It’s a much-loved Whistler tradition. Friends and family gather for a few days to share companionship and the area’s many activities. But after years of hosting a classic party house, one owner decided it was time to re-think his vacation retreat.
Although structurally sound, poor interior planning resulted in large areas of under-utilized floor space — especially in hallways and the kitchen/living area. To provide enough sleeping spots, the second-floor guest room with loft was crammed with a king-sized bed, bunk beds, plus a futon squeezed into a space in the side attic. But beneath cluttered design, Rob Capar, president of Maison d’Etre, could see a resort-style home just waiting to be unveiled.
Being a townhouse precluded the option of an addition, so Maison d’Etre’s priority was to reorganize the interior — from the front door onward. New heated slate flooring throughout echoes the natural Whistler setting. Space reclaimed from the hallway became a contemporary bar with built-in wine cooler and art niches. A former closet now invisibly houses the controls for a fully integrated, whole house sound system.
In the kitchen, tired dated cabinetry was replaced with custom millwork in rich, natural-stained fir. Appliances were replaced and relocated for enhanced traffic flow especially when many people cook together, and the new centre island becomes a natural social gathering place. Full-height backsplashes in charcoal tile are accented by a unique trio of windows to create dramatic visual impact.
Upstairs, Maison d’Etre’s design team suggested a bold departure from convention. Taking a cue from Japanese tradition, the second floor guest room was totally reconfigured and now boasts four compact “sleeping pods” providing privacy for guests who tend to spend most of their time pursuing active, outdoor recreation.
The two original oversized bathrooms were transformed into a three-piece ensuite and, for guests, a four-person steam room with double showers, a powder room, and a room with dual sinks allowing three people to use the facilities at once with no loss of privacy. Solid granite walls, rainforest showerheads, plus space-saving wall-mount toilets add an ambiance of luxury that enhances the home’s new resort/spa theme.
Already the recipient of a prestigious Silver Georgie Award, this Maison d’Etre renovation is a testimonial to the fact that creativity, teamwork, and an innovative outlook can bring contemporary vibrancy and new life to any home.
By Susan M. Boyce
Editorial from November-December, 2005 Renovations. Contact dealer directly for current price information.
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