Posted on: July 15, 2026
There’s something special about building on the water. Whether it’s watching the sunrise over Sturgeon Lake, enjoying quiet evenings by the shoreline, or gathering family around the dock on a summer afternoon, a waterfront property offers a lifestyle that’s unlike any other. Designing a waterfront home, however, requires much more than simply choosing a beautiful floor plan. Every decision, from the placement of windows to the orientation of outdoor living spaces, should be made with the property itself in mind.
At R. Moore Homes, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful design can transform a beautiful lot into an extraordinary place to call home. Whether you’re planning a year-round residence or a custom cottage on Sturgeon Lake, Balsam Lake, Pigeon Lake, Buckhorn Lake, or elsewhere throughout the Kawartha Lakes, designing around the landscape is one of the most important investments you’ll make.
Let the View Lead the Design
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a floor plan before considering the property. On a waterfront lot, the view should guide the design, not the other way around.
Think about where you’ll spend the majority of your time. Your kitchen, dining area, great room, and primary bedroom are all spaces where you’ll want to enjoy the scenery every day. Big windows, carefully positioned sightlines, and open living areas can help capture the beauty of the lake from inside your home without making every room feel the same.
It’s also worth considering how the view changes throughout the seasons. A lake looks very different on a sunny July afternoon than it does after a fresh snowfall, and your home should be designed to celebrate both.
Maximize Natural Light
Waterfront properties naturally offer opportunities to bring more daylight into the home.
Large windows and strategically placed glass doors can brighten interior spaces while creating a stronger connection to the outdoors. At the same time, it’s important to think about the sun’s path throughout the day. Too much direct afternoon sunlight can make a home uncomfortable during the summer months, while properly designed overhangs and covered outdoor spaces can provide welcome shade without sacrificing the view.
Thoughtful window placement balances natural light, energy efficiency, and comfort all year long.
Blur the Line Between Indoors and Outdoors
One of the greatest benefits of living on the water is spending time outside.
Covered decks, screened rooms, patios, and outdoor dining areas can become natural extensions of your home. By creating easy transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, you’ll find yourself using every square foot of your property more often.
Imagine preparing dinner in the kitchen while family and friends gather just outside on a covered deck overlooking the lake. These are the kinds of everyday experiences that thoughtful waterfront design can make possible.
Design for Waterfront Living
Life at the lake comes with unique routines, and your home should support them.
Where will wet towels go after a swim? Is there enough storage for life jackets, fishing gear, paddleboards, or kayaks? Will guests have a convenient place to leave sandy shoes before entering the house?
Practical features like spacious mudrooms, durable flooring, built-in storage, and outdoor water access may not be the first things you think about when designing a waterfront home, but they’re often the features homeowners appreciate most once they’ve settled in.
A home that’s designed for waterfront living feels effortless because it anticipates the way you’ll use the space every day.
Balance the View With Privacy
While waterfront properties often offer incredible scenery, they can also attract plenty of attention from neighbouring cottages and boat traffic.
Thoughtful landscaping, carefully positioned windows, covered porches, pergolas, and strategic placement of outdoor seating areas can help create privacy without blocking the very views you chose the property for.
The goal isn’t to close yourself off from the landscape. It’s to create comfortable spaces where you can relax while still enjoying everything the waterfront has to offer.
Work With the Natural Landscape
Every waterfront property is unique. Some feature gently sloping shorelines, while others have mature trees, natural rock outcroppings, or dramatic elevation changes.
Rather than forcing the property to fit a standard design, work with the land whenever possible. Walkout basements, tiered outdoor living spaces, and homes that follow the natural contours of the lot often feel more connected to their surroundings while minimizing unnecessary site disruption.
A thoughtful design respects the landscape and helps preserve the character that made the property so appealing in the first place.
Build for Every Season
Many waterfront homes throughout Sturgeon Lake and the Kawarthas are enjoyed well beyond the summer months. Whether you’re planning weekend escapes, hosting family over the holidays, or living there year-round, your home should be designed to perform beautifully in every season.
Features such as energy-efficient windows, quality insulation, durable exterior materials, and comfortable gathering spaces help create a home that’s just as inviting in January as it is in August.
A truly great waterfront home isn’t defined by one spectacular weekend. It’s designed to be enjoyed throughout the entire year.
Partner With a Builder Who Understands Waterfront Properties
Building beside the water comes with unique opportunities and considerations that differ from traditional residential construction. Site orientation, grading, shoreline regulations, access, and environmental stewardship all play important roles in creating a successful project.
At R. Moore Homes, we work closely with homeowners throughout Sturgeon Lake, the Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Buckhorn, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, and surrounding communities to create custom homes and cottages that reflect both the property and the people who will enjoy it.
The best waterfront homes don’t compete with the landscape. They celebrate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important consideration when designing a waterfront home?
The orientation of the home is one of the most important decisions. Positioning living spaces and outdoor areas to maximize lake views while considering sunlight and privacy creates a home that’s enjoyable throughout the year.
How do you maximize views in a waterfront home?
Large windows, open-concept living spaces, carefully planned sightlines, and outdoor living areas all help frame the surrounding landscape without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency.
Should a waterfront home be designed differently than a traditional home?
Yes. Waterfront homes should be designed around the property, taking into account views, shoreline access, natural light, privacy, and how you’ll enjoy the outdoors.
Is a custom waterfront home worth it?
A custom home allows you to design around your property’s unique characteristics and your family’s lifestyle, helping you make the most of your investment for years to come.
