River's Edge Oasis

_{A family's journey of building a lifestyle. Est. 2019}

Howe Island is one of the world’s renowned Thousand Islands

on the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Gananoque, Ontario

The River's Edge Oasis is situated on East end of Howe Island on the St Lawrence River on the peninsula known as Spithead Road nestled between Cassidy Bay and facing the quiet waters of the Bateau Channel. This relaxing location is at the entrance of the river and next to Lake Ontario.

There is a pair of old willow trees that frame the River’s Edge with 170 feet of easy-access waterfront. The Bateau Channel separates this oasis from the mainland, creating a source of peaceful entertainment as the river comes alive with sailboats and water enthusiasts in the summer months.

Howe Island 1878 map

The Location is just off the 401 and Hwy 2 . 20 min. to historic downtown Kingston by water or vehicle, and 3 hours’ drive from Toronto and 1.5 hours' to Ottawa. It is 15min. minutes from the little town of Gananoque by vehicle or head down the river by boat.

The Build includes: 170 ft. of Waterfront on the St Lawrence River, Design Drawings, Architectural and Construction Drawings, Structural Engineering Drawings, Energy Efficiency Design, Township of Frontenac Islands Building and Occupancy Permit, KLF&A Public Health Final Inspection Report for Septic System, Site Inspection Reports; (Footings, Plumbing, Backfill), CCMC Insulation Evaluation Report, Radon Gas Protection principles applied, Electrical Rough-in, Plumbing Rough-in, Footings and Foundations, ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) Deep Footing Walls, Entrance Permit, Electrical Safety Authority Certificate of Inspection, Certification of Design and Performance of Residential Ventilation System.

The Design

The home was designed around the central theme of a solid dining room table, a place where meals are shared, stories are told, and connections are deepened. It is accompanied by a large kitchen with a 36" dual fuel range for the chef in the family. All cabinetry is custom-made and fitted onsite with a focus on practical and intentional needs.

The home was thoughtfully selected and designed, an example of accessibility and inclusivity. With a keen eye on the future, its location and structure ensure that family and friends, regardless of mobility, can enjoy its beauty and serenity. Short driveway for winter clearing and quick access, quiet street for walking, in-floor heating, zero entrance steps, and one step from deck to yard make this cottage comfortable for all ages. Here, life is simple yet profound.

Evenings are spent by the water, watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand, taking a relaxing stroll around the block, or rocking in the rocking chair next to the crackling of a wood burning Valcourt double burn high efficiency fireplace, while savouring moments of togetherness and tranquility.

Where possible locally sourced, high-efficiency long lasting materials such as the steel roof blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the island. In addition to what the cottage was built with, it was important to consider how. We carefully selected the presence of tradesmen and women who share these values in fostering a culture of mentorship for future trades and offering equal opportunity for all.

The entrance of this 3438sq. ft. home welcomes us with large 10" douglas fir beams and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms on the main floor of this single family home with a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom loft that provides the space that invites impromptu sleepovers and long, laughter-filled nights of card games and conversation, solidifying the bonds of family and friendship.

The 1500sq ft garage stores water toys, offers a weight room, storage shelves, two workbenches and still provides ample room to keep your vehicle warm, dry and clear in the winter months.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

The Foundation and Walls are built using ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms). The 11 inch ICF forms are re-enforced with steel rebar.

This building method is more expensive than conventional concrete foundations but creates strong, solid structure which make for great sound barrier and savings on heating and cooling costs.

Following the curing of the concrete in the ICF forms, the plumbing, electrical, heating infrastructure were positioned in the floor and buried in gravel.

Next, the cement floor slab was poured and left to cure.

Building Inspections on footings, ICFs, plumbing, electrical, trusses were called and passed before moving on to roofing, sheeting, and installation of windows and doors.

https://integraspec.com/

Fully sustainable during power outages, the home is equipped with a gas cooktop, wood-burning fireplace, and a generator panel dedicated to essential systems like the water pump and septic system, the home ensures that warmth, water, and food are never in short supply with its extensive pantry and extra fridge and freezers. In times of storms, the home can becomes an ideal symbol of resilience, a place where neighbours have gathered to share a warm bowl of soup and shower.

Each day, the journey to this oasis begins with a 7min. ferry ride that serves as a bridge between the chaotic demands of work and the serene embrace of island life. Ferry operates 24/7 on-demand. We have two ferries to serve the needs of our islanders.

As the ferry glides through the water, the stresses of high-stakes careers in mental health and crisis intervention begin to dissolve, replaced by a sense of calm and transition.

This daily ritual of crossing the water allows for a mental and emotional shift, making each arrival at the River's Edge Oasis feel like a welcome reset.

In The Neighbourhood

Music and Community

The property is part of the Spithead Association where the residents pride themselves on community and pristine open fields for wildlife and farming. We often gather for food, friendship, and if you are lucky, for music of Natalie MacMaster, as famous fiddler, or the excitement of fireworks on a warm summer evening to celebrate a special event.

Wildlife

The home backs onto a large farmer's field and old oak and maple trees that sway in the winds and provide a safe landing for many of the birds in the area. Every once in a while, you can also see a doe and her twin fawns.

The Shipwreck

A 100ft from shore, lies in shallow water (25ft) the historical shipwreck, a source of endless fascination and joy.

Local fishermen and families alike gather to snorkel, fish, and simply bask in the natural beauty.

Howe Island Ratepayers Association (HIRA)

HIRA invites us to to build community by sharing information, promoting activities and fostering civic involvement, all with a view to the Preservation and Improvement of the Howe Island quality of life and quality of public services.

https://howeisland.org/

In the garden, maple trees and evergreens stand as symbols of longevity and commitment. Planted from love and keys collected over the years, these trees will one day offer protection from the elements and burst into rich, golden hues each fall, a living legacy of the cottage’s enduring spirit.

The benefits of a smaller property allow us to focus on enjoying our space rather than being consumed by its maintenance. Yet, with the expansive farm fields stretching out from the roadside and the private five-acre seasonal property on the west side, we are ensured a sense of openness and never feel crowded.

River's Edge is more than a home; it’s an oasis designed with intent and love. It’s a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of the world yet remain deeply connected to a supportive and vibrant community. Here, life is lived fully and joyfully, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the warmth of human connection.

As the sun sets over the mainland, casting a golden glow over the water, the residents of the River's Edge find peace in knowing that this home was designed exactly the way it was meant to be, living a life that echoes values and dreams.

In winter, when the water freezes over, the area is perfect for transforming into a rink, where the laughter of playing hockey or skating around fills the crisp air followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub, and warm evening by the wood burning fireplace.

When our son showed interest in the trades as a profession, he suggested we build a home on the island where he had enjoyed countless outdoor adventures with friends. We wanted to be active parents, teaching life lessons through hard work, hands-on action, decision-making, and risk-taking, rather than just telling him. Thus, we embarked on this familiar journey once again.

We are a family of three, with many extended branches. Our roots run deep in farming, and we believe in always lending a helping hand, unafraid to get our hands dirty and our feet muddy. We took an active role by being on-site all day ensuring our crews were equipped, well-fed, and had a clean, positive work environment filled with music and fun.

We approached each challenge with solutions and kind hearts, knowing this would be a cherished chapter in our lives. Now, our son has decided to pursue his dreams in the mountains out west, leaving us at a fork in the road as we consider our next steps.