Lakeside Estate

Life on the Bay…

On the southern edge of the Bay of Quinte, silhouettes of passing sailboats, distant soaring planes and vibrant sunsets are a common theme. Set directly in this locale is this client’s extensive estate. But the property was missing a landscape that matched its size and grandeur.

An entertainer’s delight.

These clients love to entertain friends and family.

Their vision was for the main home and guest house to be surrounded by a wide range of different outdoor spaces. During the design phase, it was extremely important to create an extension of the indoor living space while maintaining the mature trees that blend into the surrounding landscape terrain. In the end, five distinct spaces were crafted, and each one serves a vital role in the landscape.

Abundant outdoor living.

The first space is apparent the moment you walk through the house and out the back doors.

Terraced wooden decks are the ideal setting for good conversations, dining al fresco or unwinding in the sunshine. Rough cut hemlock posts and beams were used to connect the deck with the natural surroundings and the towering trees that frame the space. Below the deck sits an outdoor kitchen and another outdoor living room.

A sense of hospitality.

The second outdoor living space surrounds the guest house that sits by the water’s edge, next to a comforting willow tree.

Warm Western Red cedar decking lines the front of the guest house and encompasses a sunken barrel-style hot tub. The broad herbaceous planting beds not only define this area but encourage biodiversity by attracting birds and butterflies.

Visions of Cape Cod.

From the deck, a meandering path of exposed concrete aggregate mimics the texture of beachy pebbles and sand as one walks to the third space.

The gabion basket firepit and retaining walls subtly prompt visuals of lobster traps, softened by the ornamental grass that sways to the movement of the northwest winds. All of it evokes the feeling of a Cape Cod-like retreat.

Sit by the water’s edge.

Down the hill from the pool is a fourth space by the waterfront. Here, the family can relax fireside on the natural stone patio.

A sandy area sits alongside the circular patio, inviting people young and old to hours of beachy fun. Luckily, the lake is just a couple steps away and the dock juts out from the shore beckoning you to jump off the end for an afternoon swim.

Rinse off before heading inside.

If the sand didn’t all wash off in the lake, wander up to the fifth area up the hill, just beyond the pool, and take a nice outdoor shower.

This conveniently sits between the pool and fenced-in basketball court.

Key Design Elements

Wooden Terraced Decks

These decks act as an extension of the house through the deck’s layout. Wire cable railings and elegant retractable awnings complete the picture. The outdoor dining area on the side deck flows into the middle deck which features a table and seating for four. A third section features a bar top overlooking the property and comfortable outdoor couch seating.
Multiple Pools & Spas

The pool and terrace are simple and elegantly integrated into the lawn area and embraced by the planting on the hill behind for exquisite lounging — both inside and out of the water. Underneath the deck is a stone hot tub with a waterfall feature and surrounding lighting, ready to use whether day or night.
Endless Space to Relax or Play

Whether dining on the deck, lounging on one of the three patios, diving into the pool, decompressing in one of the hot tubs or warming up in front of the firepit, this landscape has something for everyone in the family. A true resort for the ultimate staycation!