The Slender House, A Luxurious Lake House Anchored In Nature

When it comes to waterfront properties, a common design strategy is to take advantage of the views as much as possible and to incorporate the outdoors and the panoramas into the interior decor in a seamless and enjoyable way. Sometimes the results are not just beautiful but also impressive, luxurious and quite opulent. Other times, however, the house ends up being well-connected to the land and to its surroundings in a less striking manner. The Slender House from Ogden, Canada is one of the coziest and most welcoming lake houses out there.

This is a house oriented towards the lake, hence the long and linear arrangement of the rooms
This is a house oriented towards the lake, hence the long and linear arrangement of the rooms
The house was built on a sloping site oriented towards the lake and its entrance is on the ground floor
The house was built on a sloping site oriented towards the lake and its entrance is on the ground floor

This charming house was built in 2017 by MU Architecture. In sits on a sloping site with a direct view of Lake Memphemagog. The steep and rocky terrain challenged the architects to find custom design solutions and also inspired them to take advantage of the land and the views as much as possible. It’s how they came up with the idea of living the house a long and linear layout which places all the interior spaces in a row allowing each one to take in the marvelous beauty of the lake.

The interior spaces have adjacent terraces and gardens which ensure a close relationship with the outdoors
The interior spaces have adjacent terraces and gardens which ensure a close relationship with the outdoors
The building is anchored into the land and features stone walls and paved terraces which help to connect it to the landscape
The building is anchored into the land and features stone walls and paved terraces which help to connect it to the landscape
There's also a boathouse extension on the lake itself which features an amazing roof terrace
There’s also a boathouse extension on the lake itself which features an amazing roof terrace

The best view however is from up on the roof terrace of the boathouse which sits on the lake. From up here the sunset is simply magical. This freestanding extension  and the main house share a few things in common, like the dark wooden exterior which defines a few of the spaces or the strong connection with the outdoor and in particular with the lake.

The view from the up on the roof is extraordinary, this being the perfect place from which to admire the sunset
The view from the up on the roof is extraordinary, this being the perfect place from which to admire the sunset
The interior of the house is full of natural light which comes through the large windows and the skylights
The interior of the house is full of natural light which comes through the large windows and the skylights
The living area is a large and open space which encompasses the lounge space, the dining area and the kitchen
The living area is a large and open space which encompasses the lounge space, the dining area and the kitchen

The main house opens up to a secluded bay and this allowed the architects to incorporate large bay windows in pretty much every room without fear of compromising the privacy. As a general observation, all the interior spaces are bright, open and airy. They’re arranged in one linear row and they have white walls, warm wooden floors and in some cases skylights which let the light enter from above.

Large windows welcome the beautiful panorama into the living area, opening up the space even more
Large windows welcome the beautiful panorama into the living area, opening up the space even more
The kitchen is open and white, in accordance with the rest of the living spaces and has this stylish island-bar
The kitchen is open and white, in accordance with the rest of the living spaces and has this stylish island-bar

The entrance is on the ground floor and has a very large window which lets in lots of natural sunlight while also highlighting the amazing view of the lake. The common areas have a high ceiling, skylights and a very serene and welcoming ambiance. The lounge, dining area and the kitchen share an open space. They open up to an outdoor terrace and to the garden and they’re decorated in simple and neutral colors and elegant materials. The kitchen has a marble backsplash and a stylish island that extends into a bar.

There are numerous cozy spots from which to admire the serene views and to get in touch with nature
There are numerous cozy spots from which to admire the serene views and to get in touch with nature
The bedroom suites are just as bright and open and the common areas, featuring white walls and cozy wooden flooring
The bedroom suites are just as bright and open and the common areas, featuring white walls and warm wooden flooring
The bathrooms are decorated with elegant marble and have full-height windows overlooking the lake
The bathrooms are decorated with elegant marble and have full-height windows overlooking the lake

The house also has three bedroom suites, all with their own full baths, a sauna, a training room, a small lounge that’s perfect for meditating or relaxing with a good book and a pantry that’s connected to the kitchen through a secret door. The bedrooms don’t have high ceiling but nevertheless they seem very spacious and open. The marble bathroom walls and floors welcome the outdoors in as much as any other space and the sauna has its own great window that brings the outdoors in. The freestanding tub is strategically placed here so it can offer the most mesmerizing and relaxing experience.

Clear glass dividers frame the shower, allowing it to become an integral part of the room's stylish decor
Clear glass dividers frame the shower, allowing it to become an integral part of the room’s stylish decor

The bright and airy interior spaces come a bit as a surprise considering the rather rough and austere appearance of the house’s exterior. This contrast is one of the elements that make the Slender House such an interesting property.

The house also has a sauna which covered in warm wood and has a large panorama window with a cool view
The house also has a sauna which covered in warm wood and has a large panorama window with a cool view