Toronto’s Reflect Architecture has beautifully renovated two century-old saltbox houses on a remote island in Newfoundland, creating the ultimate secluded vacation home. Accessible only by boat or on foot, the retreat features Burden House, built in 1914, and Dunn House, built in 1912, two houses turned into one property that are each self-sufficient.
 
The idyllic compound was sensitively restored, and the historic structures were updated and upgraded, blending contemporary elements with traditional design. The fresh renovation introduces a striking galvanized steel roof and a picture window, which is seamlessly integrated into the original shiplap cladding and gabled roofs. Burden House, the primary residence, boasts spacious living, dining, and kitchen areas designed for entertaining, while the adjacent Dunn House serves as a guest house for the client’s children and friends.
 
Previously off-grid, the renovation has since hooked the properties up with electricity – all the better for showcasing the stunning interiors. While the majority of the interiors are washed in pale neutrals and soothing tones of white, the bedrooms present bold, vibrant color-blocking with blues, greens, and oranges creating statement spaces.
 
A masterful blend of old and new, the renovation has created a wonderfully serene escape in a picturesque fishing village removed from the wider world.

Photography © Julian Parkinson