Cottages & Bungalows

JUBILEE ON THE LAKE

A lakeside property featuring docks and outdoor entertaini­ng spaces becomes a true haven for the homeowners during the worldwide pandemic.

- BY AUTUMN KRAUSE

A lakeside property featuring docks and outdoor entertaini­ng spaces becomes a true haven for the homeowners during the global pandemic.

Ever since she was a teenager, Janice Glover had fantasized about designing her own home and sketched many floor plans of her dream designs. However, once she grew up, she ended up helping others find their home sweet homes and quickly rose to prominence in the investment real estate business. With a partner, she purchased and improved 15 to 20 properties and, in the process, fell in love with staging and decorating. She and her husband did purchase a waterfront property on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, Ontario, 20 years ago. “It was a simple, small log cottage and also had a tiny guest cabin,” Janice recalls. “At that time, our daughters were still very young, and it fulfilled a really big dream to own waterfront vacation property in the highly desirable lake district.”

The proximity to the water was idyllic, but the conditions were cramped and far from ideal. “An especially important facet of this cottage life was to have family and friends visit on weekends as often as possible,” Janice says. “We only had three tiny bedrooms and one bathroom inside the cottage, and the guest cabin was primitive—it had no running water or toilets. So they were only suitable for people who were prepared for a bit of a rustic ‘comfort camping’ experience.” In addition, the family expanded as the girls grew up, creating the need for larger bedrooms and more space as grandchild­ren arrived. There was only one thing to do: Create the dream home Janice had been fantasizin­g about since her teen years. Now it’s called Jubilee Haven, and it is, as the name suggests, a joyful sanctuary.

COTTAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTI­ON

The project was not without its challenges. “Over a few years we investigat­ed several options to add additions or a larger, more modernized guest cabin,” Janice says. “But due to our unique position so close to the water, we constantly ran into rules and building restrictio­ns that limited our options. ”They realized that if they demolished the existing cottage, they could blast deeper into the bedrock below, which would give them the ability to add a full walkout lower level and build a new home that would be double the original size. Just as she had as a teen, Janice sketched up her dream design. Only this time, it would become a reality. “I gave the floor plans, along with saved inspiratio­nal pictures and magazine clippings, to the architect who drew up the profession­al designs for the builder,” Janice says. The expansive new cottage features a kingsize primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom and double closets. The lower level has two generously sized guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom with a spa-like shower, a kitchenett­e and a family room for play or TV watching. One of the guest bedrooms has enough space for a third twin bed—for the future grandchild­ren Janice hopes for.

LIVING LA VIDA LAKESIDE

Janice, who honed her style during her years spent in real estate investment, describes her aesthetic as “classic and nautical, combined with being whimsical and colorful.” She and her husband had repainted the old cottage blue with white trim and loved it so much they decided to follow the same color combinatio­n for the exterior of the new home. “Having loved blue and white for as long as I can remember and leaning towards a nautical flavor in my décor, it came as an easy choice,” Janice says.

In addition to the color scheme, most of the pieces of the rebuild were in place—and then things drasticall­y changed as the historical and unpreceden­ted events of Covid-19 unfolded. Like many people around the world, Janice’s husband began working from home. “That was how the two of us and our Golden Retriever, Malibu, left our house in the suburbs of Toronto to stay at our brand-new cottage for ‘a few days,’” she says. They ended up staying for the remaining nine months of 2020, only returning to the suburbs occasional­ly to collect items from home. It was a challengin­g time to get new appliances and furniture deliveries, but they got to experience their lakeside retreat in a completely new way, and it’s something they are still savoring.

“We are immersed in nature views on every side,” Janice says. “Every day there are gorgeous lake sunrises and sunsets through the large windows. Our view from bed lets us feel like we are sleeping outside under the night sky, except in comfort, while seeing the myriad brilliant stars and constellat­ions drift by.”

When the family first purchased the property, they dubbed it Jubilee Point but decided to rename it after they began constructi­on. “I changed the name to Jubilee Haven,” Janice says. “We had no idea then how much of a haven and refuge our lakeside home would become for us throughout 2020. It was a safe and peaceful place to enjoy a sense of normalcy throughout an otherwise turbulent year in the world.”They will always appreciate how their lakeside escape was a haven for them—and, when it is safe to do so, they’re looking forward to sharing it once again with family and friends.

“Having loved blue and white for as long as I can remember and leaning towards a nautical flavor in my décor, it came as an easy choice.”

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?? ?? LIGHT AND BRIGHT. “I love having this open concept, light and bright atmosphere on our main floor,” says homeowner Janice Glover. She finds it so much more conducive to the way a cottage is used, especially one like hers that isn’t very large. When they host a large group of people, some of the visitors can sit in the living room area, others around the dining room table or at the kitchen island, and they can still feel like they're in the same room.
LIGHT AND BRIGHT. “I love having this open concept, light and bright atmosphere on our main floor,” says homeowner Janice Glover. She finds it so much more conducive to the way a cottage is used, especially one like hers that isn’t very large. When they host a large group of people, some of the visitors can sit in the living room area, others around the dining room table or at the kitchen island, and they can still feel like they're in the same room.
?? ?? |TOP| PRETTY PORCH. A covered porch area was an addition to the new constructi­on and became Jubilee Haven’s primary entrance. Cedar boards make up the deck, while aluminum siding is durable yet elegant. Nature encircles the cottage and slips right up onto the porch via Impatiens plants, which cascade from the planters. “I like how much they spread and overflow the containers over their growing season,” Janice says.
|TOP| PRETTY PORCH. A covered porch area was an addition to the new constructi­on and became Jubilee Haven’s primary entrance. Cedar boards make up the deck, while aluminum siding is durable yet elegant. Nature encircles the cottage and slips right up onto the porch via Impatiens plants, which cascade from the planters. “I like how much they spread and overflow the containers over their growing season,” Janice says.
?? ?? |BELOW| DINING AU BORD DE L’EAU. This deck serves as an outdoor living room. As the day descends, this seating area near the water often gets some of the last rays of sunshine, making it a cozy place to relax after a final afternoon swim. And, when the temps begin to drop, an outdoor fireplace provides a place to linger. It’s a great spot to make s’mores and snack on popcorn. It will also be a place for another special memory. In September, the youngest daughter will have her wedding ceremony here with the lake as the backdrop.
|BELOW| DINING AU BORD DE L’EAU. This deck serves as an outdoor living room. As the day descends, this seating area near the water often gets some of the last rays of sunshine, making it a cozy place to relax after a final afternoon swim. And, when the temps begin to drop, an outdoor fireplace provides a place to linger. It’s a great spot to make s’mores and snack on popcorn. It will also be a place for another special memory. In September, the youngest daughter will have her wedding ceremony here with the lake as the backdrop.
?? ?? JUST SUNNING. Jubilee Haven is a multilayer­ed masterpiec­e, and one layer is this sun deck, which is atop the boathouse and connected to the cottage by the deck off the dining room and a staircase leading down. Prior to rebuilding, the deck was also connected, but with the increased height of the new cottage, a few more steps were required for the new staircase to join them. “The sun deck provides a large outdoor dining area with convenient access from the cottage kitchen. We bring our dishes out from the kitchen on trays, and the gas BBQ is located on the same deck for immediate delivery from grill to table,” Janice says.
JUST SUNNING. Jubilee Haven is a multilayer­ed masterpiec­e, and one layer is this sun deck, which is atop the boathouse and connected to the cottage by the deck off the dining room and a staircase leading down. Prior to rebuilding, the deck was also connected, but with the increased height of the new cottage, a few more steps were required for the new staircase to join them. “The sun deck provides a large outdoor dining area with convenient access from the cottage kitchen. We bring our dishes out from the kitchen on trays, and the gas BBQ is located on the same deck for immediate delivery from grill to table,” Janice says.
?? ?? |ABOVE LEFT| A WINSOME WELCOME. Originally, the main entry door led right into the living area, which created congestion when multiple people arrived at once. This new layout allows guests to move easily and naturally into the home, while a built-in—equipped with coat hooks, storage and a bench to sit on—was functional, but also a place Janice knew she would enjoy decorating.
|ABOVE LEFT| A WINSOME WELCOME. Originally, the main entry door led right into the living area, which created congestion when multiple people arrived at once. This new layout allows guests to move easily and naturally into the home, while a built-in—equipped with coat hooks, storage and a bench to sit on—was functional, but also a place Janice knew she would enjoy decorating.
?? ?? |ABOVE RIGHT| MIRROR IMAGE. The couple commission­ed a painting from an artist friend. “It depicts the lake and white birch trees that comprise some of the well-loved scenery in this area,” Janice says. They chose white and navy-blue furniture here for its classic lines and nautical look, along with a blue-and-white striped rug.
|ABOVE RIGHT| MIRROR IMAGE. The couple commission­ed a painting from an artist friend. “It depicts the lake and white birch trees that comprise some of the well-loved scenery in this area,” Janice says. They chose white and navy-blue furniture here for its classic lines and nautical look, along with a blue-and-white striped rug.
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?? ?? HOME SWEET HOME. Janice purchased an unfinished entryway bench with a heart cutout years ago and painted it white to suit this spot. Silk hydrangeas add texture and cool tones of blue and purple, and laminate floors look like ceramic tile but are cost effective and low maintenanc­e for the area, which sees lots of wet feet and dirty paws.
HOME SWEET HOME. Janice purchased an unfinished entryway bench with a heart cutout years ago and painted it white to suit this spot. Silk hydrangeas add texture and cool tones of blue and purple, and laminate floors look like ceramic tile but are cost effective and low maintenanc­e for the area, which sees lots of wet feet and dirty paws.
?? ?? KITCHEN CONCEPT. In the old setup, the kitchen was small and divided off by a wall from the living area. “It wasn’t very functional for entertaini­ng guests,” Janice says. “So designing my dream kitchen for the new building was a top priority for me, with a large island being ranked highest of all.” The island turned out exactly how Janice envisioned it. “The island was designed to be the place where we have plenty of room to set out buffet style meals,” she says. “Guests can walk a full circle around the island to fill their plates.” The island also serves as a favorite surface for Janice to style with seasonal flowers and décor.
KITCHEN CONCEPT. In the old setup, the kitchen was small and divided off by a wall from the living area. “It wasn’t very functional for entertaini­ng guests,” Janice says. “So designing my dream kitchen for the new building was a top priority for me, with a large island being ranked highest of all.” The island turned out exactly how Janice envisioned it. “The island was designed to be the place where we have plenty of room to set out buffet style meals,” she says. “Guests can walk a full circle around the island to fill their plates.” The island also serves as a favorite surface for Janice to style with seasonal flowers and décor.
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?? ?? WINDOWS ON THE WORLD. The main indoor dining area is an architectu­ral feat of windows and doors—a key choice which gives the family a stunning sightline to the rippling water and ever-changing sky. “We used the largest windows we could to maximize the lake views and have minimal obstructio­ns,” Janice says. “They are positioned to create a look of balance and symmetry from the outside.”
WINDOWS ON THE WORLD. The main indoor dining area is an architectu­ral feat of windows and doors—a key choice which gives the family a stunning sightline to the rippling water and ever-changing sky. “We used the largest windows we could to maximize the lake views and have minimal obstructio­ns,” Janice says. “They are positioned to create a look of balance and symmetry from the outside.”
?? ?? |ABOVE| KITCHEN EDIT. Styling details add charm and character to the kitchen. A HomeGoods wreath hangs on the range hood cover, and a sign over the stove features the lyrics from “What A Wonderful World.” Janice says, “The words echo my feelings when I look out in awe at our view of blue lake and sunny skies, the expanse of twinkling stars at night and the beauty of nature all around us.”
|ABOVE| KITCHEN EDIT. Styling details add charm and character to the kitchen. A HomeGoods wreath hangs on the range hood cover, and a sign over the stove features the lyrics from “What A Wonderful World.” Janice says, “The words echo my feelings when I look out in awe at our view of blue lake and sunny skies, the expanse of twinkling stars at night and the beauty of nature all around us.”
?? ?? |RIGHT| CURATED COLLECTION­S. These items are displayed inside the walk-in pantry. Janice designed the custom-built shelving so that if the door is left open, the view is of an attractive display on the open shelves rather than cluttered storage items.
|RIGHT| CURATED COLLECTION­S. These items are displayed inside the walk-in pantry. Janice designed the custom-built shelving so that if the door is left open, the view is of an attractive display on the open shelves rather than cluttered storage items.
?? ?? |ABOVE| SLEEP IN PEACE. Janice originally designed and decorated this guestroom with her two granddaugh­ters in mind. However, it’s become the most used guest room for everyone. It has two twin beds, which can be put together to become a king-size bed. “I wanted this room to have a coastal feel to it, which is achieved with lots of whites, the board-and-batten millwork I added to the lower wall and the Sherwin Williams ‘Sea Salt’ blue-green on the upper portion of the wall,” Janice says. In addition, a bedside lamp base filled with seashells and a ceiling light fixture made of whitewashe­d wooden beads add the perfect waterside punctuatio­n.
|ABOVE| SLEEP IN PEACE. Janice originally designed and decorated this guestroom with her two granddaugh­ters in mind. However, it’s become the most used guest room for everyone. It has two twin beds, which can be put together to become a king-size bed. “I wanted this room to have a coastal feel to it, which is achieved with lots of whites, the board-and-batten millwork I added to the lower wall and the Sherwin Williams ‘Sea Salt’ blue-green on the upper portion of the wall,” Janice says. In addition, a bedside lamp base filled with seashells and a ceiling light fixture made of whitewashe­d wooden beads add the perfect waterside punctuatio­n.
?? ?? |BELOW| GET THE CHECK. A happy shade of blue enlivens the main bedroom. “I like the colors I use inside to be a reflection of the seasonal ones we are seeing through the windows,” Janice says.
|BELOW| GET THE CHECK. A happy shade of blue enlivens the main bedroom. “I like the colors I use inside to be a reflection of the seasonal ones we are seeing through the windows,” Janice says.
?? ?? |ABOVE LEFT| OPEN STORAGE. Since the guest rooms are designed to accommodat­e short-term visitors, Janice decided to forego closets in favor of an open space where bags can be stored and coats hung on easily accessible hooks. The bench also opens to allow for additional storage. “The sweet artwork is from @ theartands­oulshop, and I chose it for this room with our granddaugh­ters in mind, but also because I knew her use of cheerful colors with whimsical images and inspiratio­nal words ... would appeal to young and old alike,” Janice says.
|ABOVE LEFT| OPEN STORAGE. Since the guest rooms are designed to accommodat­e short-term visitors, Janice decided to forego closets in favor of an open space where bags can be stored and coats hung on easily accessible hooks. The bench also opens to allow for additional storage. “The sweet artwork is from @ theartands­oulshop, and I chose it for this room with our granddaugh­ters in mind, but also because I knew her use of cheerful colors with whimsical images and inspiratio­nal words ... would appeal to young and old alike,” Janice says.
?? ?? |ABOVE RIGHT| DOCKSIDE BLUES. When Janice purchased this double-sink vanity, it was a creamy white. “I painted it Sherwin Williams ‘Dockside Blue’ to help create a coastal feel in this room. We used similar coastal blues in the accent tiles in the shower,” Janice says.
|ABOVE RIGHT| DOCKSIDE BLUES. When Janice purchased this double-sink vanity, it was a creamy white. “I painted it Sherwin Williams ‘Dockside Blue’ to help create a coastal feel in this room. We used similar coastal blues in the accent tiles in the shower,” Janice says.
?? ?? |RIGHT| DUAL PURPOSE. The coastal-meets-farmhouse style laundry room also serves as a kitchenett­e on the guest floor and allows visitors to get their own coffee and snacks in the mornings and evenings. It is located just inside the doors leading to the dock, so it’s also easy to throw damp beach towels into the dryer. “This is a room that my husband and I completed ourselves as a DIY,” Janice says. “I thought it would be a fun project, and it also helped us reallocate some of our budget to other areas that were more important to have profession­ally done.”
|RIGHT| DUAL PURPOSE. The coastal-meets-farmhouse style laundry room also serves as a kitchenett­e on the guest floor and allows visitors to get their own coffee and snacks in the mornings and evenings. It is located just inside the doors leading to the dock, so it’s also easy to throw damp beach towels into the dryer. “This is a room that my husband and I completed ourselves as a DIY,” Janice says. “I thought it would be a fun project, and it also helped us reallocate some of our budget to other areas that were more important to have profession­ally done.”

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