Nestled along the shore of Lake Huron, this Asquith Architecture-designed cottage is made up of two buildings connected by a bridge-like foyer.  Photo by Nanne Springer

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This geometric cottage designed by the architect Heather Asquith — which looks like two giant fused Monopoly pieces — is located on a bayside bird habitat. Up to 50,000 feathered jetsetters nest here during the migratory season and frequently come in for a landing, their pronged feet leaving imprints all around the grounds. 

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“We always have the binoculars handy,” says homeowner Ian Wheatley, a set decorator in the film business, of the cottage on Horseshoe Bay located along the shore of Lake Huron near Port Elgin. 

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He and his wife, Susan Patterson, who has a fashion background, retreat here during all seasons with Juno, their rescue Australian Shepherd–Golden Retriever. And the trio would have no qualms absconding from the family’s home base in Toronto for good. 

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“Constructed on piers, the entire house sits lightly on the landscape,” says architect Heather Asquith. Photo by Nanne Springer

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“We love the abundance of birds and wildlife. Spending time here makes you really appreciate nature,” says Wheatley. 

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For many years, the couple owned a quaint cottage near the beach in Southampton. “But we dreamed of being on the water and having more privacy,” says Wheatley. “We also wanted a larger place that still felt cozy where we could comfortably gather with family and friends, especially in retirement.” 

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When the birding spot came up for sale, it struck a chord. Apart from the animal life, there are sweeping views that extend toward Chantry Island and its enormous stone lighthouse, built in the 19^th century. 

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Structural trusses also have a decorative charm in the airy, shiplap-lined cottage. Photo by Nanne Springer

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And so the couple bought it. There was an existing cottage on the site that was the same size — 2,230 square feet — as the new one. “It was old and simple with a gable roof. They were using that temporarily, knowing they were going to do the rebuild,” says Asquith, who worked on the project with her colleagues and architectural designers Amanda Carson and Theodore Wong, while Lloyd Kuepfer and his team of woodworkers were responsible for building both the exterior and interior of the home. 

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Because part of the property is on a floodplain, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority had imposed construction restrictions. “Technically you’re not allowed to build on a floodplain,” says Asquith. “However, if there is an existing structure, you can repair or reconstruct it, so they would not let us build larger.” 

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The kitchen features two types of counters: butcher block on the bulbous-footed island and quartz along the rest. Photo by Nanne Springer 

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This suited the couple fine. “We wanted every room to be welcoming, functional and well-used so the entire house (would feel) lived in and enjoyed,” says Wheatley. 

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To minimize its environmental impact, Asquith’s team built the structure on helical piers. 

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The giant Monopoly pieces — twin barn-inspired buildings, — are connected by a sheltered courtyard, which is a dreamy little spot. 

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“That connector allows those two volumes to feel separate,” says Asquith. It’s also perfect because the area can get windy and it’s nestled and protected during inclement weather. 

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A tub in the bedroom that felt open and airy and had a view to the lake was a must for the homeowners, says architect Heather Asquith. Photo by Nanne Springer 

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Maibec cedar shake from Quebec clad the buildings, chosen because it reminded the couple of vacations in Cape Cod when their children were young. 

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“The home’s design draws heavily on East Coast and Scandinavian influences,” says Wheatley, who, together with Patterson, took charge of the interior design.