Lake Promenade

About the project…

This spectacular waterfront property on Lake Ontario’s west end provided the perfect opportunity to substantially renovate an old house into a beautiful dual purpose home/ cottage within the city. Our client, an avid sailor, was determined to achieve a “small cottage” look while building in all the comforts and necessities of a contemporary home with Green Building technology high on the priority list.

We salvaged the original block foundation, even though it was extremely wet, with a thorough waterproofing treatment around the perimeter and new weeping tiles that directed sump pit storm water to the lake. Our designer extended the main floor and two upper levels over the original foundation extension that was used as a base for the rear deck in the before photos. This added approximately 300 square feet of living space per floor.

Follow the home’s transformation in the image slider below.

This view of Lake Ontario made the home worth saving.

The front of the house before construction.

The house starts to rise again after gutting.

The house takes shape as construction continues.

A completely changed look and feel emerges as construction winds down to completion.

The back wall is opened up with huge windows to take advantage of the lake view.

A view out through the completed picture windows

The back of the house and the deck before renovation.

With the structure complete and the cladding on, the back of the house takes shape.

View of the upper two balconies that provide walk outs from the bedrooms.

The finished back of the house provides easy access to the out of doors at all levels.

The Master Bedroom with en-suite and access to the balcony overlooking the lake.

The master en-suite collects light from the southern exposure making it bright and airy.

The 2nd bedroom features access to a balcony as well.

The second bathroom features natural light and a soaker tub.

Unique stairwell to guest room with beautiful natural wood accents.

A fireplace graces the main floor great room / kitchen combination.

Open concept living space with minimal internal walls.

View as you approach the kitchen from the front of the house.

Raised granite bar separates the food preparation area from the great room.

View through open deck doors to kitchen island.

Lots of built in cupboards and storage in the kitchen.

The position of the sun alters the mood in the kitchen and eating areas.

Notice the difference in the lighting from the previous photo.

Feedback from the client on a previous project…

In January this year (2005), I bought our old house that had not been touched for 90 years. I could not even get insurance for it.

By the end of January, Lifetime had stripped it to the outside walls. By the end of March it was rebuilt with proper wiring, proper plumbing and proper supports but still looked 90 years old. It was just what I wanted.

From its President, Sandra Baldwin, to its forepersons, to its drywallers, electricians, plumbers and painters, it is an extraordinary organization. All at a reasonable price.

Lifetime Contractor is well named. I will always use them in my lifetime; and their work lasts for a lifetime. You could not ask for more. I cannot recommend them strongly enough.

James Lockyer
Lockyer Campbell Posner
Barristers and Solicitors