Houzz Tour: A Luxurious Log Home in the Canadian Mountains
Live-edge wood and other details reflect nature's gifts in a spacious family getaway nestled in the Canada's Okanagan Valley
This luxe winter getaway in Canada's Okanagan Valley plays host to a vacationing family that loves the outdoors. Situated so it can soak up 360-degree mountain views, the home embraces its remote location. Carla Bond Fisher of Sticks and Stones Design Group worked with her team to outfit the house with everything a family could need and more, while highlighting the stunning views and rustic landscape in each and every room. "We pulled our inspiration from nature," Fisher says. "With such a beautiful landscape, it was hard not to."
Houzz at a Glance
Who vacations here: An active internationally based family
Location: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 5,150 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who vacations here: An active internationally based family
Location: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 5,150 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Outside the great room, outdoor seating soaks up the sun and the mountain view. Careful location and orientation of the house in relation to the sun helps fully maximize the home's access to natural daylight. High windows and sliding glass doors flood the home with sunshine.
The interior feels warm and rustic but has distinctly contemporary touches. A hand-forged chandelier in the entryway combines old-style techniques with a more modern design, echoing the home's entire feel. The walnut staircase leads to a second-floor landing and lounge.
Chandelier: Hammerton, Log and Timber; stone: Kettle Valley Stone, Rustic Ledgestone; floors: quartz flagstone; chairs: Warison; table: Rustique Furniture
Chandelier: Hammerton, Log and Timber; stone: Kettle Valley Stone, Rustic Ledgestone; floors: quartz flagstone; chairs: Warison; table: Rustique Furniture
Textured materials provide warmth in a fresh but timeless look that was inspired by the wooded surrounding. "The rugged, tactile elements highlight the contrasting modern finishes," says Fisher.
A galley-style kitchen uses the same flagstone flooring and dark wood that runs through the rest of the house.
Backsplash: titanium granite, Stone Quest Granite; cabinetry: BWP Millwork; granite countertops, rustic hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware
Backsplash: titanium granite, Stone Quest Granite; cabinetry: BWP Millwork; granite countertops, rustic hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware
The titanium granite counter continues in a waterfall effect on the backsplash behind the stove.
A salvaged fallen tree was transformed into a one-of-a-kind dining table by Vancouver Island's Live Edge Designs; it will last for generations. The tree was milled into massive slabs, then the wood was dried and finished.
Chandelier: custom, Hammerton; chairs: Whittaker
Chandelier: custom, Hammerton; chairs: Whittaker
A living room with a stunning fireplace sits at the far end of the great room, surrounded by windows for light and views. Custom chairs in a brown and blue color palette and a slab-style coffee table tie this space in with the adjacent dining area.
Couches, armchairs: custom; coffee table: Phillips Collection; floor lamp: Hubbardton Forge; wool rock art pieces: Ronel Jordaan
Couches, armchairs: custom; coffee table: Phillips Collection; floor lamp: Hubbardton Forge; wool rock art pieces: Ronel Jordaan
The natural edges of reclaimed wood continue into the powder room, where a sculpted sink stand from Live Edge Designs steals the show.
Sink: White Bronze Zen Sink, Stone Forest; backsplash: tumbled stone, Daltile
Sink: White Bronze Zen Sink, Stone Forest; backsplash: tumbled stone, Daltile
The master bathroom, off the master bedroom, has a large soaking tub for ultimate relaxation. Stone tile, granite countertops and modern vessel sinks give the space a warm, contemporary look.
Counter: Antartica granite; sink: Verona Vessel, Stone Forest; backsplash: Stone series, Ican Tile
Counter: Antartica granite; sink: Verona Vessel, Stone Forest; backsplash: Stone series, Ican Tile
The master bedroom is Fisher's favorite space in the house. "This bedroom is a true romantic escape," she says. The bed has a clear view to the surrounding hills. A wood-burning fireplace, quiet sitting area and elegant dressing room complete the space.
Chandeliers: Hammerton; rug: Surya; bench: custom; bedding: custom, of Kravet fabric; table: Phillips Collection; chairs: custom
Chandeliers: Hammerton; rug: Surya; bench: custom; bedding: custom, of Kravet fabric; table: Phillips Collection; chairs: custom
One of two lofted bedrooms takes advantage of the home's peaked roofline. A window seat above provides one of the home's best views.
The clients live overseas most of the time, so Fisher and her team often had limited ability to get in touch with them and had to make decisions on the fly. "They really trusted us to create this beautiful haven for them," she says.
Bedding: Home Collection, Berry Creek; bed frame, nightstand: Environment, Lotus; lamp: Pier 1 Imports
The clients live overseas most of the time, so Fisher and her team often had limited ability to get in touch with them and had to make decisions on the fly. "They really trusted us to create this beautiful haven for them," she says.
Bedding: Home Collection, Berry Creek; bed frame, nightstand: Environment, Lotus; lamp: Pier 1 Imports
Just up the staircase in the entryway, several small seating areas have clear views of the great room below.
A side-by-side washer and dryer set makes room for folding counters and plenty of storage space in the downstairs laundry room.
Washer, dryer: Whirlpool, in Aspen; backsplash: Botswana series, Tierra Sol
Washer, dryer: Whirlpool, in Aspen; backsplash: Botswana series, Tierra Sol
Getting the right orientation on the site became one of the most important decisions. The settling of the log house had to be taken into account as well — in a log cabin, the logs settle into place over time, slowly reducing the height of the walls. The slip joint method of construction was used, so the logs will settle slowly, at their own natural pace.