The Bear Stand

Award-Winning Natural Sanctuary

Integrated into its densely forested setting, tucked between glinting waters and a rugged granite rock face, this resplendent refuge formed of stone, timber, concrete and glass creates a natural lookout into a vast, private wilderness, the very definition of wild seclusion.

The striking sanctuary by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson/Bohlin Grauman Miller architects occupies nearly 100 private acres, its dramatic fusion of cozy cabin vibes and contemporary artistry capturing Architectural Digest and Dwell magazine mentions as well as American Institute of Architecture Merit and Housing Awards.

Layering western red cedar with black fiber cement panels under Douglas Fir beams across its two, soaring, glass-enclosed levels, the secluded modern chalet’s architectural centerpiece is its massive fireplace, a 25-foot tower of local granite with a reclaimed timber mantle. Bedrooms were built for night-in-the-forest feels, enclosed in glass and warmed by wood, with deep soaking bathtubs set in windows, plus there’s an adult-sized bunkroom that makes up as an extra spacious room for the kids.

Add to the mix a glass-surrounded, wood-fired Ofuro soaking tub, a mid-century inspired screened porch, elevated terraces upstairs and down, and common rooms created intentionally behind soaring, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and the breathtaking chalet takes on the flair of a luxury treehouse, effectively blurring the divide between indoors and the startlingly pristine great outdoors.

AROUND

At the end of the lake road in Gooderham, this contemporary cabin is located on 1,300 square feet of secluded shoreline, within 99 acres of private woodland, and encircled by native Crown Lands. Exclusive bays on Lake Contau are fringed with pine, red maple, and hemlock, with pristine wetlands plied by duck, Canada geese, and loon. Paddle it, jump from its boulder-strewn shores, dive from cliffs, or grab a canoe and explore its shallow waters. The property also features a private network of sign-posted footpaths and marsh boardwalks winding through interior wetlands and scenic overlook platforms. Contau Lake trails connect to two additional lakes ringed with footpaths. The lakes are close to Crown land trails, ideal for more intense hiking and snowshoeing in winter. Closer to home, a forest garden is landscaped with wildlife-attracting species and colorful flora, a fire pit creates the classic campfire ring in the forest, and hammocks swing from lakeside spruce. Little ones will love the playscape out back, too.

LOCATION

Gooderham, Ontario, Canada. Nearest airport: Toronto (2.5 hours).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round, depending on activity