Tucked away in Canada’s Kawartha Lakes region is a beautiful and rather cozy retreat called the ‘Nortehaus’. At a comfortable distance from the city, the getaway was designed by MAFCOhouse to serve as a tranquil grounding space where guests and residents can experience some much-needed zen and joy. The retreat is completely enthralled by nature, and harmoniously integrates elements of sustainability, minimalism, and simplicity.

Designer: MAFCOhouse

The home is heavily inspired by Nordic and Japanese influences, and in fact, even goes so far as to incorporate the popular Danish concept of ‘hygge’, which translates to a feeling of complete coziness, peace, and wellness. The name of the ‘hygge’ home was coined by merging the Spanish word ‘norte’ (north), and the German word ‘haus’ (house), subtly nodding to the home’s multicultural owners. The home was built for a small family of three, who wished for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. “Being a hideaway is an integral part of the nortehaus concept and so the exact location will be shared with you once you complete your booking,” said the owners.

The retreat can house up to four guests. It consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms which are defined by tactile textural materials that add a rather natural and minimalistic feel to the space. Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the surroundings, allowing the nature around the lodging to become the center of attention. The living room has been equipped with a fireplace, allowing guests to cozy up next to it and enjoy the warmth. The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy views of the forest and the river. “The primary bedroom features a queen-size 12-inch memory foam mattress, a large bathtub, and a beautiful ensuite bathroom, and of course, the view speaks for itself. Go to sleep and wake up surrounded by nature,” the family added.

“All elements throughout ‘nortehaus’ were selected with an appreciation for high-end materials. Steps from the coziness of the indoors is a short walk down to the riverfront where our guests can go for a lazy swim in the summertime or a cold plunge in the cooler months,” the owners concluded. The living, dining, and kitchen areas form an open, expansive, and spacious layout that beautifully integrates with nature. A second bedroom is included in this space, with a 12-inch memory foam mattress and an ensuite bathroom with a shower.