At the end of a long and winding driveway through the forest, White Rock is perched above a steep rocky incline overlooking the north bank of the Gaspereau River Valley. White Rock was designed as an escape – not in the traditional sense of a cottage but as an opportunity for solitude high above the valley floor with expansive views above the treeline. It is a place to disconnect and rest. Its positioning in the Gaspereau Valley provides an air of serenity and offers proximity to enjoy the many vineyards.

A steep uphill driveway and tight hairpin turn lead to a gravel path only accessible by foot. The procession slows down the approach, enhancing the sensory experience of being completely immersed in nature. A long and low dry-stacked stone wall with unbridled vegetation guides the entry procession towards the structure. The landscape design is very raw and maintains a light footprint within its woodland environment. Rainwater is captured and stored for irrigation purposes and existing trees provide a retreat from the intense sun during the brief but warm summer months.

The simple form with deliberate, carefully positioned openings is inspired by traditional hunting cabins and duck blinds hidden in the dense forest. Upon entry, two tarnished steel wall sconces illuminate the stairwell leading to the bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor. The bedrooms are both minimal and raw - lined entirely in smoked oak with raw steel shelving and wall-mounted industrial light fixtures. Large picture windows provide natural light and selective views toward the forest. The bathroom is restrained, lined in a gray terracotta tile with simple stainless steel fixtures to accompany the stainless steel wall-mounted vanity. A full wall of glazing blurs the line between interior and exterior, creating the illusion of showering completely submersed in the surrounding forest.

Continuing up the stairwell provides access to the second floor. A massive window set within a large cantilevered corten steel hoop wraps the southeast corner, with raw steel benches to sit and take in the view. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the east wall with an antique Arne Norell lounge chair and furniture by Luca Nichetto and Montauk creating a spectacular setting for one or a small group. Along the west wall, the kitchen is composed of a simple series of protruding stainless steel shelves and a bank of stainless steel millwork. Set quietly amidst the stainless wall are a series of Fisher & Paykel appliances which seemingly vanish within the composition.

Spanning the threshold between living room and kitchen, a white oak dining table designed in collaboration with Mjolk and chairs and benches designed in collaboration with Nick Mazerolle and Hannah Newton infuse the space with warmth. A chandelier designed in collaboration with Concord Lighting is suspended through the dark waffled ceiling, providing a focal point for the central gathering space. The furniture and lighting evoke a feeling of timelessness and craft found in shaker and traditional Japanese furniture. The second floor is lined with an array of micro-herringbone weathered oak flooring with inlaid black raw steel for the fireplace hearth.

A corten steel roof hatch provides access to the rooftop, providing a secluded respite for dining and resting amongst a collection of Japanese maple trees with views across the tree canopy of the Gaspereau Valley below. The property site spans over 4 acres directly adjacent to the province's wine country, allowing you to enjoy all it has to offer.