It's a cottage country day to die for: sun glinting off the water, waves lapping on the sandy shore and strains of Andrea Bocelli filling the air as you sip a cocktail while lounging on your balcony overlooking the beach.
It doesn't get much better than this. That is, until you head inside 27 Lakeshore Rd., a 2,936-square-foot, one-and-a-half storey cottage designed by master architect Lloyd Secter.
"Being out here is like being on the ocean," says Century 21's Gary Bachman, the real estate agent for 27 Lakeshore.
"It's a view to live for."
To take advantage of that view, Secter conceived an open interior with clean lines. The design, when combined with large windows on all sides of the cottage (including a wall of windows at the front of the cottage to provide an unobstructed lake view), makes residents feel as if they are one with nature.
"It's such a simple, uncluttered design. When you add a 20-foot vaulted ceiling to all the windows, it makes for incredible views and a bright interior even on cloudy days," he says. "Days like today -- when the sky's clear and the sun's shining -- are days when you really appreciate being alive."
The huge interior and high ceilings combine for a pleasurable experience.
"The interior here has a quiet, elegant quality to it," says Bachman, gesturing to the simple white walls and natural maple hardwoods that run throughout the cottage's main level.
"The dining area (with room for rectangular table for eight) offers tremendous views, the living room is open and bright with ash entertainment centre with room for a big-screen TV, and there's an ash kitchen with oval island/breakfast bar, granite countertops. Really, there's nothing in here that isn't great."
There's a four-season sunroom through patio doors adjacent to an eating area with table for four.
"It has heated ceramic tile floors for year-round use, patio doors that take you down to the lake and three sides of windows that make for an incredible lake view while you enjoy food you've barbecued on the huge slate patio outside," he says. "It also has a honeycombed beam oak ceiling that finishes off a great space you enjoy any time of the year."
Hosting multiple guests shouldn't pose a problem, with four large bedrooms placed around the periphery of the main level, one with a two-piece ensuite featuring a granite vanity and ceramic tile floor.
"When it comes to floor plans, in most cases, simplicity is best," Bachman says. "Not only is the design not overpowering, it doesn't take away from the natural setting. It also works well in the sense that the bedrooms are well away from the main living area. If you want to retire early, you can go off to your own quiet, private space."
An angled staircase with a line of large windows on the wall above lead to two amazing spaces: a family room/office and secluded master suite.
"Imagine waking up to the great lake view, having a shower in the gorgeous three-piece ensuite, then making some coffee and breakfast -- and enjoying it on the private balcony overlooking the lake," he says.
"Or, you can kick back in the family room, which offers views of the main living area and lake -- and garden door to a balcony that overlooks the marina out back. You just feel like you want to relax here. Any thoughts of doing work simply disappear when you come here."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Address: 27 Lakefront Road, Winnipeg Beach
Size: 2,936 sq. ft.
Year built: 2003
Style: 1.5 storey
Lot Size: 59.6 feet along lake; 66.1 feet along street; 160 feet on the north side; 122 feet on the south side
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Taxes: $5,589.71 (2007)
Price: $750,000
Contact: Gary Bachman, Century 21 Fine Homes & Estates @ 453-7653
