ECHO BAY: A CLIFFSIDE MASTERPIECE
Project Snapshot
| Location | Type | Size | Completed | Goal |
| Lake of Bays, ON | Log Home Custom Build | 5,600 sq. ft. | December 2025 | Multigenerational Family Home |
welcome to echo bay
Echo Bay is a striking cliffside log bungalow overlooking Lake of Bays that redefines what modern log construction can achieve. Designed by True North Log & Timber Homes and expertly brought to life by Legacy North Construction Management, the home balances traditional craftsmanship with advanced engineering to create a residence that feels timeless, grounded, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.
Strict waterfront height restrictions shaped the architectural approach, resulting in a sprawling footprint paired with a full walkout basement to maximize livable space without exceeding regulatory limits. Extensive glazing framed by handcrafted log posts captures panoramic lake views while flooding the interior with natural light. Anchored directly into rugged bedrock, the home stands as both an architectural statement and a feat of precise execution on a challenging site.
The Great Room of Echo Bay features a custom Muskoka granite stone fireplace, white oak hardwood floors and additional log courses that increase ceiling height. Together, this creates a powerful sense of scale, warmth, and presence that makes the space feel both grand and welcoming.
THe Vision
“It was important that the home feel grounded and authentic. We wanted each room to feel inviting at any time of day, whether filled with sunlight or evening glow.”
- The Homeowner
From the outset, the vision for Echo Bay was clear: create a timeless lakeside retreat that blended seamlessly into its dramatic cliffside setting. The homeowners sought a residence that embraced natural warmth and craftsmanship while delivering modern comfort, durability, and performance. Rather than a dominating waterfront mansion, the goal was a home that felt grounded, natural, and intentionally integrated into the surrounding landscape of Lake of Bays.
Inside, the design focused on creating intimacy and ambiance in every room. Lighting and architectural details were carefully layered to shape mood and experience — from the thoughtful placement of sconces to tasteful, high-impact pendant light fixtures. Subtle elements such as the trim work, the rich dark green kitchen palette, and the use of archways help soften transitions and add depth, ensuring each space feels warm, cohesive, and inviting.
Designed by True North Log & Timber Homes and built by Legacy North Construction Management, Echo Bay reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful design, environmental sensitivity, and enduring quality.
Designed to impress, the Echo Bay kitchen pairs smoky jade cabinetry with black soapstone countertops and custom pendant lighting for a look that’s both dramatic and refined.
A closeup of the gorgeous pendant light fixtures in the kitchen highlights their sculptural form and the rich contrast they create against the surrounding finishes.
A series of archways throughout Echo Bay create transitions throughout the home that are fluid, inviting, and architecturally striking.
The design journey
Echo Bay’s design journey was shaped by a complex set of constraints that ultimately became opportunities. Waterfront height restrictions required a creative approach to scale, leading to a wide footprint and walkout basement rather than vertical massing. This strategy preserved interior volume while maintaining a low visual profile from the water.
Traditional log craftsmanship anchors the aesthetic, while modern engineering ensures performance, comfort, and longevity. Natural materials, including Canadian logs, locally sourced Muskoka granite, and wood finishes, were intentionally selected to reflect the surrounding environment and age gracefully over time. The result is a home that feels both rooted in tradition and confidently contemporary.
The pantry’s smoky jade cabinetry, warm hardware, and black soapstone countertop and backsplash work together to create a bold, layered focal point, adding depth, contrast, and a sense of richness to the space while elevating what is typically a purely functional area into a standout design feature.
key features of the build
Lower Level / Walkout Basement
- Full walkout design maximizing usable square footage within strict height restrictions
- Sauna, additional bedrooms, laundry, and flexible living spaces
- Engineered structural concrete slab and piers are anchored into the Canadian Shield for strength and longevity
Main Floor
- Open-concept great room, dining area, and kitchen beneath soaring timber trusses
- Expansive lakeside glazing framed by handcrafted log posts
- Three gas fireplaces clad in Muskoka granite
- Wide-plank, 10.5” oil finished white oak hardwood
- Over 1,000 sq ft of Muskoka granite slab flooring
- Hydronic heated floors throughout both levels of the home
- Elevator access for multi-generational living and long-term accessibility
Upper / Private Spaces
- Primary suite with private deck access and lake views
- Oversized principal ensuite featuring a double shower with timber frame entry
Outdoor Living
- Wraparound deck with panoramic lake views
- Screened porch off the kitchen and dining area
- Four-season Muskoka room for year-round connection to nature
The primary suite of Echo Bay overlooks the stunning cliffside with a walk-out onto the wraparound porch.
Technical & Structural Challenges
Building on a rugged cliffside above Lake of Bays presented significant technical hurdles. More than 150 truckloads of stone were blasted from the rear of the property to accommodate the walkout basement while preserving the integrity of the surrounding rock face.
The homes elevated position required engineering solutions capable of withstanding increased wind loads uncommon in typical waterfront construction. Structural anchorage into bedrock was critical to ensure safety and durability. In addition, the steep slope to the lake demanded careful logistics and the use of a large crane to safely deliver materials to the site. Each challenge was met through detailed planning, precise execution, and close coordination between builder and designer.
Fully immerse yourself in the landscape with Echo Bay’s four-season Muskoka Room. From the custom granite two-way gas fireplace to the expansive windows and heated granite floors, this room allows you to enjoy the view of the surrounding forest from the warmth and comfort of this stunning and intimate home.
Budgeting, Planning, & Execution
From early planning through final construction, collaboration was essential to maintaining alignment between vision, budget, and execution. Phased scheduling, detailed site coordination, and proactive problem-solving allowed the team to adapt to unforeseen site conditions without compromising quality or intent.
“This project required constant communication and trust — between the homeowner, the designer, and our construction team. The complexity of the site meant every decision had to be intentional, and that’s where strong planning made all the difference.”
- Steve Gallant, General Manager, Legacy North Construction Management
The Finished Home
Today, Echo Bay stands as a refined balance of natural character and modern luxury. Expansive windows invite ever-changing lake views into daily life, while the open-concept interior fosters connection and warmth. Ambient lighting was achieved with minimal pot lights and a focus on sconces and natural light to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the home.
Every detail, from the 20-foot stone wall to the handcrafted archways and oversized pine doors, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful living. The home offers both grandeur and intimacy, equally suited for quiet reflection or gathering with family and friends.
His and Hers sinks in the primary ensuite, lit by stunning black metal sconces providing a strong contrast to the natural wood for a more modern look.
The free-standing soaker tub overlooks the lake in the primary en-suite, creating the perfect space to soak up the views and unwind.
The stunning primary en-suite, with a spacious walk-in shower. This luxurious, custom curbless shower features granite in floor heating, 2 shower heads, 2 side shower wands, 6 body jets, 2 temperature controls, 7 volume controls and a main shower head suspended from the ceiling.
A Legacy Built into the Landscape
Echo Bay is more than a custom log home. It is a testament to what’s possible when design integrity, technical expertise, and respect for nature align. Through innovative problem-solving and meticulous execution, Legacy North Construction Management delivered a home that feels timeless, resilient, and deeply connected to its setting.
Perched above Lake of Bays, Echo Bay will stand for generations as a benchmark for lakeside living; not just built on the land, but built with it.
The impressive front entrance of Echo Bay, showcasing the home’s custom timber frame entrance and Muskoka granite pillars.
build Your Legacy With Us
Whether you’re building from the ground up or reimagining a cherished family property, Legacy North is here to guide you; crafting inspired spaces that will be loved for generations.
Let’s craft your legacy, together.