... as promised in my last post, I will explain to you what I've been up to lately. Looking at the photo above, it may not be what you were expecting -- definitely nothing to do with pillowcases! So, let's start at the very beginning... Growing up in Montreal, we used to spend our summers and most winter weekends at a cottage my father built which was close to a lake and a ski mountain, just north of Montreal. Most of my best childhood memories happened there, so I always dreamt of being able to give my children the chance to make their own very special cottage memories. Many summers have come and gone since moving to Vancouver in the early 90's, and although we've had lots of summer family fun, I've always felt that there was something missing because of my yearning for "summer at the cottage".
Well, finally the stars have aligned themselves just right and it seems that we will have a cottage summer this year: we started construction of our very own cottage this past January after having purchased the most lovely plot of land on a lake on the very beautiful Sunshine Coast, northwest of Vancouver. To keep our costs down, we bought house plans here to built this house and although our finished house will look similar to the one in these plans, we did make certain layout changes to better serve our needs as well as window and door changes to optimize the breathtaking views from the site. The view above is from the very cool tower room at the side of the house and the view below is from the second floor bedroom windows.
As I look at these photos, I honestly still find it hard to believe that these views will be ours to look at from our very own cottage... How incredible! More views here from the first floor living room, sunroom, dining area and kitchen which faces the lake:
Can't have a cottage without a fireplace!...
Some views of the house from the steep path going down to the lake:
I hope you don't mind, but in the next little while, among my usual "pillowcase posts", I'd love to share with you in this blog a little chronicle of the building of this cottage (dream) because it's all so very exciting to me! (Can't wait to decorate and furnish it!!..)
OK, pinch me 'cause I can't believe this is all really happening!...
It's stunning, can't wait to see more! Happy days!
Anna x
Posted by: Anna | April 08, 2011 at 01:31 AM
That is incredible!! Looks amazing, you are so very lucky!!!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | April 08, 2011 at 01:41 AM
wow, green with envy. FaN-tAs-Tic
Posted by: joanna | April 08, 2011 at 02:37 AM
Oh... So... BEAUTIFUL!!!
Will it ever be available for renting? Just two weeks??? Please??? *Begging on my knees*
Wishing you lots of wonderful Summers in the new cottage. Can't wait to see more photos! The surroundings are the best!!! :)
Posted by: Sandra | April 08, 2011 at 04:53 AM
So breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your exciting adventure. I can't wait to hear more. Enjoy every moment!
Posted by: Rachel | April 08, 2011 at 05:17 AM
So happy for you and the family...as you might recall, we have a special place to get away from it all as well. I cherish it. I can only imagine what you'll do with this wonderful cottage....yes!! please, please DO share!!! What an amazing spot!! xo
Posted by: leanne | April 08, 2011 at 05:20 AM
your cottage looks absolutely beautiful, and that setting...w o w! i'd love to read more about it, and hear all of the details. i'm so happy you were able to realize a dream. well done, you.
have a lovely weekend.
xo
~molly
Posted by: birdie blue | April 08, 2011 at 06:18 AM
Congrats! What a beautiful area to build in. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kar | April 08, 2011 at 06:34 AM
I. Am. So. Jealous. Lucky dog!
Posted by: Karin @ Quilt Frenzy | April 08, 2011 at 09:25 AM
wow, congratulations! I wondered what you guys have been up to! This is super exciting and the site looks amazing. Email and tell me where it is! Enjoy the process - I can't wait to see it all Beata-ful.
Posted by: krista - Poppyprint | April 08, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Oh my goodness... look at that view! Congratulations! We bought a property just north of Ontario's Muskoka area this past summer and plan to build once the land is paid off... so in about 15 years... sigh. I look forward to following your cottage journey! As well as your cafting as always.
Posted by: Krista | April 08, 2011 at 09:34 AM
How exciting, and oh what gorgeous views you have! I am sure it will be a perfect place to make many lovely memories with your family!
Posted by: Eve | April 08, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Congratulations! How exciting!
Posted by: Ana | April 08, 2011 at 01:00 PM
Congrats, Beata! The view is just hermosa y fantastica.I'd love to read everything about it. My family and I are so excited about moving to Van this Summer for good. We have to find a new home very soon; something affordable.I'm so happy for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing!
Gloria X
Posted by: Pattygloria | April 08, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Congratulations! It looks fantastic. Can I come and visit you....:-) Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Mette | April 09, 2011 at 01:25 AM
Fabulous, no... FABULOUS.
This cottage, in the scheme of things, is way more valuable to your kids than anything else you could do. It will give them, like your parents gave you, a sense of tradition, family, and comfort. Carolina
Posted by: The Muse of The Day | April 09, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Congratulations! That's so very exciting! Think of all the beautiful pillowcases that will be made looking out over the lake!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | April 09, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Congrats Beata.
I remember those summer well.. endless searches for mushrooms, bike rides throughout the lots around, the wonderful lake. Happy your kids will enjoy these wonders. The place and the view are gorgeous !
Posted by: Your old neighbour Monique from that old cottage :) | April 09, 2011 at 01:00 PM
How brilliant? It looks staggeringly beautiful, and wont it be just fantastic when it's all done! Your children will treasure it, and the memories of the build will be fantastic too!
Sarah x
Posted by: sarah-jane down the lane | April 09, 2011 at 11:05 PM
How wonderful! Keep the picture coming!
Posted by: michelle | April 10, 2011 at 03:42 PM
How beautiful! With views like that I would be there permanently. Love to see more progress and living in photos
Posted by: Aussie Maria | April 10, 2011 at 05:00 PM
That is wonderful news and it looks so very special! Congratulations and I wish you many happy times there.
Posted by: Emily | April 11, 2011 at 05:40 AM
Wow! Absolutely stunning. That's so very exciting and I look forward to seeing its progress and decorating!
Posted by: Allison | April 11, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Wow! That's truly a dream coming true. Wonderful. Can't wait to see the indoor pictures when done. Lucky girl you are.
Posted by: ramona | April 11, 2011 at 11:37 AM
How exciting and wonderful! Can't wait to see more!
Rachel x
Posted by: Rachel | April 11, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Wow! Dreamy indeed! You'll have so much fun setting up and decorating for sure!
Posted by: erica k | April 11, 2011 at 03:16 PM
This is absolutely breathtaking! I want to leave Finland and move there now! Gosh. I´m so jealous, and of course happy for you at the same time. :) I´m sure it will be amazing when it´s done!
Posted by: Nova | April 11, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Goodness, I am so excited for you! It is an incredibly beautiful location and most perfect wee house. I can't wait to see it filled with light, colour and whimsy, such is your style. How wonderful for you and your family!
Posted by: Tallulah Maggs | April 12, 2011 at 01:23 AM
What a fabulous view. And this is much more than a cottage, it's huge! Please ontinue to share the dream with us, I'd love to hear and see more of it!
Posted by: Moineau16 | April 12, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Amazing! I am in LOVE with your house.....and the view! Congrats!
Posted by: Terrie | April 13, 2011 at 03:16 AM
Oh will be so wonderful (:) hugs,p
Posted by: patty | April 13, 2011 at 03:42 PM
I tlooks gorgeous & the views.....wow.....
Hope you all have many years of enjoyment at it
Posted by: sheila sanderson | April 14, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Very beautiful..
Posted by: sewa mobil | April 14, 2011 at 08:16 AM
Thanks for sharing this wonderful dream.
Posted by: evelyn | April 14, 2011 at 06:04 PM
That
is
STUNNING!!
Posted by: StellaNova | April 15, 2011 at 02:59 AM
WOW this is so great. I spend one summer in a cottage on PEI and if I close my eyes i am there again. Great memories. So this must be so great for you and your family, enjoy every minute it looks fantastic.
Posted by: jacoline | April 15, 2011 at 03:30 PM
What a lovely gift to your kids. I hope you are keeping that window seat on the landing!!
Posted by: Karen | April 26, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Beautiful! You are so lucky, it looks like a dream come true.
S x
Posted by: Sandra | April 26, 2011 at 09:58 AM
Sorry to double comment at ya! Just wanted to say, I'm adding a link to your site on my blog. Is that ok?
S x (Cherry Heart)
Posted by: Sandra | April 26, 2011 at 11:24 AM
It looks wonderful, I can almost smell the wood!Is-there something better in life that a dream becoming real? Génial!!
Posted by: Bridget | April 26, 2011 at 12:50 PM
It's going to be so beautiful! I'm so happy for you!
Posted by: Tiffany | April 27, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Ahhh that cottage is dreamy!
Posted by: Jessica | May 05, 2011 at 08:10 PM
wouah!
Posted by: Maison Cara de Papel | May 06, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I'm soooo looking forward to sharing your journey with your BEAUTIFUL house! It's absolutely GORGEOUS! What an amazing spot, it's going to be idyllic. Very exciting! Love Vanessa xxx
Posted by: do you mind if i knit | May 16, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Just stopping by to say I'm sooo excited for you to have your dream come true! This is going to be exquisite! Breathtaking views, and such a gorgeous place. (my husband grew up here, and we used to live here!) Miss it! We live in a pretty place now, though.....anyhow, congratulations, and the fun is just beginning, as you get to decorate and make it your own! Have fun!
Laurie~
Posted by: Laurie | May 17, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Congratulations, a truely beautiful place to enjoy with your family
Posted by: Pearl Maple | May 18, 2011 at 03:32 AM
Oh my, this looks like it's near where my family had a summer place. I so long for those days and wish it had been kept by my grandparents rather than sold. We had an island which was on Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island, not sure how close yours is. We make it up there 2 years ago, my father wanted his ashes buried there as it was one of his most happiest places on the planet, so beautiful. May you enjoy this for generations to come! I'll be dreaming of it here in England! Blessings!
Posted by: Sue Joyce | September 15, 2011 at 07:31 AM
olá adorei seus trabalhos,são realmente muito lindos...agora esse local onde mostrastes nas fotos completaram a beleza do seu blog...deve ser o paraiso...bjos...
Posted by: dalva | December 19, 2011 at 03:48 PM