Owner Karen Gordon says she loves the kitchen mosaic. “They (the Simmonds team) showed me three options in my colour preference, and saved this one for last, knowing it would be love at first sight. It’s become one of the home’s defining features.”
“In the back, two light-toned terraces step down from the house, one for seating and one for dining, leading to a lawn and then to the river,” explains architect, Samantha Schneider.
Architect Samantha Schneider says there’s also a private wing on the main floor which allows for an office and sewing room. “This extension also provided for a greater primary suite, with vast views to the river.”
Owner Karen Gordon says she loves her sewing room best. “It’s on the main floor, flooded with light, and offers one of the most beautiful views of the river — a perfect spot for quilting.”
“One space that required increased privacy, was the ensuite bathroom, where frosted window film was added,” says architect, Samantha Schneider.Because of the placement of the rest of the home’s windows, they avoid views from the neighbours, although there are blinds available to provide darkness when needed.
A black standing seam metal roof adds a crisp, modern edge, says architect, Samantha Schneider. Larger windows were introduced to frame views of the trees and river beyond.
Brightwater House replaces a mid-century bungalow on the Rideau River in Manotick outside of Ottawa. Architect, Samantha Schneider, explains, “The updated façade retains the familiar white brick, now laid in elongated coursing as a subtle nod to the home’s mid-century roots.”
Owner Karen Gordon says she loves the kitchen mosaic. “They (the Simmonds team) showed me three options in my colour preference, and saved this one for last, knowing it would be love at first sight. It’s become one of the home’s defining features.”
Some people think you can’t go home again. It was with some trepidation that Karen Gordon left ɫɫ after 30 years to return to Manotick outside of Ottawa where she grew up. Would it work out?
She purchased a 3,000-square-foot homeon the Rideau River in 2019. Gordon knew exactly how she wanted to renovate it. A friend referred her to architect Samantha Schneider of Simmonds Architecture in Ottawa. The two of them got on right away.
“I wanted a home that felt like a true sanctuary — peaceful, highly functional, and perfect for hosting my large extended family,” Gordon says. “With my brother and his family right next door, I was careful to design something that wouldn’t intrude on their property or obstruct their river views.”
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The renovation and addition reimagined a mid-century bungalow built in the early 1960s. Schneider designed the home, then Gordon’s brother, Kris Gordon, took on the role of general contractor and worked closely with the Simmonds team.
Says Schneider, the architect, “Karen was the starting point to the vision of the home. Her needs for entertaining, her vision for the kitchen, as well what she wanted for her more private areas, such as the sewing room, drove the overall planning.”
Schneider says the renovation involved transforming a closed-concept layout into a bright, contemporary retreat. “While the home’s original proportions were respected, every surface and transition was reconsidered to bring a stronger sense of flow and clarity, both inside and out.”
The main floor with its expansive windows contains the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The main bedroom is on the first floor with an office and sewing room. The lower level contains two bedrooms and a rec room.
While it would seem to be difficult to choose a favourite from all the rooms with huge windows, Gordon says she favours her sewing room. “It’s on the main floor, flooded with light, and offers one of the most beautiful views of the river — it’s a perfect spot for quilting.”
Gordon is in her happy place, back in Manotick where she started. She says she wanted Brightwater to pay homage to the original 1964 bungalow and to be a place she could grow old in comfortably.
Yes, you can go home again.
Correction - Sept. 3, 2025
This article was edited from a previous version to update the credit on the photograph of Samantha Schneider and Karen Gordon. The photo was taken byOlga Budilovskaia.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation