lower bench pool house

Designer notes:

Situated on the same property as the Lower Bench Guest House, this pool house also exhibits panoramic views of Okanagan Lake. We were faced with the challenge of getting all of the requirements of a comfortable living space for guests into approx. 800 Sq. The views were opened up with a large slider and French doors on the south side of the house, and a very large floor to ceiling “peaked” window with vaulted ceilings in the main living area facing west. We were able to accomplish a fully functional kitchenette with integrated refrigerator drawer, freezer drawer, full size dishwasher, and speed oven. The space includes a small tulip table with Nakashima chairs for dining, and a small sofa and lounge chair in front of the fireplace for guest to relax and enjoy the views in front of the fireplace. The fireplace has been clad in the same stone as the entire exterior of the house. The hanging Bocci lighting is clear glass which allows you to see through it in order to keep the small space feeling open. We once again used the rift and quartered white oak on the floor and used it to panel a few select walls to keep the rooms feeling warm. Tucked away behind the fireplace is a long narrow powder room.  We had to recess a tiny sink into the wall in order to manage the space and allow for sufficient room to move around. Just above that staircase is a wall of hidden storage behind well matched and stained wood door panels. On the lower floor you will find a master bedroom featuring a custom built king size bed and its own bathroom. The bedroom has been designed with a French door, and picture window, looking out towards the lake and opening up onto a private patio. This pool house has been set up with a high tech smart home system that features controls that can be used from inside or via cell phone. This is a small space with big appeal.

Technology at its finest ensures that you can turn on your fireplaces, lights or heating/cooling with a simple touch either on the wall or from your phone. The wow factor in the main living space has to be the two large copper Tom Dixon pendants sitting over the kitchen island.  Their mirrored effect captures the interior and exterior of this cozy cottage all in one shot. Whether guests are staying a week or months – this tiny kitchen will suffice; as it features a full size integrated refrigerator and dishwasher, full size gas oven and microwave drawer. Much consideration was made for storage in this guest house, with full height pantry units, custom made beds with drawers and storage under every staircase, nook and cranny. On the lower level of the cottage, you will find a laundry room, coat closet, bathroom and bedroom. The basement was dug out in order to allow for two French doors and a large picture window, so that full advantage could be taken of the view of that gorgeous acreage of cherry trees. The twin beds were custom made in rift and quartered white oak to blend into the wall and floors and feature hidden built in drawers at their base. Imagine waking up to a view of trees laden with ripe red cherries.