The Pilot’s Cove Retreat Dazzles Onlookers
Story by Michael Seguin
Photography by Chris Kiritsis – Hub Media Inc.
As summer flashes us some funny looks from around the next bend, most of us have already begun daydreaming about various outdoor activities. Shrugging off our cumbersome winter coats. Going for a stroll outside in the evenings. Inviting friends and family over. Having a couple drinks around the pool. Enjoying the mouthwatering smells of smoke from the nearest barbeque.
But perhaps no home is better equipped for such outdoor festivities than the Pilot’s Cove Retreat.
The property was the brainchild of two parties: the current family living there and Ryan Pawluk, the Owner of Lakeshore Landscaping.
“This was such a rewarding project,” Ryan states. “It presented us with a number of fun, interesting challenges. We were working with a relatively small space, with multiple levels of slopes and heights. A lot of planning went into the positioning of all the key elements the family had on their wish list. We went through multiple revisions to get the flow, function and feel right for them. Once underway there were small tweaks and adjustments, but all went smooth and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
So, with Ryan serving as our guide, let’s begin our tour of the Pilot’s Cove Retreat:
Upon entry, perhaps most arresting about the property in the center of it all, is the small, plunge-style pool, by Tecumseh Pools complete with a raised sundeck and water feature. It catches the afternoon light just so on sunny days, glittering before all onlookers like the miniature oasis that it is.
Lingering nearby is a year-round, easy-to-access raised spa-style hot tub with heated pathway access. Nothing better than to enjoy a relaxing dip even in the depths of winter, without ever having to pause to shovel snow out of the way!
The whole pool and surrounding area is tastefully decorated with hardscaping features (which Rock Solid Interlock greatly helped with) and raised walls and patio areas for both entertaining and relaxing. The water trickling from the raised fountains perfectly blends with the lapping currents of the nearby river, enclosing the backyard in a private, serene atmosphere. Additionally, having built-in umbrellas that can rotate at a full three-hundred-and-sixty degrees allows for a mobile patch of shade.
It should be noted that the pool also contains an automatic cover—which is a nice upgrade that allows for greater safety and a cleaner pool with a lot less maintenance. Having this cover helps extend the summer season too!
“The design was critical,” Ryan stresses. “We used 3d models to pull together all the elements. That was instrumental for the client to get a visual of the end result before the first shovel hits the ground. We even mapped out the sunlight! It was tremendously important to us that we gave them the optimal space to enjoy themselves in.”
Next to the pool area is a sunken firepit, perfect for when festivities stretch long into the evening. The bench-style seating with a linear raised burner can accommodate many visitors. These types of areas always prove a hardscaping challenge—especially with drainage—but if done properly they end up as some of the most popular hangouts.
“As beautiful as the property is, it’s worth considering just how much wire and pipe is running beneath it,” Ryan explains. “There’s likely enough to reach Toronto and back! It all has to be at a certain depth to account for code. This is especially important when you start digging foundations. We were working within inches on this property! Everything had a place and was a must fit.”
Here, it’s also worth noting, just how impenetrable Pilot’s Cove Retreat is without compromising on aesthetics. Rather than a typical fence, Ryan and his team provided laser-cut screens along the south side of the property. These powder coated aluminum barriers are fully decorative and seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape and nearby walking trail. They are also equipped with lights, protecting the revelers from the wind while still adding substantial life and colour.
With being so close to the water, access to the canal for boating and winter play is also a must. Ryan and his team connected the patios and walkways with a composite boardwalk running the length of the property.
Also, the Retreat features a gorgeous outdoor patio complete with a covered porch. The area comes equipped with a barbeque, sinks, a television, and another seating area. The entirety of the outdoor kitchen was designed and procured by the very talented team at Housewears.
This seating area and the entire yard contains a full audio system and another firepit, this one equipped with a glass railing that will block the breeze while allowing for both a warm glow and a glimpse into the roaring flames.
Across the way, the Pilot’s Cove Retreat has its own built-in, three-hole putting area.
“These golf greens and artificial turf areas have become increasingly popular as of late,” Ryan explains. “When you’re tight for space—and when there’s a lot of hard surfaces—it is nice to soften with a bit of green. It is something that doesn’t need to be maintained much, especially for these tight spots when mowing isn’t always feasible. It’s always a good idea to get some gaming going after a few drinks!”
You should see this place at night. What a sight! The accent lighting is one of the most exciting pieces to add to any landscape vision. It breathes substantial life and a whole other look and feel to the property, extending the enjoyment long into the night.
This completes our tour of the Retreat. When studying the property—from either the pool, the patio, or anything else in-between—it’s difficult not to lean back and bask in what you see. Not just for the sheer artistry on display, but for the depth and breadth of craftsmanship that has bound everything together in absolute harmony.
Yet when asked what he’s most proud of in the Pilot’s Cove Retreat, Ryan only smiles.
“The clients were happy,” he states.
Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to info@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot. If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.
Published in the May/June 2026 Edition.
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