Happy Homeowners: Colin & Linda’s Lakeside Retreat

At Quality Homes, our dedication to green building is front and center in every home we build. That very dedication is what made Colin and Linda choose to build their off-grid lakeside retreat with us.

We sat down with Colin and Linda to hear more about their experience building their custom cottage with Quality Homes.

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to build a custom cottage.

“Our dream began with owning a beautiful lakefront forest property. Our family enjoys walking in the forest, canoeing and kayaking on the lake. We are all nature enthusiasts and enjoy wildlife – welcoming birds and watching foxes and deer enjoy the forest. We were looking for a builder and a cottage floorplan that fit our love for watching nature from the indoors and outdoors, with large windows and a comfortable deck.”

What made you choose Quality Homes as your builder?

“One of the neighbours on the lake toured us through their beautiful Quality Homes cottage that they built 10 years ago, and they highly recommended we check out the floorplans. After viewing the Sunset Trent model in Cookstown, we were excited to show our family this amazing home with large windows in every room.”

“We are passionate about preserving the environment, and Quality Homes also supported us in realizing our off-grid cottage dreams. “

Tell us about the process.

“The building process was comprehensive, and all delivery milestones were on time – even during the pandemic. The Quality Homes team was always available, and the construction leads were friendly, accessible and responsive.”

Why did you select the Sunset Trent design?

“We were drawn to the Sunset Trent’s open concept living space and beautiful pine vaulted ceiling with bay windows to view the lake to the north and the forest to the south.”

Main Floor Floorplan

At 1,536 sq. ft., this custom Sunset Trent overlooks lake views to the north and the forest to the south, surrounding the happy homeowners with nature and wildlife.

Exterior Features

Shingles by Owens Corning – Colour: Onyx Black
Vinyl Siding by Gentek – Colour: Chesapeake Gray
White Casement Windows
Decorative Details by Gentek, including Soffit, Fascia & Eavestrough – Colour: Graphite
Pressure-Treated Wood Porch & Rear Deck (With Black Metal Spindles)

What is your favourite part of the home?

“The expansive deck where Quality Homes added a custom vaulted roof provides a natural outdoor space amongst the trees. The off-grid nature of the cottage supports our vision for a thriving natural environment.”

To bring Colin and Linda’s off-grid dreams to life, the entire home is powered by a 4.8Kw system with a 30Kwh battery, paired with a generator for the winter months.

“To put it into perspective, we went 108 days throughout the spring and summer without the need for the generator kicking in.”

As you walk through the front door, you enter a foyer with plenty of storage space and access to the laundry room – precisely what the nature enthusiast couple needed. Colin and Linda’s cottage features an expansive open concept layout with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a finished basement.

Family Room Features:

Laminate Flooring by Centura – Heritage Series – Colour: Sandalwood
Standard White Trim by Metrie
Heat & Glo SL5 Propane Fireplace by Fergus Fireplace

The main living space also includes a walk-out to a vaulted ceiling-covered porch – perfect for watching the water and birds go by.

The beautiful gourmet kitchen features high-quality white cabinetry by our partner, Woodland Horizon, complemented by durable laminate countertops. The kitchen’s extended eating bar and island lead into an open concept dining area – perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Custom Gourmet Kitchen Features:

Shaker Style Cabinets Custom Built by Woodland Horizon – Painted – Colour: Simply White
Cabinetry Hardware by Amerock – Blackrock Series
Laminate Countertops – Colour: Winter Carnival
Stainless Steel Range Hood
Camerist Faucet by Moen – Chrome Finish
Standard Stainless Steel Double Bowl Sink by Kindred

The primary bedroom includes an ensuite with a shower, a walk-in closet outfitted with linen and wire shelf storage, and beautiful nature views from the bay windows.

Ensuite Features:

Vinyl Tile Flooring by Centura – Colour: Steel
Custom Vanity by Woodland Horizon with Laminate Countertops
Chateau Chrome Finish Faucet by Moen
Colony Bathroom Sink from American Standard
Acrylic Walk-In Shower by MAAX
Regular Height Round Front Toilet from American Standard

The second bedroom can be found on the main floor, the third on the top floor and the fourth in the basement.

The finished basement also includes additional dining space paired with a kitchenette, a second living room, a stone fireplace, a nursery and a beautiful screened porch.

What advice would you give to someone looking to go through this process?

“The Quality Homes team has extensive knowledge, and partnering with them early can help with site design and customizations to realize your dream home.”

Thank you, Colin & Linda, for sharing your story. Welcome to the Quality Homes Family!

At Quality Homes, we want to bring your dream home or cottage to life using our environmentally conscious, state-of-the-art modular building process.

CONTACT US:

Send us a message online: click here
Give us a call: 1-800-265-2648
Send us an email: info@qualityhomes.ca