A year-round family cottage serving as an experiential retreat overlooking Muskoka’s lakefront

A family retreat set in Muskoka, adds a new cottage to complete a family campus set up for this generation and those that follow. The building section, a sharp, modest peaked roof with a heavy overhang, shelters the perimeter from spring rain and snowy winters and peels away to shape two sloping clerestory windows. Throughout the day, the natural lighting animates the interior, changing with the sun’s position. Inside, a large double height living space centered around a central hearth opens to the muskoka room, offering views to the lake below. The interior sits in contrast to the minimal exterior, with more crafted and textured finishes in contrast to the sharp, simple shell and presents a more intimate atmosphere. A covered outdoor spa area is nestled into the slope of the site, providing private loggia that frames the surrounding landscape.

Aerial photo of a striking black roof cottage design, tucked into an orange and red maple forest on a calm lake in autumn.

  • Year

    • 2024

  • Size

    • Basement 1,690 sq.ft.
    • Lower Ground 2,720 sq.ft.
    • Upper Ground 2,270 sq.ft.
    • Loft 1,500 sq.ft.

  • Location

    • Muskoka, Ontario

  • Design

    • Barbora Vokac Taylor
    • Sarah McMurtry
    • Charlene Estabaya
    • Craig Van Ravens
    • Cyril Fauche

  • Interiors

    • Barbora Vokac Taylor
    • Andreea Denes

  • Contractor

    • Mazenga North Building Group

  • Structural

    • Contact Engineering

  • Mechanical

    • Van Ravens Mechanical Design

  • Landscape Architect

    • Five Point Muskoka Ltd.

  • Millwork

    • Otley

  • Window Covers, Upholstery

    • Hemme Custom

  • Art Director, Stylist

    • Alanna Davey

  • Photographer

    • Doublespace Photography
Multi-level view of the contemporary cottage exterior, showcasing the black wood siding, narrow windows, and concrete elements blending into the natural, rocky landscape.
Exterior architectural detail of a black wood-clad modern Muskoka cottage over a raw concrete foundation, set amongst forest landscaping.
Unique outdoor shower and hot-tub area built into the concrete base of the cottage, featuring an open-air enclosure with wooden benches and decking, surrounded by natural foliage.
Interior living space dominated by a soaring, floor-to-ceiling fireplace constructed from natural fieldstone, flanked by high white walls and a burnt orange sectional sofa.
Minimalist modern kitchen design in a cottage with a long white island, dark green scalloped tile backsplash, professional range, and a stone fireplace visible in the dining area.
Expansive double-height great room in the Muskoka cottage, featuring an A-frame ceiling with exposed wood rafters and a large, light wood dining table with built-in bench seating.
Interior staircase with rich wood treads and a dramatic green and white scalloped pattern tile wall, contrasting with light, horizontally-slatted wood paneling.
Light-filled contemporary cottage bedroom featuring a wooden bed with a vibrant yellow velvet headboard and a view into a hallway with a patterned black and white tiled floor.
Bright, contemporary bedroom with a colorful floral curtain and headboard, light wood details, and a large window providing a view of the surrounding trees.
Home gym located in a vaulted attic space with exposed wood rafters, large mirrors, black rubber flooring, and multiple racks of kettlebell weights.
Contemporary open-concept dining area in a Muskoka cottage with large, black-framed sliding glass doors overlooking a lake and colorful autumn trees.
Modern Muskoka cottage living room with a feature wall of angled wood panels, full-height window, dark grey sofa, and a waterfront view of a separate black boathouse.
Cozy contemporary living room at dusk with a custom wood-slat feature wall illuminated by uplighting, comfortable seating, and a large window overlooking the water.
Exterior evening photograph of the modern black Muskoka cottage entrance, showing the dark metal roof, black wood siding, and warm light spilling from the windows.