Trading Spaces: A Lake Huron Home for the Ages
Story: Jennifer Patton | Photography: Sandy Mackay
When Allan Dew and Jane Kershaw built their original cottage in Muskoka, they imagined it would be a forever nexus for their large family. With three kids and seven grandchildren, the cedar cottage with its bunkhouse and secret passageways was a beloved escape from the city. But after 23 years, with children all grown, “it was time,” Allan says, “for chapter two.”
The couple traded in their island property for a picturesque lake house in Port Elgin. It was pure serendipity, and a happy footnote, to discover that their old cottage was bought by a family who had vacationed for many years in Southampton.
“I think it’s the little things, the details,” Jane states when discussing what makes their new place home. Those details include the red fish next to the front door.
Family is what brought the couple to Port Elgin, with two daughters who live locally, one in Port Elgin and one in Clarksburg. After the sale of the cottage in Muskoka, Allan and Jane decided they weren’t going to make a move on a new place for at least a year, but that plan failed when they found a lot on Lake Huron. They sat on Muskoka chairs by the water and quickly decided it was time to build.
They turned to their friend, Grant Williamson of Elmo Star Design, who built their Muskoka home, to create the new lake house. Drawings featured an expanse of windows to emphasize and frame the horizon. Grant also specified a coffered ceiling in the living room and transom windows across the kitchen and lounge. Allan and Jane hired Steve Dennisonof Dennison Homes to transform the plans into reality. “Steve is an incredible builder,” Alan says. He can take the design and make it work.” Amanda Thede, of K-Interiors, their interior design consultant, helped plan and execute the details, including a beautiful Lasercut wall panel by Sam Davatar of Artotech.
The cottage exterior complements the landscape with a bone white roof by Agway Metals, white siding and black Fibertec windows, which Allan credits for keeping the house cool, at Steve’s suggestion. The lovely outdoor landscaping was completed by Harvey Design & Build.
The interior is a relaxing oasis. The black windows along the rear of the house draw your eye straight to the lake view. To the left, the kitchen by Bruce County Cabinets and designed by Kaitlyn Shular, is breezy and natural with few upper cabinets and a simple tile backsplash. The Caesarstone countertop is from The Old Barn. Tiles throughout the home were all selected through Dennison Homes.
The lounge area is the room with the view and its citron ultrasuede sofa adds a pop of colour. The couple love original artwork. In addition to two Douglas Kirton paintings, art throughout reflects their love of Toronto and New York, with photos taken by Allan, as well as a painting from the couple’s favourite restaurant in Toronto on Queen West, La Fenice. The lighting took three months to source, which Jane gathered from various lighting stores. The pale ash floors add a relaxing feel to the home.
“A house always speaks to what it needs,” says Jane, referring to the furnishings. For the most part, the furniture in the house was pulled from different places; their condo in Florida, creating a beachy feel, and accents from their old cottage add nostalgia. The living room sofa and chairs were sourced through Palazzetti. Stools from K Interiors complete and enhance the scheme. Jane achieved a clean and compelling look with paint, including Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White, Dove Wing and White Dove. This simple backdrop ensures the water is the focal point. With light linen window coverings from Inside Ideas, the view is never blocked and every sunset can be celebrated and enjoyed.
Allan, Jane and their team considered every detail, from the window panes to light fixtures to ensure their home is a welcoming space for family and friends to feel welcome at this ideal spot on Lake Huron.
