has cribbed stones along the length of its shoreline and a private double driveway that winds its way under mature trees to the 3,800-sq.-ft. house.

A treasure for anyone who loves wood, massive amounts of it are used throughout on walls, floors and ceilings.

The kitchen has black granite counters and a walkout to cascading terraces. The airy sunken great room has a 26-ft. cathedral ceiling, floorto-ceiling windows and two walkouts.

A family room, a television/ games room and a study are also on the main floor so family members can do their own things without disturbing each other.

A retreat within a retreat, the master suite has a fivepiece ensuite bathroom with a 10-jet whirlpool tub and a balcony.

The lower level includes a gym, a second family room and two bedrooms. The energy-efficient home has R-24 insulation in the walls and R-70 in the cathedral ceiling.

The property, on the Trent Severn Waterway, has a floating dock.

Great as a vacation home, it’s also ideal for year-round living because it’s close to schools and within a 20-minute drive of a hospital. It also has garbage pick-up and mail delivery, Mr. Ling says.