New Lakehouse on a Cherished Family Property

STORY: RENEE ALKASS | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDY MACKAY

Nestled on the shores of Lake Couchiching, this modern lakehouse, designed in collaboration with Coralee Monaghan of Coralee Monaghan Interiors, beautifully blends contemporary style with a nod to history. Built to be Ted and Carolen Allen’s forever home, it honours the past while embracing the future.

Ted and Carolen have spent their married life buying, renovating and selling homes. But in 2015, when they acquired family property, they embarked on a journey to create a home to live out their golden years. At first, they aimed to renovate the original 1920s structure, but after encountering numerous roadblocks, they decided in 2022 to start fresh with a complete teardown. The new build would preserve the spirit of the original while introducing modern design elements.

Given the scale of the project, the Allens sought a designer to collaborate with, choosing local designer Coralee Monaghan of Coralee Monaghan Interiors. “I had my own ideas,” Carolen shares, “but Coralee really helped point us in the right direction.”

Spanning nearly 8,000 square feet with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the lakehouse became a collaborative effort between architect Ted Handy & Associates Inc., contractor Milestone Custom Construction and Coralee. While the house is new, maintaining the property’s rich history was a top priority for the couple. Unique touches echo the past, including a fireplace mantel crafted from a native oak tree, antique windows salvaged from an old shed and the original vestibule door now repurposed for the office. The primary bedroom even features the original hardwood floor – removed and repurposed by Carolen herself – now showcased on the ceiling.

The outdoor spaces also retain their charm, with the original teahouse and bunkie by the shore and a renovated boathouse offering living quarters. “We had a good idea of the layout we wanted,” Ted explains. “We knew the kitchen had to be close to the garage, so we didn’t have to carry groceries very far.”

During construction, the Allens travelled frequently, leaving Coralee to oversee on-site walkthroughs and ensure their vision came to life. The grand foyer beyond the eight-foot front door showcases an extended arched entryway and a striking diagonal diamond tile pattern, as per Coralee’s advice and design. Engineered hardwood flooring in Burnt Almond runs throughout the main floor, sourced from Alliston Flooring and installed by Milestone Custom Construction.

The heart of the home is the expansive chef’s kitchen, designed with Coralee’s input. Quartz countertops complement custom cabinetry featuring black hardware and crown moulding that stretches to the ceiling. A charming butler’s pantry, with a butcher block countertop salvaged from the original house, offers additional storage.

To reflect the arch in the foyer, Coralee recommended adding a similar arched entryway to the pantry – a thoughtful design element that ties the spaces together. “This is where we spend the most time,” Carolen says, referring to the kitchen and great room. The vaulted ceilings, built-in bar and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Coralee suggested adding wood beams to the ceiling to enhance the space’s natural warmth and helped select the perfect style and colour. “We wanted to incorporate a lot of colour, textures and natural finishes to mirror the outdoors,” Coralee explains.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light while offering breathtaking views of Lake Couchiching. The exterior is just as impressive, featuring armour stone masonry installed by FoxCon Contracting and A.S. Masonry, accentuating Ted’s beautifully landscaped gardens.

Back inside, the main-floor laundry room is both functional and elegant. A skylight brings ample light. Custom cabinetry by Simply Closets provides abundant storage. Soft blue-grey walls, chosen with Coralee’s guidance, give the space a light and airy feel. For the Allens, planning for the future was crucial. “Our motto was aging in place,” Carolen shares. In response, Coralee designed two bathrooms with accessibility in mind, including curbless showers, lower shelving and taps. The house is even prepped for an elevator to be added. “Working with Coralee was a wonderful experience,” Carolen adds.

This lakehouse is truly the Allens’ forever home. “I’ve always loved this area,” Carolen reflects. “I’ve been coming here since childhood. When my aunt and uncle had a cottage in Cumberland Beach, some of my most precious memories are from there.” With their daughter set to marry on the lakefront in 2026, Ted and Carolen are thrilled to share this cherished space with family and friends for years to come. OH

Originally published in Barrie|Orillia|Midland|Innisfil - Holiday/Winter 2024/25 issue