Christel Cottage

Christel Cottage is a modern, all-electric retreat in Ontario’s South Frontenac region. It was designed for a Montreal family as a year-round vacation property with expansive gathering spaces, private bedroom wings, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The result is a home that balances comfort, durability, and performance with the welcoming spirit of a classic lake house.

Surrounded by mixed forest, the site is both private and expansive, with long western views across one of the region’s largest lakes. Approached from a private road, the property offers a sense of seclusion and discovery. From the moment you step onto the property, the view opens directly through a glass bridge to the lake beyond, hinting at the home’s strong connection to its natural surroundings.

First and foremost, Christel Cottage is designed as a gathering place where family and friends can come together, whether it be for a quick weekend or a long summer holiday. To support this vision, the layout is organized into four quadrants that are divided into two wings and connected by a transparent bridge.

On the main floor, the east wing holds the communal areas, with a soaring great room encircled by windows on all sides so that it feels like the prow of a ship overlooking the forest and lake. The great room encompasses a large kitchen, dining space, and living room, and is accompanied by an expansive deck. Opposite is the west wing that contains the family’s bedrooms and bathrooms, including two kids’ rooms and a primary suite.

Below, the arrangement flips: the west wing becomes a lively hub with a home theatre, playroom, mudroom, laundry, and change room, while the east wing provides guest bedrooms and bathrooms for friends and family.

On the exterior, the design takes full advantage of the sloping site. From the driveway, the home reads as a modest single storey, but at the back it opens to two full levels with a walkout that leads down to the lake. This dual character—quiet and understated at the front, generous and open at the back—reflects the home’s role as both retreat and gathering place.

Energy performance is rooted in the Solares approach to envelope and detailing. The house is fully electric, with robust exterior insulation and two separate mechanical systems—one for each wing—to accommodate the glass bridge at the centre. The result is a modern, high-performance lake house that blends comfort, durability, and a spirit of welcome.

Builder: Paradise Construction
Structural: Contact Engineering
Mechanical: ReNü Engineering
Photography: Nanne Springer