Home design: A cottage with wings 

This geometric cottage designed by the architect Heather Asquith — which looks like two giant fused Monopoly pieces — is located on a bayside bird habitat. Up to 50,000 feathered jetsetters nest here during the migratory season and frequently come in for a landing, their pronged feet leaving imprints all around the grounds. 

“We always have the binoculars handy,” says homeowner Ian Wheatley, a set decorator in the film business, of the cottage on Horseshoe Bay located along the shore of Lake Huron near Port Elgin. 

He and his wife, Susan Patterson, who has a fashion background, retreat here during all seasons with Juno, their rescue Australian Shepherd–Golden Retriever. And the trio would have no qualms absconding from the family’s home base in Toronto for good. 

“We love the abundance of birds and wildlife. Spending time here makes you really appreciate nature,” says Wheatley. 

For many years, the couple owned a quaint cottage near the beach in Southampton. “But we dreamed of being on the water and having more privacy,” says Wheatley. “We also wanted a larger place that still felt cozy where we could comfortably gather with family and friends, especially in retirement.” 

When the birding spot came up for sale, it struck a chord. Apart from the animal life, there are sweeping views that extend toward Chantry Island and its enormous stone lighthouse, built in the 19th century. 

And so the couple bought it. There was an existing cottage on the site that was the same size — 2,230 square feet — as the new one. “It was old and simple with a gable roof. They were using that temporarily, knowing they were going to do the rebuild,” says Asquith, who worked on the project with her colleagues and architectural designers Amanda Carson and Theodore Wong, while Lloyd Kuepfer and his team of woodworkers were responsible for building both the exterior and interior of the home. 

Because part of the property is on a floodplain, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority had imposed construction restrictions. “Technically you’re not allowed to build on a floodplain,” says Asquith. “However, if there is an existing structure, you can repair or reconstruct it, so they would not let us build larger.” 

This suited the couple fine. “We wanted every room to be welcoming, functional and well-used so the entire house (would feel) lived in and enjoyed,” says Wheatley. 

To minimize its environmental impact, Asquith’s team built the structure on helical piers. 

The giant Monopoly pieces — twin barn-inspired buildings, — are connected by a sheltered courtyard, which is a dreamy little spot. 

“That connector allows those two volumes to feel separate,” says Asquith. It’s also perfect because the area can get windy and it’s nestled and protected during inclement weather. 

Maibec cedar shake from Quebec clad the buildings, chosen because it reminded the couple of vacations in Cape Cod when their children were young. 

“The home’s design draws heavily on East Coast and Scandinavian influences,” says Wheatley, who, together with Patterson, took charge of the interior design. 

“Our style is eclectic, mixing contemporary furnishings with old family pieces that we love,” says Wheatley. “Susan and her siblings were very influenced by their parents’ love of homes and appreciation for finding antique and vintage pieces.” 

Vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings that top out at 16 feet have a classic cottage feel. And wide-plank engineered oak floors with radiant in-floor heating is toasty underfoot.  

In terms of layout, the front of the house (the one-storey section) is comprised of the living, dining and kitchen area; the kitchen was crafted by Great Lakes Woodworking. The cottage overlooks the water through substantial glass doors and windows on all sides.  

“Even during the darkest days of winter, there’s natural light,” Wheatley points out. “Heather also designed a generous deck spanning the front and side of the house, creating an inviting outdoor living and dining space we use all summer.” 

The connected two-storey building holds a sunken music room and three bedrooms. 

Having extra room has come in handy when family and friends, including four-footed ones, pop by. 

“Our place is a dog’s paradise. We can walk straight to the water, where there are beautiful trails and an off-leash dog park in Port Elgin,” says Wheatley. “We also love the dog-friendly beaches at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.” 

Swimming and tennis, kayaking, skiing, hiking and the ever-changing vista also keep the couple busy, as does exploring nearby Owen Sound, Meaford, Collingwood and Paisley. Not a bad retirement template at all.