At first glance, one wonders why a big house on the Plateau would need more space, but these owners had a smart vision that became a great project.

Parents of three school-aged boys, and neighbors to a big family whose kids were always at their house, too; this family wanted to create great visiting space for grandparents and other guests, and an indoor/ outdoor garden room that would become the hub of the kids’ activities - for them and all of their friends.

The guest house is a classic backyard cottage - about 600 square feet, housing just a bedroom, bath, and loft - it has become an occasional hideaway for Mom and Dad, as well as a place where visitors can come and stay for as long as they like. The loft, it turns out, is perfect for the boys’ drum set. The garden room which connects the cottage to the main house, contains a pool table, mini-bar, and home theatre, and sees heavy use by everyone. In the summertime, the doors on both sides of this space open up and even on a rainy day, you can be indoors and on the patio, all at once.