Waverley Lake House

Inside Out

View of a lakeside with a wooden deck, trees with autumn leaves, and a cloudy sky in the background.
A two-story house with gray vinyl siding, large windows, and a gabled roof. There are trees with autumn foliage around the house, and a landscaped garden with small plants, mulch, and the beginnings of a wooden deck or stairs.

Stunning views and a private setting provide the backdrop for this relaxing family home. Exposed to weather extremes in all seasons, the south face of the house was in need of substantial repairs. Renovations included replacing the original wood windows throughout the house, new cedar shingles on the lake side and structural upgrades to address curious 1980s framing. Window openings overlooking the lake were resized to limit obstructions to the view. Second floor balconies were removed and replaced with a deep porch overhang, balancing the proportions of the south elevation and lending shade to the main floor.

Modern kitchen with white and gray cabinetry, hardwood floors, and a large window view of trees and water outside.
Modern kitchen with white upper cabinets, dark lower cabinets, a stainless steel range hood, and a window with a view of trees and autumn foliage.

The original cramped kitchen was expanded into the porch space, creating a generous and functional kitchen with direct views of the lake. The family can now prep meals together while gathered around the spacious island. The colour palette is a mix of soft whites and cool greys, echoing the tones of the lake and sky. New oak hardwood was blended with the original floors for a seamless finish.

Foyer with patterned tile flooring, built-in storage cabinets, a wooden bench, and hooks with a striped shirt hanging, located near a doorway leading outside.
A modern bathroom with a white bathtub, a glass shower enclosure, a white vanity with dual sinks, oval mirrors, wall-mounted lights, a small potted plant, and a window with a view of trees.

Carving out a corner of an adjacent guest room allowed the main floor laundry and bathroom to be converted into a much-needed mudroom. A new side porch provides a direct path into the mudroom and bathroom, keeping sandy feet out of the kitchen. The porch and mudroom are lined with durable painted shiplap, as is the wall at the refurbished oak stair. On the second floor an unused sauna was removed to make space for an ensuite off the master bedroom and a separate children’s bath.

Location: Waverley, Nova Scotia
Type: Residential Renovation
Builder: Blueprint Construction
Photography: Riley Smith

A lakeside house with gray siding, a window reflecting trees, surrounded by autumn-colored tree branches over a body of water.