Vancouver Island in British Columbia is filled with lush greenery, surrounded by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a landscape straight out of a fairytale. It was the perfect foundation for this whimsical cottage by the sea.
Bruce Winckler is the owner of the Winckler Cottage; however, his friends lovingly call it the Hansel and Gretel Cottage — it’s easy to see why.
The masterminds behind this storybook dream are Tim Lindberg and Daniel Huscroft of Lindcroft Custom Dwellings. The cedar shakes that make up the roof were all handmade and tediously shaped to fit the bends and curves of the home.
There’s no denying that the exterior of the home is oozing with enchantment. However, alongside the the blue water of the ocean inlet, the cottage is truly other-worldly.
Every single inch of this fairytale cottage was thought out to the detail. As if the exterior wasn’t impressive enough, just wait until you step inside.
Whimsy and fancy might be the theme of the outside, but inside, the cottage boasts a mixture of modern amenities and rustic charm.
The main living space features an open concept floor plan with beautiful wood beams. The kitchen flows directly into the seating area and small dining nook.
The L-shaped kitchen is plentiful in both countertop and cupboard space.
The functional kitchen features a full-sized fridge, toaster oven, and stovetop; although, Bruce says that if he could do it again, he would have added a full-sized oven. The sink is situated near a window that looks out at the surrounding nature.
A storybook cottage wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful stone fireplace.
The handcrafted fireplace keeps the home warm during the cold winter months, and the small table near the window is the ideal place to take in the ocean views. Keep an eye out for passing orcas and sea lions.
Adjacent to the living room, you’ll find the cottage’s contemporary and sleek bathroom.
The bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower, large basin sink, and flushing toilet. Wooden beams accent the room and perfectly compliment the neutral tilework.
The staircase to the bedroom is beautifully handcrafted to fit the organic shape of the home.
Utilizing the minimal space, storage has been added in the corridor. Bruce uses this area to store his clothes, as well as electronics and the water heater.
The sleeping loft is rustic and cozy, with enough room for a queen bed and nightstand.
The steeply pitched roof provides ample space for even the tallest person to stand comfortably. It’s a beautiful and welcoming space to get a good night’s rest.
Looking below from the loft, you can get a true sense of how tall and lofty the ceilings really are.
The gorgeous stonework climbs up the wall of the home, and the windows let in enough natural light to brighten the entire cottage.
The magical home is truly something out of a dream. Bruce says that there are days when he definitely feels like he’s living in a fairytale. Let Bruce walk you through his unique home in the video below.
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