The extensive transformation of this cottage turned an inefficient and awkward space into our clients’ dream cottage:

  • Open-concept kitchen and living space
  • The kitchen transformed from “country cottage” to modern and efficient with a unique conversation-piece island counter built from a reclaimed farmhouse beam
  • Stunning new sunroom with stone fireplace and three “walls” of windows
  • Includes an upgraded basement layout with windows enlarged to add light
  • Two new bedrooms
  • Plentiful storage space
  • Expansive, maintenance-free deck to accommodate lots of guests
  • Revised entry & new covered porch

Click on the photo above to see the full resolution image and navigate through the slideshow.
Don’t miss the drone video below! Read more about this transformation below the video.

Major Renovation and Addition

Project Price Range: $300K-$500K

Drone Video

Interview with Cottage Owners

This spectacular renovation/addition transformed a small older cottage with an inefficient layout into a dream vacation home. Overall, the renovation design mitigated layout issues and significantly enlarged the space. By adding 50% on two levels—an additional 650 square feet—the cottage grew to a total of 1,300 square feet. But it’s not just about the number of square feet, it’s about the effectiveness and efficiency of the space.

“Jim has a vision that is quite spectacular. He can see things that others cannot.”– Cottage owner

When it’s all about the view, the windows are the key. Now the cottage is filled with light from a wall of glass. All of the windows were replaced with larger, high-quality windows. An additional window beside the fireplace and a new patio door were added to the living-dining-kitchen space to further enhance the view and light. The water and weather take their toll on cottages over the years and the original windows were not sealed to avoid water penetration and damage. Jim foresaw this issue and ensured that the new window installation team removed all damaged material, provided a strong new framing structure and completed the work with a maintenance-free, weather-resistant barrier for many years of worry-free enjoyment. New awnings provide shade and protection on hot, sunny days.

“The main living area is a simple, open space. I love the focal point of the fireplace with the sitting area and then the openness to the dining room table and kitchen.” – Cottage owner

Since the previous owners smoked, it was necessary to remove all traces of the odour during the renovation. All finishes were stripped back to drywall and re-finished with special paint that eliminated smoke odour. The kitchen cabinets were dismantled, refinished and to transform the look and feel of the kitchen from “country cottage” to modern and efficient. The unique conversation-piece island with it’s reclaimed farmhouse-beam counter welcomes guests for sitting or standing and defines the kitchen space in the open-concept living-dining-kitchen room.

The main floor guest bathroom access was through the kitchen—right between two sections of cupboards! Jim reconfigured the layout to close the access to the kitchen and opened a door to the entrance foyer, a more appropriate and functional location for a bathroom.

The new sunroom is truly stunning. The striking stone fireplace with farmhouse beam mantle and the pine ceiling and trim create a warm, casual atmosphere perfect for entertaining and relaxation. And, of course, three of the “walls” are all windows to bring the outside in.

“People come in and say ‘WOW!’” – Cottage owner

With space for only the master bedroom on the main floor, the lower level was optimized, achieving a layout with not only three bedrooms and large family room space, but also an office and an abundance of storage. The basement windows were enlarged significantly to exceed code requirements and new windows were added in the family room area and to bring in significantly more light. The overall total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms provide comfortable accommodations for the entire family.

“He was able to take the little cottage and visually see the potential. Even the basement was opened up a lot. He is very focused on the clients’ needs.” – Cottage owner

The original deck was small and it could not comfortably accommodate a typical patio set. The new, enlarged, maintenance-free, composite 18’x30′ deck is ready to welcome family and friends for fun and relaxation.

Because he never wants to leave any loose ends, Jim took care of the plans for a walkway and parking, plus changed the colour of the doors on the cottage and garage to ensure that old and new blend well together.

“The original cottage was great but now that Jim completed his work, I love it. It’s our happy place and I’d rather be there than at home.” – Cottage owner

Article

It’s Our Happy Place! – Allumettes Island Cottage Renovation

When Dave and Janet* saw the beautiful view, beach and property, they knew it was the right location for them. Unfortunately, the existing cottage was very small, had an awkward layout and needed a lot of TLC. Fortunately, they knew just who could help them with their Pembroke cottage renovation and transform it into their dream vacation home… Jim Bell Architectural Design.

The original cottage had an inefficient layout. The very first thing you saw when you opened the front door was the kitchen sink. Dave and Janet love to entertain, and that was not how they wanted to welcome their guests. Jim helped them to develop their vision for a custom renovation and to see what was possible. Overall, the renovation design mitigated layout issues and significantly enlarged the space. By adding 50% on two levels—an additional 650 square feet—the cottage grew to a total of 1,300 square feet. But it’s not just about the number of square feet, it’s about the effectiveness and efficiency of the space.

“Jim has a vision that is quite spectacular. He can see things that others cannot.” -Janet

When it’s all about the view, the windows are the key. Now the cottage is filled with light from a wall of glass. All of the windows were replaced with larger, high-quality windows. An additional window beside the fireplace and a new patio door were added to the living-dining-kitchen space to further enhance the view and light.

The water and weather take their toll on cottages over the years and the original windows were not sealed to avoid water penetration and damage. Jim foresaw this issue and ensured that the new window installation team removed all damaged material, provided a strong new framing structure and completed the work with a maintenance-free, weather-resistant barrier for many years of worry-free enjoyment. New awnings provide shade and protection on hot, sunny days.

“The main living area is a simple, open space. I love the focal point of the fireplace with the sitting area and then the openness to the dining room table and kitchen.”-Janet

Since the previous owners smoked, it was necessary to remove all traces of the odour during the renovation. All finishes were stripped back to drywall and re-finished with special paint that eliminated the smell. The kitchen cabinets were dismantled, refinished and refaced to eliminate the smoke odour and to transform the look and feel of the kitchen from “country cottage” to modern and efficient. The unique conversation-piece island with it’s reclaimed farmhouse beam counter welcomes guests for sitting or standing and defines the kitchen space in the open-concept living-dining-kitchen room.

“The main living area is a simple, open space. I love the focal point of the fireplace with the sitting area and then the openness to the dining room table and kitchen.”-Janet

The main floor guest bathroom access was through the kitchen—right between two sections of cupboards! Jim reconfigured the layout to close the access to the kitchen and opened a door to the entrance foyer, a more appropriate and functional location for a bathroom.

Ah… the sunroom. It is truly stunning and Janet and Dave love it. They saw the sunroom Jim designed for another cottage and they knew they wanted a similar addition to their cottage. The striking stone fireplace with farmhouse beam mantle and the pine ceiling and trim create a warm, casual atmosphere perfect for entertaining and relaxation. And, of course, three of the “walls” are all windows to bring the outside in. 

“People come in and say ‘WOW!’”-Janet

Janet and Dave needed more bedroom space for family and friend but couldn’t figure out how to create additional bedrooms. With space for only the master bedroom on the main floor, the other bedrooms would have to be in the basement. The basement was limited and the small windows were not to code for emergency exit from a bedroom. Including the additional space under the new sunroom addition, Jim was able to optimize the usefulness of the lower level, designing a layout with not only three bedrooms and large family room space, but also an office and an abundance of storage. They now have even more storage room at the cottage than in their larger home! The basement windows were enlarged significantly to exceed code requirements and new windows were added in the family room area and to bring in significantly more light. The overall total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms provide comfortable accommodations for the entire family.

“He was able to take the little cottage and visually see the potential. Even the basement was opened up a lot. He is very focused on the clients’ needs.”-Janet

The original deck was small and it could not comfortably accommodate a typical patio set. The new, enlarged, maintenance-free, composite 18’x30′ deck is ready to welcome family and friends for fun and relaxation.

“The original cottage was great but now that Jim completed his work, I love it. It’s our happy place and I’d rather be there than at home.”-Janet

*Names changed for privacy.