A riverside property in Muskoka is the site of a spacious new country home that fuses a modern Muskoka theme with cultural décor inspired by its owners’ native country of India. Radiating a true sense of refined style and grace, the architecture is characterized by a striking motif of curves—reflected in the staircase, the loft railing, and the contours of the interior. Custom built by Fitzmaurice Brothers and conceptualized by their designer, Grant Cleveland, the home measures over 5,000 square feet, with six bedrooms, five baths, and a live-in nanny suite, as well as a three-car garage with 15-foot ceilings.
Generating a vivid first impression, a 30-foot vaulted portico is supported by three 8” x 8” fir beams with stone foundations on both sides. “We wanted to create a fairly grand entrance that reflects Muskoka elements,” says Grant, “and the mixture of stone and timberframe is native to the area.” He explains that the main idea was to shape the pillars a little differently, with three columns on each side, to add some interest and fill the large space.
The U-shaped structure, displayed to wonderful effect by all-wood prefinished Cape Cod siding, is fronted by a large natural stone pathway and a dimensionally-cut patio entranceway. Local granite is a prominent feature of the home, and the owners took care to view a number of properties throughout the region preparatory to their selection of stone for the project. Exterior fascia stone extends seven feet up from the ground, beyond the standard three or four feet, while massive boulders embrace the front porch.
The foyer inside the front entrance features an expansive 20-foot vaulted ceiling. And instead of traditional angular proportions and square corners, an elegant fluidity emanates throughout the home with a recurring theme of curves. A solid maple staircase with open treads and variable radius stringers winds up to the upper level, while the loft railing reflects the same graceful arc, softening the angles and providing a pleasing echo. This feat was an undeniable challenge for the Muskoka builders, but a decided triumph for the architect. “The stairs and railing were a tricky undertaking because of the non-uniformity,” Grant says. “Fortunately, one of our Muskoka carpenters has a boat-building background, and his experience with curved lines was put to good use.”
The wood flooring is random-length four-inch plank, fashioned from hand-scraped maple. Spacious formal living and dining rooms with full banks of windows are complemented by a more casual sitting area. Throughout the home, maple-coffered ceilings stained to match the stairway and railings create a striking contrast between light surfaces and dark accent beams.
Consistent with the inspired lines of the home, the master bedroom suite has an irregular shape, with a tray ceiling highlighted by a stone fireplace. The room is approximately 700 square feet, featuring his and hers closets and an oversized ensuite bath with a jetted tub. The bathroom is clean and airy with light surfaces and multiple shades of grey at play in a classic herringbone floor pattern.
For centuries, kitchens have been the focus of the home—a spot where people come together to sip their coffee or wine while meal preparation is underway. With its long-held reputation as ‘the heart of the home,’ the kitchen holds pride of place in any house, and this one is no exception.
Indian cookery is often a lengthy family affair; and, given the owners’ background, a kitchen with lots of space to share the chopping, mixing, and simmering was a priority. Ideal for entertaining, a long window seat with cozy cushions provides room for relaxed kitchen chat with guests. Rich dark cupboards contrast beautifully with sleek stainless steel appliances, while glass cupboard doors show off a selection of glassware. The countertop echoes the U-shape of the building, with bar stools at one end.
Grant explains that energy efficiency was of prime importance to their client. The lighting throughout the entire home is low-consumption LED, while the large windows on the south side of the property are positioned precisely due south to facilitate as much passive transfer heat as possible. There are two furnaces, one on each level, creating greater efficiency, as the runs of ducting are shortened for the upper-level heating and cooling from the attic furnace. “The owners are using very high-efficiency air-source heat pumps,” says Grant, explaining that it’s a different kind of geothermal system, making use of latent heat in the air rather than the ground.
Thanks to careful planning and impeccable craftsmanship, this home has achieved a unique balance with its contemporary flowing contours and solid Muskoka cottage styling. It is a superb mingling of the unusual and the classic—drawing on the traditions of two histories—to produce a spectacular and comfortable family home and a stunning showpiece.
