Barronsbrae is a fine example of the rustic early 20th century cottage type found in Pointe au Baril on Georgian Bay.

Purchased by its current owners in 2020 from a descendant of the original owner’s family, the cottage was in an advanced state of disrepair. ERA worked with the new owners to preserve its historic character, including original windows and a stone fireplace, while making necessary modern improvements. The distinctive central gabled volume was stabilized and restored, and a new, more durable steel roof installed to better withstand Georgian Bay’s violent weather.  The outer ring of adjacent rooms was rebuilt to stabilize the venerable wood and stone structure and provide more lofty modern spaces for contemporary lifestyles.

The interior layout was adjusted to incorporate a chef’s kitchen which takes advantage of striking views to the channel and opens to the dining room.  A full second floor principal suite, two guest bedrooms, two new full bathrooms, and a laundry were artfully integrated into the original volume .

Salvaged, aged hemlock paneling was used to restore the historic rooms and new custom hemlock beams were hewn for the new extensions thereby coordinating with the existing palette of materials. The new vertical painted nickel gap boards lining new spaces reference the unusual “plank” construction method.

Distinctive original doors and windows were repaired in place where possible while new or salvaged doors, windows, and shutters were used in the newly constructed rebuilt areas.