What began as a project to simply store his boats near the Saugeen River, an avid fly fisherman’s dream soon turned into a unique build – one that stands out for custom homebuilders and renovators Ben and Dylan Freeburn of Alair Homes Grey Bruce.

With a sweeping driveway and impressive entrance, Armando Pagliari’s cottage adds charm to the historic Southampton neighbourhood. Most would assume from the outside that it is a regular home. “We went to the drawing board to come up with the best sort of plan to house his boats, allow for space and provide the one-and-a-half storey development he was looking for,” explains Ben.

The tinted, poured-concrete driveway leads to garage doors at both the cottage and detatched garage behind. Warm Estate stone (Shouldice Designer Stone) complements the cottage’s brown shingles, its beautiful wooden door with notable transoms (Van Dolder’s Custom Exteriors) and old-world lantern above (Martin’s Home Hardware). “We wanted the front elevation to be as residential as possible,” Ben says.