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Home & Cottage Design & Construction Answered by Industry Experts

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Home & Cottage Design & Construction Answered by Industry Experts

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In this video, Patrick and Bert Bongers, Partners at CedarCoast Timber Homes, answer questions submitted by potential cottage owners. What should you expect when engaging with a cottage builder? Topics discussed range from the importance of the initial Design Contract through the proper construction of family cottages on the rugged shores and lakes of Muskoka Ontario.

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In this session contract questions like 'Is there an up-front payment?', 'What about insurance?' and others, are considered.

THIS WIDE OPEN CONVERSATION will focus on the design planning process good construction management. Partners Bert and Patrick Bongers have each been building 'on the lakes' for over 30 years. As this video demonstrates, they share a wealth of professional and personal experience in a friendly, easy going manner, helping families design and build a cottage they will love for generations to come.

There are two main activity hubs within CedarCoast: the first is Design/Construction from scratch and the second is the fully insured Project Management of lakefront cottages.

As Bert says, "We like to take on 'progressive' projects that may feature energy efficiency, special home comfort, accessibility, sustainability and the unique relationship between the cottage and its surroundings."

Discussion points covered in this video:

1. Watch videos of completed CedarCoast projects on Vimeo and YouTube! Some will include upscale kitchen appointments, expensive flooring, innovative heating systems... and may even include Butler's Pantries in the basements, complex timberwork, designer cabinetry, and floor to ceiling fireplaces. All these enhanced specifications add to the cost.

2. When should we approach a builder? When and how to start the design process? The design phase will give you the confidence you need to start planning without censuring your ideas or your expectations at the start. It will also enable you to have fun while brainstorming with the entire family.

3. The process of design works to find opportunities to improve budgeting too. Ask yourselves, 'What makes this a great place?' We find that in many instances this early creative process will help illustrate and resolve differing visions and will lead to a new appreciation of what's really required to 'make your cottage your own'.

4. Three necessary information points at the beginning. We recommend downloading the CedarCoast SmartPlan because it's a great way to keep track of your wish list. The structure of the process is clearly laid out. This makes individual decisions easier.

5. Floorplans are counter-productive, we believe. No single plan is perfect for you and perfect for your property.

6. Start with what you know. Electronic scrapbook making, with Pinterest, Haus, Instagram will help to make sure everyone is heard. Let the kids join in!

7. is the third necessary piece of information. Any designer will need to have a firm grasp on what you want to spend before beginning.

8. The construction contract can only begin when the design has been finalized. Some contracts may include a financial partner, in which case specific milestones will be set and achieved prior to payments. We may recommend up to 8 or12 stages of payment.

9. What should we consider when building requires an insulated slab sub-foundation? We have experience with Ontario's rocky islands, shores and slopes. A basement may be 'good to have' but a wet basement is not. We often advise clients to consider in-floor heating to ensure their cottage is warm and cozy.

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Home & Cottage Design & Construction Answered by Industry Experts

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In this video, Patrick and Bert Bongers, Partners at CedarCoast Timber Homes, answer questions submitted by potential cottage owners. What should you expect when engaging with a cottage builder? Topics discussed range from the importance of the initial Design Contract through the proper construction of family cottages on the rugged shores and lakes of Muskoka Ontario.

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Custom Cottage Builder | Muskoka, Ontario

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Custom Cottage Builder | Muskoka, Ontario

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We are a full service custom cottage builder in Muskoka, ON. We offer complete build options, from design, build and project management for a perfect home for you, your family, and friends.

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Custom Cottage Builder | Muskoka, Ontario

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We are a full service custom cottage builder in Muskoka, ON. We offer complete build options, from design, build and project management for a perfect home for you, your family, and friends.

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How Our Custom Cottage Design Benefits Families

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How Our Custom Cottage Design Benefits Families

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CedarCoast s custom cottage design bring benefits to families now and far into the future

Coastal Homes for Sale

Luxury Oceanfront Residences

Sustainable Design Properties

Breathtaking Sea Views

Modern Coastal Living

Premium Waterfront Homes

Exclusive Beachside Estates

High-End Coastal Real Estate

Custom Luxury Homes by the Sea

Seaside Property Listings

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How Our Custom Cottage Design Benefits Families

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CedarCoast’s custom cottage design bring benefits to families now and far into the future.

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CedarCoast Designs an Indigenous Cultural Centre on Superior's Remote North Shore

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CedarCoast Designs an Indigenous Cultural Centre on Superior's Remote North Shore

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Discover CedarCoast Designs' innovative approach to building an Indigenous Cultural Centre that honors tradition and embraces modernity. Explore their visionary projects and learn how they fuse architectural brilliance with cultural significance. Immerse yourself in a journey of heritage and design excellence. Visit CedarCoast Homes now for inspiration:

Coastal Homes for Sale

Luxury Oceanfront Residences

Sustainable Design Properties

Breathtaking Sea Views

Modern Coastal Living

Premium Waterfront Homes

Exclusive Beachside Estates

High-End Coastal Real Estate

Custom Luxury Homes by the Sea

Seaside Property Listings

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The amazing project team was organized by the OFNTSC to include Prime Project Solutions and CedarCoast Timber Homes. The remote location, with no roads in or out, required complex logistics and risk management, sourcing local tradespeople and helicopter services (during the recent forest fire emergencies!) to provide timely aerial delivery for every material component involved in the construction of the project.

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CedarCoast Designs an Indigenous Cultural Centre on Superior's Remote North Shore

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The amazing project team was organized by the OFNTSC to include Prime Project Solutions and CedarCoast Timber Homes. The remote location, with no roads in or out, required complex logistics and risk management, sourcing local tradespeople and helicopter services (during the recent forest fire emergencies!)

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Quality workmanship and attention to detail keep log cottage customers coming back!

We recently received a reference note from happy customers, Richard and Olivia. In 2017, CedarCoast finished the 'shell construction' of their cottage, meaning that the work on their log walls, roof and windows was complete. Their intent was to 'pick away' at the interior finishes at their own pace.

After 5 years in their cottage, they planned to add a loft floor at the apex of their cottage, to get a better view and to add more beds and storage. They tried many contractors, but had no luck finding one that could bring the required design and engineering skills to accomplish the task. They returned to CedarCoast.

Here's their letter to Joe, a CedarCoast Architectural Designer, who help them achieve their goals:

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Quality workmanship and attention to detail keep log cottage customers coming back!

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Custom Lakefront Homes & Cottage Gallery | CedarCoast Homes

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Custom Lakefront Homes & Cottage Gallery | CedarCoast Homes

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Our spectacular custom designed and build homes and cottages are as different as the families who live in them. From traditional to contemporary, from log cabins to expansive multi-level homes, see why the CedarCoast difference is you! Explore today.

Coastal Homes for Sale

Luxury Oceanfront Residences

Sustainable Design Properties

Breathtaking Sea Views

Modern Coastal Living

Premium Waterfront Homes

Exclusive Beachside Estates

High-End Coastal Real Estate

Custom Luxury Homes by the Sea

Seaside Property Listings

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Custom Lakefront Homes & Cottage Gallery | CedarCoast Homes

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Our spectacular custom designed and build homes and cottages are as different as the families who live in them. From traditional to contemporary, from log cabins to expansive multi-level homes, see why the CedarCoast difference is you! Explore today.

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International entrepreneur brings his young family to Cottage Country to build a Pan-Abode cedar cottage.

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International entrepreneur brings his young family to Cottage Country to build a Pan-Abode cedar cottage.

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Building a Pan-Abode family cottage with Patrick Bongers of CedarCoast.

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Working with his 3 man crew , developing comraderie while working on the lake was a great experience, says Mason. "Constructing the Pan-Abode went quite smoothly, stacking the logs, course by course, and log by log ... the smell was terrific! Seeing the family move in and how much they love the space.. amazing!" says Mason. He also says wonderful things about the involvement of CedarCoast. "Patrick was super-helpful and came out to the site a number of times."

'The cottage is built like a piano', says the new owner. 'The construction is so tight, showing a build with standout quality and precision, even slipping a piece of paper into the joints is impossible."

Family Cottage Design with a Wow Factor

"I didn't want an ostentatious cottage, I wanted to recreate my childhood memories on the lakes, fishing, frog hunting and running through the place with wet swimming trunks still on. I still remember goofing off in the woods. If the floors get wet, so what? We weren't aiming for a cottage that's overwhelming or intimidating. You know, humble living. And we don't bring cellphones, TV or Internet. This is a family bonding experience! I did not want my family to miss out on what I had when I was young."

The cottage boasts considerable WOW! factor. "We aimed for a relaxed rustic feel, not something over the top," says the cottage owner. "Our cottage owners aren't ostentatious," says Bert, "They're more Zen."

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International entrepreneur brings his young family to Cottage Country to build a Pan-Abode cedar cottage.

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Building a Pan-Abode family cottage with Patrick Bongers of CedarCoast.

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Why Happy Muskoka Cottagers Stay Loyal to CedarCoast

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Why Happy Muskoka Cottagers Stay Loyal to CedarCoast

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Why do happy Muskoka cottagers stay loyal to CedarCoast The joys of loyalty explained

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We realize that showing a commitment to innovation and adaptability also builds trust. As trends and technologies evolve, cottagers appreciate builders who stay current and offer modern solutions that enhance the quality and functionality of their homes. Whether it's incorporating energy-efficient features, smart home technologies, or sustainable building practices, builders who innovate can retain their clients' loyalty by continually meeting their evolving needs.

CedarCoast has established a unique way of gathering 'whole family' customer input, beginning with our SMARTPLAN. We specialize in the family aspects of each home, making sure our homes are welcoming to everyone at any age. Because we have been building on the lakes for 30+ years, we have literally seen 'everything' and frequently after mitigating risks, we bring new procedures into our systems for adaptability and long term learning.

Follow our 'HOW DO WE DO IT' videos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn!

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Why Happy Muskoka Cottagers Stay Loyal to CedarCoast

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Why do happy Muskoka cottagers stay loyal to CedarCoast? The joys of loyalty explained.

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About CedarCoast | Custom Muksoka Cottages

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About CedarCoast | Custom Muksoka Cottages

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Family focused design green building solutions Tailored construction opportunities Dream better with CedarCoast

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About CedarCoast | Custom Muksoka Cottages

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Family-focused design & green building solutions. Tailored construction opportunities. Dream better with CedarCoast.

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SMARTPLAN™ | CedarCoast - Custom Muskoka Cottages

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SMARTPLAN™ | CedarCoast - Custom Muskoka Cottages

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Create personalized home designs with SMARTPLAN™ Embrace sustainability functionality Learn more!

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When families first meet the CedarCoast Design Team, their message is clear. It's the wish of every family to live in their new home or cottage forever. That means sustainable building. At CedarCoast, 'forever' is much more than a dreamy concept. It means the home design we begin today must meet your family's needs tomorrow.

The home pictured here has been built seamlessly on one level - from the lack of front steps to the back barbeque. Planning accommodates seniors, perhaps with walkers and juniors in strollers. Bathrooms and kitchens feature access to drawers conveniently placed lower for people in wheelchairs. Wide hallways, an open plan and the lack of steps welcomes family and guests in an easy, friendly manner that never telegraphs 'accessibility'.

Ask Patrick and Bert Bongers about planning your family cottage. You'll notice a difference right away. Other builders will start this conversation by showing floorplans. 'Will this one fit?' they ask.'

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SMARTPLAN™ | CedarCoast - Custom Designing & Planning of Your New Home

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CedarCoast's SMARTPLAN™ is an easy way to start organizing your ideas. It is the first step to getting family members involved in the adventure of planning, designing and building your new home or cottage. Download your SMARTPLAN™ today!

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Dream, Design, Build Your Custom Lakefront Cottage

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Dream, Design, Build Your Custom Lakefront Cottage

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Discover our collection of innovative family cottage designs that are expertly tailored to bring your dreams to life Start exploring our options today

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Unique, natural and warm, first impressions of a CedarCoast home are carefully crafted with with a variety of contrasting materials. Shades of light and dark play with the seasons, as you wish. Start with a style that feels just right, then build to tomorrow's most exacting standards. We will assist you by contributing our deep design and construction expertise in techniques, finishes and colours. We have heartfelt experience in making families happy, too.

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CedarCoast Homes - Design, Build Your Custom Lakefront Home & Cottage

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We are a full service custom home and cottage builder. We offer complete build options, from design, build and project management for a perfect home for you, your family, and friends.

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Client tendered the design to 5 Construction Management companies. While the CedarCoast bid was one of the two highest, CedarCoast was selected because it fixed the majority of construction costs and provided the most detailed materials and quality specifications.

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Client tendered the design to 5 Construction Management companies. While the CedarCoast bid was one of the two highest, CedarCoast was selected because it fixed the majority of construction costs and provided the most detailed materials and quality specifications.

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The idea of being off-grid and environmentally self-sustaining appealed to Gus & Sam when we explored ideas for a cottage on their recently acquired acreage abutting a small lake near Parry Sound.

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The idea of being off-grid and environmentally self-sustaining appealed to Gus & Sam when we explored ideas for a cottage on their recently acquired acreage abutting a small lake near Parry Sound.

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Custom Cottage Builder Videos - CedarCoast

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Custom Cottage Builder Videos - CedarCoast

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CedarCoast Homes offers an inspiring collection of custom cottage videos, showcasing their unique design philosophy tailored to individual family preferences. These videos provide insightful glimpses into various completed projects, demonstrating the breadth of CedarCoast's craftsmanship and architectural innovation.

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This is a striking lakeside, custom home in Muskoka, Ontario. Features include a dramatic stone and timber entrance, a boat port with elevated entertainment deck, angled screen porch or 'Muskoka Room' with barrel ceiling, CedarCoast signature cedar plank vaulted ceilings, and a state-of-the-art kitchen, all centered with a soaring stone fireplace and dramatic, arched windows showcasing spectacular views of the lake.

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Custom Cottage Builder Videos - CedarCoast

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Our custom cottages are as unique as the families who love them. Please find videos and informative Webinars with Bert and Patrick as they answer questions from prospective cottage owners.

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Cottage Life on the Water with this Boathouse Beauty!

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Cottage Life on the Water with this Boathouse Beauty!

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Your Muskoka boathouse offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle that mixes ultimate serenity with your love of adventure and water sports of every kind.

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Cottage Life on the Water with this Boathouse Beauty!

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Your Muskoka boathouse offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle that mixes ultimate serenity with your love of adventure and water sports of every kind.

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Muldrew Lake Cottage: An Extended Family Retreat by Cedar Coast Homes

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Muldrew Lake Cottage: An Extended Family Retreat by Cedar Coast Homes

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Discover the transformation of this Muldrew Lake cottage into a perfect family compound. Cedar Coast Homes revitalized the property with a winterized main cottage, bunkies, a boathouse, and multiple decks for stunning lake views in Muskoka.

#CoastalHomesForSale

#LuxuryOceanfrontResidences

#SustainableDesignProperties

#BreathtakingSeaViews

#ModernCoastalLiving

#PremiumWaterfrontHomes

#ExclusiveBeachsideEstates

#HighEndCoastalRealEstate

#CustomLuxuryHomesByTheSea

#SeasidePropertyListings

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The Perfect Cottage for an Extended Family in Muskoka!

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Walk with CedarCoast Partner Patrick Bongers and his Interior Designer Mariah Hill as they show a cottage that’s perfect for an extended family in Muskoka.

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The Perfect Cottage for an Extended Family in Muskoka!

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The Perfect Cottage for an Extended Family in Muskoka!

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Walk with CedarCoast Partner Patrick Bongers and his Interior Designer Mariah Hill as they show a cottage that's perfect for an extended family in Muskoka.

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The Perfect Cottage for an Extended Family in Muskoka!

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Walk with CedarCoast Partner Patrick Bongers and his Interior Designer Mariah Hill as they show a cottage that’s perfect for an extended family in Muskoka.

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Discover how CedarCoast Homes crafted a cozy cottage kitchen tailored for family gatherings. Using hands-on experience, they designed intuitive paths, a spacious island, thoughtful pantry storage, and kid-friendly layouts to elevate winter cottage cooking in Muskoka

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Cozy Cottage Kitchen Design Inspired by Real-Life Experience | CedarCoast Homes

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Cozy Cottage Kitchen Design Inspired by Real-Life Experience | CedarCoast Homes

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We designed our cozy cottage kitchen using experience as a guide

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How to use experience to design your custom cottage kitchen? We turned our love of cooking into relaxing afternoons away from the city.

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Build Your Forever: Designing Multi-Generational Family Cottages 

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Build Your Forever: Designing Multi-Generational Family Cottages 

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Planning a family cottage? Cedar Coast Homes focuses on multi-generational design, long-term needs, and accessibility. Learn how to design a home that grows with your family!

#CoastalHomesForSale

#LuxuryOceanfrontResidences

#SustainableDesignProperties

#BreathtakingSeaViews

#ModernCoastalLiving

#PremiumWaterfrontHomes

#ExclusiveBeachsideEstates

#HighEndCoastalRealEstate

#CustomLuxuryHomesByTheSea

#SeasidePropertyListings

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What makes a family cottage ‘multi-generational’? Family Planning is the heart of our design process.
We invite you to take a look at our SMARTPLAN to help you.

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Interactive SMARTPLAN™: Design Your Dream Timber Cottage

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Interactive SMARTPLAN™: Design Your Dream Timber Cottage

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Planning your custom timber frame cottage? Use CedarCoast's FREE Interactive SMARTPLAN™ tool to easily map out your design, vision, and long-term family needs. Start building your dream!

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Interactive Smart Plan | CedarCoast Timber Homes

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Explore our innovative SMARTPLAN™ planning tool and start creating your dream home today.

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The Muskoka Soul Story — How a Lakehouse Dream Became a Luxury Retreat

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The Muskoka Soul Story — How a Lakehouse Dream Became a Luxury Retreat

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Discover how the owners of “Muskoka Soul” transformed a lakeside vision into a stunning two-storey, five-bedroom timber-frame cottage — blending cozy family-home warmth with high-end finishes to create the ultimate rental getaway. From clever design solutions to tranquil vistas over Lake Muskoka, this is the story of a dream turned into a successful income-earning retreat.

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Muskoka Soul is a two-story, five-bedroom 3 bath, luxury cottage built with CedarCoast’s signature timber frame structure supporting the expansive roof. With soaring architecture, breathtaking views and the conveniences and amenities of modern construction, Muskoka Soul provides all the luxuries of a boutique hotel.

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The Wolf Lake Story — Cedar Coast Homes’ Custom Lake Retreat

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The Wolf Lake Story — Cedar Coast Homes’ Custom Lake Retreat

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Discover the inspiring journey behind The Wolf Lake Story by Cedar Coast Homes — where thoughtful design meets lakeside living. From concept to completion, this custom build blends natural beauty, functional spaces, and elevated craftsmanship to create a serene retreat on Wolf Lake. Perfect for homeowners seeking comfort, style, and unforgettable views.

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The idea of being off-grid and environmentally self-sustaining appealed to Gus & Sam when we explored ideas for a cottage on their recently acquired acreage abutting a small lake near Parry Sound.

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Luxury Timber Frame Homes in Gravenhurst | Cedar Coast Homes

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Luxury Timber Frame Homes in Gravenhurst | Cedar Coast Homes

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Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of luxury timber frame homes in Gravenhurst with Cedar Coast Homes, a trusted custom home builder specializing in architecturally distinctive residences throughout Muskoka, Ontario. Designed to reflect the natural surroundings while delivering modern comfort and elegance, Cedar Coast timber homes combine timeless design with exceptional construction quality.

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Luxury Timber Frame Homes in Gravenhurst, ON | Cedar Coast Timber Homes

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Cedar Coast builds luxury timber frame homes in Gravenhurst, ON. Custom cottage-country designs, premium craftsmanship, and turnkey construction. Book a consultation today.

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The Walkers Point Story – A Seasonal Muskoka Cottage by CedarCoast Homes

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The Walkers Point Story – A Seasonal Muskoka Cottage by CedarCoast Homes

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Discover The Walkers Point Story by CedarCoast Homes—a beautifully designed seasonal Muskoka cottage built for family living, comfort, and stunning lakeside experiences.

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Long-time Muskoka cottagers build a 6-bedroom dream cottage. After 20 years of raising their three children in the old seasonal cottage, our clients wanted to be meticulous about the planning of their cottage property development. We looked at many possibilities of how to best utilize, yet preserve, their beautiful waterfront overlooking Lake Muskoka.

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Discover the craftsmanship behind a stunning five-bedroom custom retreat on the rugged shores of Leech Lake. This behind-the-scenes look at the CedarCoast "How Do We Do It?" series follows the journey from excavation and Douglas Fir timber framing to the installation of a full-service elevator. Explore how expert planning and winter-resilient construction techniques transform a challenging Muskoka landscape into a multi-generational family sanctuary. Perfect inspiration for anyone dreaming of a lakeside home that blends modern luxury with classic timber-frame aesthetics.What It Takes to Build a Family Cottage on Leech Lake's Rugged Shoreline

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Building a Luxury Custom Cottage on Leech Lake, Muskoka | CedarCoast

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Building a Luxury Custom Cottage on Leech Lake, Muskoka | CedarCoast

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Ever wonder what it really takes to build a luxury family cottage on one of Muskoka's most desirable lakes?"How Do We Do It?" video series offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look as CedarCoast Partner, Patrick Bongers and Site Supervisor, Ryan kick off construction on a stunning custom lakeside cottage on Leech Lake.

From bedrock to Douglas fir beams, follow the craftsmanship and precision that goes into creating a forever family retreat in the heart of Ontario's Cottage Country.

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What It Takes to Build a Family Cottage on Leech Lake's Rugged Shoreline

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CedarCoast's Leech Lake cottage shows construction of 3-storey home with 5 bedrooms, an elevator and a walk-out basement.

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Designing a Family Cottage: 5 Essential Features to Include

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Designing a Family Cottage: 5 Essential Features to Include

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Planning a custom waterfront build is a major investment, and designing a space that works perfectly for large groups takes distinct architectural expertise. When creating a multi-generational family cottage, you have to think beyond standard home designs to account for high-traffic weekends, guest privacy, and future accessibility.

This helpful article shares five core elements that elevate a standard lakeside property into an ideal multi-generational retreat. It highlights structural and layout strategies—like creating transitional indoor-outdoor zones and expansive kitchens—that handle large gatherings effortlessly. Curated by premier cottage builders in Muskoka, the advice focuses on blending structural durability with timeless, functional aesthetics that adapt as your family grows. It is an excellent read for anyone in the early stages of planning a build or renovation who wants to avoid common layout regrets.

Make sure your custom build delivers the comfort and longevity your family deserves. Click through to read the comprehensive breakdown and gain practical inspiration for your own architectural journey.

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This delightful family cottage sports an open-concept main floor with kitchen island, bar fridge and a Great Room with a lakeside view…

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What Does a "Modern" Muskoka Cottage Look Like? | CedarCoast Homes

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What Does a "Modern" Muskoka Cottage Look Like? | CedarCoast Homes

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Looking to protect your wealth? A permanent life insurance strategy owned by your corporation is tax-exempt and could save your estate millions in taxes.

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What ‘Modern’ Means for Muskoka Cottages

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From rustic to contemporary, CedarCoast reinterprets the ‘modern’ Muskoka cottage in a variety of visual styles!

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Building a Family Cottage on Leech Lake, Muskoka | Cedar Coast Homes

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Building a Family Cottage on Leech Lake, Muskoka | Cedar Coast Homes

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Bring your family together on Leech Lake. From site planning to custom timber framing, Cedar Coast Homes crafts custom Muskoka cottages built to last generations.

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Ever wonder what it really takes to build a luxury family cottage on one of Muskoka's most desirable lakes?"How Do We Do It?" video series offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look as CedarCoast Partner, Patrick Bongers and Site Supervisor, Ryan kick off construction on a stunning custom lakeside cottage on Leech Lake.

From bedrock to Douglas fir beams, follow the craftsmanship and precision that goes into creating a forever family retreat in the heart of Ontario's Cottage Country.

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What It Takes to Build a Family Cottage on Leech Lake's Rugged Shoreline

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CedarCoast's Leech Lake cottage shows construction of 3-storey home with 5 bedrooms, an elevator and a walk-out basement.