Oke Woodsmith built this home 20 years ago and the ensuite was typical of its time. The space became small and cramped for the busy lifestyle of the owners. Working in the same footprint , Oke Woodsmith was able to capture the true space within. A stand-alone tub and glass shower walls gave the sense of volume. It was all tied together with ceramic tiled walls and vessel sinks on an open vanity.
Turning a simple cottage into a year round retreat, set on the Lake Hurons shoreline over looking one of the worlds best sunsets.
To take a small century home in the middle of an urban setting and then to modernize and personalize it were the driving forces when the owners purchased this humble home close to The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.
Unlike some lakefront locations, the view from the property encompasses not only the lake, but also the Michigan shoreline. Freighter traffic and sailboat races are commonplace sights.
For generations, the family came to the lake near Bayfield and settled on a piece of land on the shoreline of Lake Huron. As the family grew, it became apparent that there was a need for change. The original cottage and surrounding out buildings were tired and in need of major renovations. The family decided on building and Oke Woodsmith was just what they needed. It was no small task as input from multiple family members was taken into consideration.
Mary Lou Erb looked forward to a low-maintenance lifestyle when she moved into her new condo in Zurich in July 2007. What she’s really enjoying, however, is the sense of living in a community within a community.
Heritage meets present day
The one floor home, which backs on to a wooded area, was inspired by the natural elements. Chilton stone from Wisconsin in shades of plum, green, sand and blue anchors the exterior, which is accented by arches of reclaimed brick.
This renovation was inspired by two things: the need to retire and to enjoy the north-westerly view of Lake Huron. There was also the need to expand and modernize the family cottage and make it flow for everyday life. Set high on the bank of Lake Huron, the tower was a necessity for the owner’s watchful eye for the day-to-day activities on the lake – “his afternoon watch “…
When you have the ideal property situated in your home town, rather then move Oke Woodsmith designed and modified the existing home and brought the interior finishes to the modern day. The modifications were a reflection of the owners and their lifestyle and blended well with the existing, the slight changes enhanced the overall look and feel.
