By Andrew Wagner-Chazalon, Bev McMullen photography
Marty and Sandra Belman weren’t sure what they would find when they pushed through the scrub and brush on the west shore of Lake of Bays. They wanted to get a better look at a piece of property that was for sale; as it turned out, they found paradise.
“We said ‘let’s push through and see if it has a view of the lake,” Sandra recalled of that day in 1985. “We got up on the rock and I said then and there ‘This is the place.’”
Marty agreed and it wasn’t long before they were meeting with architect Elmo Starr and builder Norm Goodfellow, discussing their plans for the property and the cottage. They wanted something rustic and comfortable, a place where children could play and nature would be welcome. And, of course, it had to take advantage of the great views of the lake and nearby Langmaids Island.
“We wanted it to look post and beam and rustic, and that’s what we got,” said Sandra.
In fact, the look is so effective that the initial impression of the cottage is that it’s an old farmhouse that was converted to a cottage years ago. It has many of the external features of vernacular architecture – mullioned windows, second-storey dormers, a gable end that implies the house has been added onto over the years, and board-and-batten siding that has weathered naturally. A deep, covered porch stretches across the front of the house, the sort of spot where you might stomp the snow off your boots in winter or sit in the shade of summer and discuss the price of barley.
The farmhouse references are more muted inside, in favour of a post-and-beam look that is even more welcoming. Although the structure of the building is standard framing, posts and beams throughout the first floor give definition to each room. Wide plank flooring appears pegged in place, while overhead the exposed floor joists and ceiling boards add to the warmth.
Literal as well as figurative warmth comes courtesy of a substantial brick fireplace in the living room. A modified Rumford design, it is tall and shallow as a Rumford should be, allowing a high blazing fire that throws an impressive amount of heat. An external air source allows the fire to burn with the glass doors shut, although the Belmans prefer to keep the doors back and just use a screen.
A fireplace like this isn’t just a decorative accent; it’s a statement that this is a true four-season cottage. “It was built for year-round use,” said Marty.
There’s central propane heat, as well as baseboards in all four bedrooms. To get really toasty, there’s also a sauna on the main floor for warming up après-ski.
At the centre of the main floor is the kitchen. Large enough for a handful of people to share, it is sensibly designed so a single cook can work without having to trek vast distances. Bar tops on two sides provide plenty of spots for spectators to chat while the cook works.
In summer, the cooking tends to move outside to the large wrap-around deck on the lake side of the building. While there are plenty of great restaurants within 20 minutes of the cottage, Sandra says they rarely visit them. “Put a steak on the barbecue and pour a glass of wine and you’re in heaven,” she said.
A boathouse and 30-foot sand beach (installed “at great expense” in the days when you were still allowed to do that, Marty says) provide an engaging waterfront spot.
Nature appreciation has always been an important part of life for the family. The bookshelves in the living room are lined with well-worn field guides, while bird nests and other treasures have found homes in corners or on beams.
Nature comes in through the windows as well, thanks to well-planned views that ensure daylight floods in year-round. “When we sited it, we wanted to make sure we had nice views,” said Marty. The colours that dominate the main floor – wood tones and terracotta tiles, with blue accents – were chosen to reflect and complement the natural landscape outside.
The second floor rooms have particularly sweeping views thanks to the elevation. But it’s unlikely that many people look out the window of the bunk bed room, a sleepover paradise where multiple grandchildren can play and enjoy each other’s company on rainy days. A ladder leads up to a private loft hideaway, a treehouse-like retreat within a retreat that has long been a favourite getaway for children. “The kids used to live in that loft,” said Sandra.
The cottage has been a great getaway, the Belmans agree, but life changes and it’s time to move on. They’re selling the place, but it’s not without regret. “We’re going to miss this place like anything,” sighed Sandra.
The cottage is listed with Anita Latner Realty for $1.226 million.
