Embrace Lakeside Serenity: Your Modern Desert Oasis Awaits

A Tranquil Lakeside Retreat: From City Life to Desert Calm

Alix Perks and Mike Elliston found their ideal sanctuary on Osoyoos Lake, British Columbia, a location they initially hadn't considered for a vacation property. During the 2021 pandemic, as many reevaluated their need for escape, the couple acquired a rare lakefront plot. This decision held special significance, as they had married in Osoyoos in 2017, and Mike's parents were long-time residents. What began as a casual viewing quickly blossomed into a comprehensive design venture.

Architectural Vision and Harmonious Integration with Nature

Mike, a seasoned contractor, personally oversaw the construction of their dream home. Alix, a surgeon with a demanding career in Vancouver, sought a space that exuded peace and rejuvenation. Collaborating with architect Brian Billingsley of B Squared Architecture and designer Alexandra (Ali) Chapkin from Alexandra Interiors, they crafted a modern family haven. This residence masterfully blends the vibrant style of 1960s Palm Springs with the gentle allure of a Mediterranean retreat, creating a tranquil, natural, and inviting environment.

Crafting Distinctive Spaces: Design Elements and Luxurious Touches

The expansive 4,900-square-foot home boasts five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. Mike noted the ambitious construction, particularly the cantilevered main suite, the gracefully floating staircase, and the elegantly curved walls, which contributed to the project's considerable cost.

Designer's Touch: Softening Modern Architecture with Natural Elegance

Ali Chapkin, a London-trained and Vancouver-based designer who established Alexandra Interiors in 2016, was involved from the project's inception. Her prior collaborations with Mike, including the renovation of his and Alix's heritage home in Vancouver, established a strong foundation for their partnership.

A Symphony of Textures: Blending Organic Materials and Artistic Accents

Ali's design philosophy delicately balanced the home's bold architectural framework. She artfully counteracted sharp angles with flowing curves, smooth plaster walls, and a palette of warm, luxurious materials. Distinctive lighting fixtures, rich tambour oak millwork, and bespoke artworks weave together texture, color, and a sense of continuity throughout the living spaces.

The Heart of the Home: A Grand Living Area Designed for Serenity

The centerpiece of the residence is an awe-inspiring 24-foot double-height living area. Ali describes it as a year-round vacation spot, where beautiful light floods the space, creating a perpetually bright and airy atmosphere.

Gathering Point: A Custom Dining Experience

Another striking feature is the custom-made 12-foot live-edge dining table, crafted from a single slab of 20-year-old oak. This magnificent piece provides a natural and inviting gathering spot for the couple and their two university-aged children.

Seamless Outdoor Living: Thoughtful Design for All Seasons

The exterior design is equally meticulously planned. The swimming pool is strategically placed beneath the cantilevered second floor, ensuring it remains shaded during Osoyoos's intense summer heat. A striking fieldstone accent wall provides texture and privacy to the pool area, seamlessly integrating the outdoor materials with the home's overall design. Mike highlights its year-round appeal, noting, "We come up in the winter and are able to use the sauna and hot tub, and cold plunge in the pool."

Family Haven: A Place of Connection and Natural Wonders

This remarkable vacation home is a magnet for Alix and Mike's children, drawing them back from university, while their golden retriever, Juno, revels in regular lake swims. The family is consistently amazed by the brilliant night sky over the lake, a phenomenon amplified by nearby Mount Kobau's reputation for stargazing. Sandwiched between the rugged desert and the breathtaking celestial display, this home truly offers a world apart, sans passport.