Tranquility Base
STORY: LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDY MACKAY
As wisps of morning mist drift over Little Whitefish Lake, Lisa and Alan Mastrangelo relax on their deck and allow nature to work its magic. The soothing sound of wind and water quickly eases the stress of a hectic week. Located in Seguin Township, their four-season, three-bedroom cottage is the ultimate weekend getaway. “After a long week of work, there’s nothing quite like stepping foot into our home away from home,” says Alan, vice-president of a manufacturing company.
The couple, who reside in Mount Albert, were immediately bewitched by the beautiful property. “Our son-in-law found the listing on a whim and it just so happened to check all our boxes,” says Lisa, now retired. “We took a drive and we immediately fell in love.” Alan and Lisa purchased the property, tore down an existing, older cottage and began building from scratch in October, 2019.
They entrusted Pat Clark Contracting to erect the frame and exterior. At this point, Alan took over and, with Lisa’s help, spent the next four years finishing the cottage. It was a labour of love that utilized his carpentry skills and also helped him relieve the pressure of a stressful career. “I work full-speed all the time.
Red Canoe Interiors furnished the Brentwood sectional sofa in the open-concept living space.
When I come up here to work on the house, I forget everything but the job at hand,” he explains. Alan installed the electrical service, plumbing, insulation, vapour barrier, drywall, flooring and trim. He learned construction from his father who emigrated from Italy and, as a family, they built many homes over the years, Alan recalls.
Although Lisa was exasperated with the time it took to complete the project, she is proud of the meticulous workmanship Alan incorporated throughout the cottage. Lisa pitched in and helped, tackling every job with determination and enthusiasm. “Even when he had my life on the line up on the scaffolding,” she quips.
The vaulted shiplap ceiling in Benjamin Moore Simply White reflects natural light throughout the open concept.
The couple collaborated with designer Joy Crookshank of Red Canoe Interiors to forge a lake-house vibe that is bright and airy by blending a neutral colour palette with texture and low-profile furniture. “I wanted the space to feel whole, cohesive in colours and textures,” says Joy. She enjoyed working with Lisa and Alan and quickly discovered they shared the same sense of humour. “We had fun joking and chatting about the project,” she says. Lisa appreciated Joy’s uncanny ability to select décor and colours that accurately reflected her vision of the cottage. “Working with Joy was great. She gets a feel for what you want and offers lots of alternatives,” says Lisa.
Joy enjoys creating spaces that are relaxed and comfortable. “I have always loved decorating interior spaces. I grew up in a home where my mother had places for everything and was amazing at layering old treasures with new. Our home always felt quiet, comfortable and organized.”
The main floor is open concept yet compact and comfortable with easy-care, engineered hardwood floors. Cooking for friends and family is a pleasure in the well-equipped kitchen, furnished with cabinetry and counters by Brooklace Kitchen & Bath. “They’re excellent people to deal with,” recalls Alan, who enjoys mastering a new recipe. “We like entertaining our family and friends.” Matching bell-shaped pendant lamps, from Red Canoe Interiors, with trendy Edison bulbs gently illuminate the generous quartz-topped island. A built-in bar fridge conveniently chills wine for dinner. A dark ceramic tile backsplash, by Tilemaster, skirts quartz countertops. Indigo counter stools accentuate the gold hardware and white maple cabinets.
A critter wall of forest denizens greets visitors entering the cottage.
Alan’s favourite spot is the cosy, sun-drenched Muskoka room, the ideal haven in which to relax with a glass of wine after a long week. Sunspace Sunrooms provided the WeatherMaster windows, made from ViewFlex, a tough, resilient vinyl that is virtually maintenance-free. They provide 75 per cent ventilation so enjoying a breeze off the lake is easy. Wicker furniture, white shiplap walls with a contrasting accent wall and Cape Cod siding add a nautical feel to the room. “I really like how this room turned out,” says Joy. “Allan did a good job on the trim, walls and flooring.”
On cool, spring evenings, Alan fires up the black wood stove in the living room. He installed the stove during construction so he could work on the cottage throughout the winter. Large windows, provided by Rona, infuse the main level with light. The vaulted shiplap ceiling in Benjamin Moore Simply White reflects natural light throughout the open concept. Stylish, yet durable furniture was a must to accommodate their busy lifestyle. Joy chose a Brentwood sectional sofa, matching armchairs and a sturdy Dash and Albert area rug made of recycled plastic.
The king-size bed in the primary bedroom enjoys a beautiful view of the lake.
The primary bedroom opens to a spacious deck and outdoor dining area. Matching grey-and-white lamps with potterystyle bases flank the bedroom suite, adding a rustic flavour to the room. An adjacent en suite and walk-in closet provide convenience and functionality.
Alan and Lisa’s labour of love nears completion as they continue to work on transforming the lower level into a recreational space and guest suite. In the meantime, they are enjoying their peaceful, lakeside haven. OH
From the Muskoka - Spring 2024 issue