Located in the coastal community of Upper Kingsbur and just 15 minutes from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 1700sqft Canadian home was built by renowned architect Brian Mackay-Lyons. The interior volume of this serene retreat is wrapped in warm poplar hardwood and features a long living zone with vast vistas of the surrounding landscape. With the natural variations in the poplar creating an organic pattern of linear motion broken only by the lengths of windows and the fireplace surround, this living zone is a study of still movement similar to the flickering of a fireplace or the soft motion of a water fountain. The poplar offers a relaxing visual statement – perfect for those wishing to unwind from the stress of urban life.
The dining zone next to the fireplace is a simple grouping of an oversized table that can easily seat 10. The vinyl chairs repeat the tones of the poplar hardwood and 3 pot lights bath the table with light without breaking the plane of the views. The views are amazing. Countryside homes, with the ocean and forest just beyond bring brilliant hues of green and blue into the Sliding House.
The living zone is as clean and simple as the dining. Two tufted black leather sofas create the perfect place to relax in front of the fire, while an unassuming door just beyond the seating arrangement leads to an outdoor deck.
The deck is the perfect place to relax. Closed railings and short drops of wall from the deck ceiling keep the ocean breezes at bay while the cut outs allow the sun and views to pour in. Whether you sit in the shade or the sun, you can’t help but leave the stresses of city life behind.
The ocean is ever changing and easily accessible. The two mile long Hirtle’s Beach is just a few minutes away by car and once there, beach walks, ocean swims, river sailing or even festivals are an enticing way to unwind on a sunny day.
If you choose to spend your days indoors, the sofas are light and easy to move so that you can create the arrangement of your choice. Here they are positioned for a more social arrangement and the long bench beside the fireplace is outfitted with two pillows for additional seating.
Tucked in between the living and dining zones is the kitchen. The kitchen features extra deep counters and modernist hand pulls on the poplar cabinetry. Facing away from the ocean views, it features vistas of the forest through a windowed backsplash. As with the dining area, a row of pot lights flood the counter with light without interrupting the views beyond.
