Case Study

Luxury in wilderness. A Georgian Bay getaway. Forever memories.

Overview

The dream of owning a Georgian Bay vacation rental property became a reality for this couple when they found a lot on Royal Island in Honey Harbour. Inspired by a memorable AirBnB stay, the clients asked Sketch to design a personal oasis that would also be a sought-after year-round luxury retreat offering comfort and the Canadian outdoors.

The owners wanted a balance between communal and private spaces. The final build has two master suites with private decks, set off to the sides for unparalleled tranquility. The waterfront property offers stunning sunsets and lake views, maximized with a spacious shared deck and panoramic great room windows.

Challenge

The design had to entice vacationers to indulge in nature and give them ample seclusion to retreat to when needed. Our test was to build a cozy, yet private interior that would be minimalist but inviting. West-facing properties naturally capture breathtaking sunsets, but we wanted to bend the daylight to brighten the insides of the lakehouse, too. Island construction poses numerous logistical challenges, such as rocky terrain, sloping land, and material transportation. Sketch believes that challenges are opportunities to excel.

Solution

Construction began in April 2023, with all material barged over to continue over winter, with work finishing in June 2024. We set the lakehouse deep into property for privacy due to the rocky terrain and stringent setbacks from water, maximizing natural light. The mega-wide deck has a hot tub and clean glass railings that offer serene water views. The lakehouse boasts clean, straight lines, combining engineered wood siding with metal roofing, mixing modernity with classic minimalism. This subtle design approach brings vacationers closer to the great Canadian outdoors. Separate, soundproofed sleeping areas ensure privacy for those extra-long quiet mornings before the day’s excitement begins.