Barlochan, Reimagined: Our Family Retreat on Lake Muskoka
Carved into the quiet rhythm of Lake Muskoka, Project Barlochan is our family’s love letter to space, light, and time together. What began as a humble cottage escape has been reimagined, fully customized, and fully us. A total transformation turned our long-time getaway into a six-bedroom, four-bathroom retreat. While our Toronto home is being renovated, Barlochan has become our everyday sanctuary: brighter, softer, slower, and grounded in everything we love about being close to nature.
We started in the kitchen, because let’s be honest, it’s where we live. I dreamed of a space that felt grounded in nature but still cozy and elevated. So in came the white oak cabinetry, granite counters, a perfectly tucked-in cook nook, and those moody natural gas sconces I had my heart set on (yes, the vibe matters!). It’s a space made for barefoot mornings and slow family dinners.
From there, the design spills into the open living area, where we ditched the pot lights and leaned into ambient lighting; pendants, sconces, and flush mounts that add warmth without stealing the spotlight from that view. And what do you do with an extra four feet of space? Build a custom bar, of course. Hammered brass, mercury glass, white oak shelves—it’s a little hotel moment, but make it “cottage”. It’s where mornings begin with espresso and evenings wind down with something stronger.
Upstairs, the custom bunks are ready for cousins, sleepovers, and late-night giggles. The guest room channels the calming blues of the lake. And outside? A firepit, moody and magical, waiting for stars and s’mores.
Every piece - from 200-year-old Egyptian doors to stone veneer and woven stools - was chosen with care.
Barlochan is our happy place, our forever project, and now, our home. A place to cook, rejuvenate, laugh, and stay a while.
In the Living Room, we removed the existing pots and made sure to select fixtures that added adequate light but also personality to the space and kept the focus on the exterior.
Kitchen
Main Bedroom
With a view like this from our Guest Bedrooms, you won’t want to get out of bed
Exterior
Entryway
Are you wondering how to turn a dated space into your dream retreat? Or, curious what challenges (and surprises) come with restoring an older cottage? Reach out to us, we’d love to hear form you and walk you through the process.
xo
Parris