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Sand Lake

The new dock seen through tall tree trunks, with red lounge chairs and a boat moored alongside.
This dark, dreary, and outdated cottage has been converted into a charming getaway spot with all the creature comforts of a modern townhouse. An exposed center beam with two large skylights completely immerses you in the forest surrounding this spot. An open-concept kitchen with gorgeous sage cabinets, handmade tiles, and brand-new stainless steel appliances makes this the most desirable spot for entertaining on the island!

With an oddly placed gazebo removed, the newly extended deck provides a million-dollar view and ample space for wining and dining en plein air. Kicking back on a Muskoka chair while relishing in the stunning sunsets off the brand-new dock will take working from home to a whole new level.
Location
Thousand Islands
Type of project
Full interior and exterior renovation
Date completed
2023

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The new dock seen through tall tree trunks, with red lounge chairs and a boat moored alongside.
The new deck set with red-cushioned wicker chairs and a metal dining table beside dark blue siding.
The finished kitchen with sage green cabinets, gold handles, a patterned tile backsplash, black sink and globe pendants.
Sand Lake

The old dock before the rebuild, with weathered grey boards, uneven gaps and a lake beyond.
Before

Due to its rotten structure, the old dock lacked durability, safety and functional docking.

A close-up of the old dock's rotted support beam, crumbling apart above rocks in shallow water.
Before

The existing rotten dock posed hazards and compromised safety with weakened structure and potential for accidents.

The new dock seen through tall tree trunks, with red lounge chairs and a boat moored alongside.
After

The larger dock provides endless possibilities with ample space for activities and enhanced waterfront living.

The finished dock with fresh wood boards, four red lounge chairs and a wide lake view.
After

The new waterfront dock provides an escape to a serene getaway combining stunning views and elegant design for the utmost relaxation and entertainment.

The old septic system excavated beside the cottage's block piers, showing sandy soil and dark, wet sludge.
Before

The old septic system resulted in frequent backups & foul odours, making it a hazard for the homeowners.

A new black septic tank set into an open trench beside the cottage, with a small excavator behind.
During

The installation of a new septic tank brings peace of mind, enhanced water quality and a healthier living environment.

A new wood deck under construction, with an opening that shows the septic tank's green lid below.
After

Our innovative deck design incorporates trap door access panels allowing easy access to the septic system.

The octagonal black gazebo on tall posts beside the cottage before removal, set on a wooded slope.
Before

We seamlessly removed the outdated gazebo to ensure the smooth integration of the new deck.

The cottage after the gazebo came down, with a new wood deck frame on braced posts.
After

With a flick of the imagination, the unsightly wooden gazebo vanished, making room for a breathtaking, expansive new deck.

A close-up of the old deck's support, with dark painted beams and crumbling, rotted wood at the base.
Before

The wood holding up the foundation of the deck was rotting away, making the deck shaky and unstable.

The finished deck with black metal railings and open steps, along beige siding and a brown door.
After

The panelling on the house and the front door got an upgrade.

The new deck set with red-cushioned wicker chairs and a metal dining table beside dark blue siding.
After

The new deck has plenty of seating space for entertaining.

Two new white-framed windows in the cottage's dark blue-grey siding, with string lights along the eaves.
During

By upgrading the windows, we brought in more natural light, improved insulation, energy efficiency and noise reduction.

Two workers reaching up to the top of a tall opening in a white panelled wall, under gable windows.
During

With their sleek design and advanced features, these windows offer a seamless connection between the interior and nature.

A white panelled wall with triangular gable windows over a sliding glass door facing the lake.
After

The new custom windows allow you to fully embrace the picturesque views that surround the cottage.

The old black wood stove on a tile hearth, with pink insulation exposed in the stripped wall behind.
Before

The existing wood-burning stove was removed, allowing us to accommodate a new skylight in the existing chimney opening.

Three workers on a brown shingled roof around a skylight opening, with the lake beyond the trees.
During

We took great care while installing the skylights to ensure they would last the test of time.

Two skylights in a vaulted white ceiling with a wood beam and fan, above a wood-topped kitchen island.
After

We enhanced the space with two skylights inviting abundant natural light and a greater sense of openness.

The cottage interior before the work, with a beamed ceiling, wood-panelled walls, an old white fridge and ladder.
Before

The area to the far back and left of the image will become the new layout for the kitchen.

The old narrow kitchen with a white fridge and stove, grey cabinets and a window above the sink.
Before

The walls to the left and right were removed to create an open-concept kitchen layout.

The finished kitchen with sage green cabinets, gold handles, a patterned tile backsplash, black sink and globe pendants.
After

Two rear-facing windows were removed to make room for an optimized kitchen layout.

A long wood-topped island with a sage green base and brown bar stools under a vaulted, skylit ceiling.
After

The butcher block countertop is a charming functional addition which provides a versatile workspace and a picturesque focal point.

A walkway with light plank floors between the kitchen island and a stainless fridge, toward an open doorway.
After

The view of the new layout from the main entrance is much more inviting.

The wood-topped island with a bowl of lemons, looking toward the living area's tan sofa and sliding door.
After

A wood-topped island anchors the kitchen and looks out over the living area.

The open kitchen and living area, with green cabinets, a stainless fridge, the island and a skylight above.
After

Green cabinetry and a skylight overhead bring colour and daylight into the open kitchen.

The open-plan kitchen and living room, with five stools at the island and a sliding door beyond.
After

Seating for five at the island makes the kitchen the heart of the cottage.

The old living room with wood-panelled walls, a grey-beamed vaulted ceiling, orange-brown floors and a dark grey sofa.
Before

The overall aesthetic appeal was dated by the laminate floors, plywood panelling and single-pane windows.

A corner of white panelled walls and shaded windows, with a tan sofa, armchair and colourful rug.
After

This cozy nook offers a warm retreat on gloomy rainy days.

The old bathroom with pink walls, a small white vanity, toilet and a tub with a shower curtain.
Before

The previous bathroom was very crammed and outdated.

The old bathroom's narrow open shelves squeezed between the tub and a pink wall with brown tile.
Before

The old bathroom had minimal storage space.

The finished bathroom with stacked white laundry machines, tall white cabinets, two globe pendants and wood-look floors.
After

We transformed their bathroom into a designer oasis with a double vanity, a washer and dryer, and sleek built-in storage.

The finished bathroom, with glossy rust-brown tile around the tub and a white double vanity with black taps.
After

The rustic artisan tiles were the client's favorite part of their new bathroom.

A small beige-sided outbuilding under construction, its open front showing bare wood sheathing and framing inside.
During

We combined functionality and charm by building an outhouse, outdoor shower & mechanical room.

A beige two-door outbuilding beside a wooden outdoor shower with a white lace curtain, among tall trees.
After

We elevated the outdoor experience with a refreshing outdoor shower, a rustic outhouse and a practical mechanical shed.

The old dock before the rebuild, with weathered grey boards, uneven gaps and a lake beyond.
Before

Due to its rotten structure, the old dock lacked durability, safety and functional docking.

A close-up of the old dock's rotted support beam, crumbling apart above rocks in shallow water.
Before

The existing rotten dock posed hazards and compromised safety with weakened structure and potential for accidents.

The new dock seen through tall tree trunks, with red lounge chairs and a boat moored alongside.
After

The larger dock provides endless possibilities with ample space for activities and enhanced waterfront living.

The finished dock with fresh wood boards, four red lounge chairs and a wide lake view.
After

The new waterfront dock provides an escape to a serene getaway combining stunning views and elegant design for the utmost relaxation and entertainment.

The old septic system excavated beside the cottage's block piers, showing sandy soil and dark, wet sludge.
Before

The old septic system resulted in frequent backups & foul odours, making it a hazard for the homeowners.

A new black septic tank set into an open trench beside the cottage, with a small excavator behind.
During

The installation of a new septic tank brings peace of mind, enhanced water quality and a healthier living environment.

A new wood deck under construction, with an opening that shows the septic tank's green lid below.
After

Our innovative deck design incorporates trap door access panels allowing easy access to the septic system.

The octagonal black gazebo on tall posts beside the cottage before removal, set on a wooded slope.
Before

We seamlessly removed the outdated gazebo to ensure the smooth integration of the new deck.

The cottage after the gazebo came down, with a new wood deck frame on braced posts.
After

With a flick of the imagination, the unsightly wooden gazebo vanished, making room for a breathtaking, expansive new deck.

A close-up of the old deck's support, with dark painted beams and crumbling, rotted wood at the base.
Before

The wood holding up the foundation of the deck was rotting away, making the deck shaky and unstable.

The finished deck with black metal railings and open steps, along beige siding and a brown door.
After

The panelling on the house and the front door got an upgrade.

The new deck set with red-cushioned wicker chairs and a metal dining table beside dark blue siding.
After

The new deck has plenty of seating space for entertaining.

Two new white-framed windows in the cottage's dark blue-grey siding, with string lights along the eaves.
During

By upgrading the windows, we brought in more natural light, improved insulation, energy efficiency and noise reduction.

Two workers reaching up to the top of a tall opening in a white panelled wall, under gable windows.
During

With their sleek design and advanced features, these windows offer a seamless connection between the interior and nature.

A white panelled wall with triangular gable windows over a sliding glass door facing the lake.
After

The new custom windows allow you to fully embrace the picturesque views that surround the cottage.

The old black wood stove on a tile hearth, with pink insulation exposed in the stripped wall behind.
Before

The existing wood-burning stove was removed, allowing us to accommodate a new skylight in the existing chimney opening.

Three workers on a brown shingled roof around a skylight opening, with the lake beyond the trees.
During

We took great care while installing the skylights to ensure they would last the test of time.

Two skylights in a vaulted white ceiling with a wood beam and fan, above a wood-topped kitchen island.
After

We enhanced the space with two skylights inviting abundant natural light and a greater sense of openness.

The cottage interior before the work, with a beamed ceiling, wood-panelled walls, an old white fridge and ladder.
Before

The area to the far back and left of the image will become the new layout for the kitchen.

The old narrow kitchen with a white fridge and stove, grey cabinets and a window above the sink.
Before

The walls to the left and right were removed to create an open-concept kitchen layout.

The finished kitchen with sage green cabinets, gold handles, a patterned tile backsplash, black sink and globe pendants.
After

Two rear-facing windows were removed to make room for an optimized kitchen layout.

A long wood-topped island with a sage green base and brown bar stools under a vaulted, skylit ceiling.
After

The butcher block countertop is a charming functional addition which provides a versatile workspace and a picturesque focal point.

A walkway with light plank floors between the kitchen island and a stainless fridge, toward an open doorway.
After

The view of the new layout from the main entrance is much more inviting.

The wood-topped island with a bowl of lemons, looking toward the living area's tan sofa and sliding door.
After

A wood-topped island anchors the kitchen and looks out over the living area.

The open kitchen and living area, with green cabinets, a stainless fridge, the island and a skylight above.
After

Green cabinetry and a skylight overhead bring colour and daylight into the open kitchen.

The open-plan kitchen and living room, with five stools at the island and a sliding door beyond.
After

Seating for five at the island makes the kitchen the heart of the cottage.

The old living room with wood-panelled walls, a grey-beamed vaulted ceiling, orange-brown floors and a dark grey sofa.
Before

The overall aesthetic appeal was dated by the laminate floors, plywood panelling and single-pane windows.

A corner of white panelled walls and shaded windows, with a tan sofa, armchair and colourful rug.
After

This cozy nook offers a warm retreat on gloomy rainy days.

The old bathroom with pink walls, a small white vanity, toilet and a tub with a shower curtain.
Before

The previous bathroom was very crammed and outdated.

The old bathroom's narrow open shelves squeezed between the tub and a pink wall with brown tile.
Before

The old bathroom had minimal storage space.

The finished bathroom with stacked white laundry machines, tall white cabinets, two globe pendants and wood-look floors.
After

We transformed their bathroom into a designer oasis with a double vanity, a washer and dryer, and sleek built-in storage.

The finished bathroom, with glossy rust-brown tile around the tub and a white double vanity with black taps.
After

The rustic artisan tiles were the client's favorite part of their new bathroom.

A small beige-sided outbuilding under construction, its open front showing bare wood sheathing and framing inside.
During

We combined functionality and charm by building an outhouse, outdoor shower & mechanical room.

A beige two-door outbuilding beside a wooden outdoor shower with a white lace curtain, among tall trees.
After

We elevated the outdoor experience with a refreshing outdoor shower, a rustic outhouse and a practical mechanical shed.

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Project photos

  • The old dock before the rebuild, with weathered grey boards, uneven gaps and a lake beyond.

    Before Dock

    Due to its rotten structure, the old dock lacked durability, safety and functional docking.

  • The new dock seen through tall tree trunks, with red lounge chairs and a boat moored alongside.

    After Dock

    The larger dock provides endless possibilities with ample space for activities and enhanced waterfront living.

  • A close-up of the old dock's rotted support beam, crumbling apart above rocks in shallow water.

    Before Dock

    The existing rotten dock posed hazards and compromised safety with weakened structure and potential for accidents.

  • The finished dock with fresh wood boards, four red lounge chairs and a wide lake view.

    After Dock

    The new waterfront dock provides an escape to a serene getaway combining stunning views and elegant design for the utmost relaxation and entertainment.

  • The old septic system excavated beside the cottage's block piers, showing sandy soil and dark, wet sludge.

    Before Septic System

    The old septic system resulted in frequent backups & foul odours, making it a hazard for the homeowners.

  • A new black septic tank set into an open trench beside the cottage, with a small excavator behind.

    During Septic System

    The installation of a new septic tank brings peace of mind, enhanced water quality and a healthier living environment.

  • A new wood deck under construction, with an opening that shows the septic tank's green lid below.

    After Septic System

    Our innovative deck design incorporates trap door access panels allowing easy access to the septic system.

  • The octagonal black gazebo on tall posts beside the cottage before removal, set on a wooded slope.

    Before Gazebo Removal

    We seamlessly removed the outdated gazebo to ensure the smooth integration of the new deck.

  • The cottage after the gazebo came down, with a new wood deck frame on braced posts.

    After Gazebo Removal

    With a flick of the imagination, the unsightly wooden gazebo vanished, making room for a breathtaking, expansive new deck.

  • A close-up of the old deck's support, with dark painted beams and crumbling, rotted wood at the base.

    Before Deck

    The wood holding up the foundation of the deck was rotting away, making the deck shaky and unstable.

  • The finished deck with black metal railings and open steps, along beige siding and a brown door.

    After Deck

    The panelling on the house and the front door got an upgrade.

  • The new deck set with red-cushioned wicker chairs and a metal dining table beside dark blue siding.

    After Deck

    The new deck has plenty of seating space for entertaining.

  • Two new white-framed windows in the cottage's dark blue-grey siding, with string lights along the eaves.

    During Windows

    By upgrading the windows, we brought in more natural light, improved insulation, energy efficiency and noise reduction.

  • Two workers reaching up to the top of a tall opening in a white panelled wall, under gable windows.

    During Windows

    With their sleek design and advanced features, these windows offer a seamless connection between the interior and nature.

  • A white panelled wall with triangular gable windows over a sliding glass door facing the lake.

    After Windows

    The new custom windows allow you to fully embrace the picturesque views that surround the cottage.

  • The old black wood stove on a tile hearth, with pink insulation exposed in the stripped wall behind.

    Before Skylight

    The existing wood-burning stove was removed, allowing us to accommodate a new skylight in the existing chimney opening.

  • Three workers on a brown shingled roof around a skylight opening, with the lake beyond the trees.

    During Skylight

    We took great care while installing the skylights to ensure they would last the test of time.

  • Two skylights in a vaulted white ceiling with a wood beam and fan, above a wood-topped kitchen island.

    After Skylight

    We enhanced the space with two skylights inviting abundant natural light and a greater sense of openness.

  • The cottage interior before the work, with a beamed ceiling, wood-panelled walls, an old white fridge and ladder.

    Before Kitchen

    The area to the far back and left of the image will become the new layout for the kitchen.

  • The old narrow kitchen with a white fridge and stove, grey cabinets and a window above the sink.

    Before Kitchen

    The walls to the left and right were removed to create an open-concept kitchen layout.

  • The finished kitchen with sage green cabinets, gold handles, a patterned tile backsplash, black sink and globe pendants.

    After Kitchen

    Two rear-facing windows were removed to make room for an optimized kitchen layout.

  • A long wood-topped island with a sage green base and brown bar stools under a vaulted, skylit ceiling.

    After Kitchen

    The butcher block countertop is a charming functional addition which provides a versatile workspace and a picturesque focal point.

  • A walkway with light plank floors between the kitchen island and a stainless fridge, toward an open doorway.

    After Kitchen

    The view of the new layout from the main entrance is much more inviting.

  • The wood-topped island with a bowl of lemons, looking toward the living area's tan sofa and sliding door.

    After Kitchen

    A wood-topped island anchors the kitchen and looks out over the living area.

  • The open kitchen and living area, with green cabinets, a stainless fridge, the island and a skylight above.

    After Kitchen

    Green cabinetry and a skylight overhead bring colour and daylight into the open kitchen.

  • The open-plan kitchen and living room, with five stools at the island and a sliding door beyond.

    After Kitchen

    Seating for five at the island makes the kitchen the heart of the cottage.

  • The old living room with wood-panelled walls, a grey-beamed vaulted ceiling, orange-brown floors and a dark grey sofa.

    Before Living Area

    The overall aesthetic appeal was dated by the laminate floors, plywood panelling and single-pane windows.

  • A corner of white panelled walls and shaded windows, with a tan sofa, armchair and colourful rug.

    After Living Area

    This cozy nook offers a warm retreat on gloomy rainy days.

  • The old bathroom with pink walls, a small white vanity, toilet and a tub with a shower curtain.

    Before Bathroom

    The previous bathroom was very crammed and outdated.

  • The finished bathroom with stacked white laundry machines, tall white cabinets, two globe pendants and wood-look floors.

    After Bathroom

    We transformed their bathroom into a designer oasis with a double vanity, a washer and dryer, and sleek built-in storage.

  • The old bathroom's narrow open shelves squeezed between the tub and a pink wall with brown tile.

    Before Bathroom

    The old bathroom had minimal storage space.

  • The finished bathroom, with glossy rust-brown tile around the tub and a white double vanity with black taps.

    After Bathroom

    The rustic artisan tiles were the client's favorite part of their new bathroom.

  • A small beige-sided outbuilding under construction, its open front showing bare wood sheathing and framing inside.

    During Outdoor Structures

    We combined functionality and charm by building an outhouse, outdoor shower & mechanical room.

  • A beige two-door outbuilding beside a wooden outdoor shower with a white lace curtain, among tall trees.

    After Outdoor Structures

    We elevated the outdoor experience with a refreshing outdoor shower, a rustic outhouse and a practical mechanical shed.

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