You Can Stay in the Lakeside Landing Cottage From 'Vacation House Rules'

There's nothing HGTV host Scott McGillivray can't do. In this heartwarming episode of Vacation House Rules, the Canadian-American contractor takes on a project "unlike anything" he's ever done before: Lakeside Landing. Homeowners Jillian and Emerson found themselves in an unexpected situation and were desperate for assistance in finishing the remodel of their lakeside property. Read on for more about Scott's renovation. (And keep in mind this little cottage — located in Algonquin Highlands, Ontario — could be your next vacation rental.)

Jillian's stepfather — who convinced the cautious couple to purchase the run-down property — promised to help them turn it into a lovely, lakeside retreat. Construction was halfway done when, in a heart-wrenching turn of events, Jillian's stepfather fell ill and unexpectedly passed away. The couple was left with an unfinished lakeside cottage and some serious bills to pay. As Emerson told Scott, this place cost "more than an arm and a leg." The duo needed help — and quickly.

"Let's get this cottage back on track," Scott said, while concocting a plan to create an environmentally savvy vacation home complete with an open layout, stunning views and family-friendly spaces. Scott called for design help from his business partner Debra Salmoni. Together, the pair turn the property into an airy, glamorous and inviting lakefront cottage. They coined it "Lakeside Landing" before opening its doors to renters and vacationers alike.

Each room in the gorgeously sunlit Lakeside Landing vacation cottage boasts a stellar view of the water. Scott capitalized on the surroundings by building a second floor onto the house. Now, the upper screened-in-porch is his favorite part of the entire design. "It feels like you're up in the treetops," Scott said. Debra created the stone-gray color palette, which harmoniously contrasts with the warm and earthy tones of the trees outside. This organic space is just the spot to unwind.

Scott envisioned a cozy and functional kitchen where guests can gather. He stuck to an open layout, added earthy materials and installed modern appliances throughout the space. The solid-stone kitchen island is ideal for meal prepping and seating guests. The wooden cabinetry, French-door refrigerator and open-shelving system also harmonize functionality and comfort.

Scott was in his element while completing this project, especially while creating the wall of windows he built on the second floor of the cottage. The striking wall "celebrates the ceiling's height" while showcasing a wonderful view of the lake.

Solar blinds help the cottage maintain a cost-free and consistent temperature year round, while anti-glare windows allow vacationers a crisp view of the lake outside without anyone seeing inside. Another awesome feature: All the windowed spaces in Lakeside Landing face west, which means it's the place to be during sunset.

"Seeing all of this come together has taken my breath away," Jillian told Scott during a walk through. The living space is conveniently located near the kitchen. Neutral tones and earthy colors create the cottage-cozy atmosphere Jillian and Emerson wanted.

No vacation home is complete without a sensational shower. This one is on the ground-floor of the cottage (just steps away from the water), so it doubles as a changing room and washroom for vacationers going between the house and lake. The floor-to-ceiling wood paneling creates a sauna-like atmosphere while double shower heads add luxe convenience. Scott's special hack: He installed environmentally friendly soaps so water-runoff can stream right into the ground instead of adding extra pressure to the septic tank.

Since the home was a "clean-slate" before Scott and Debra began their renovations, the duo had freedom to create a layout that's functional and lavish — every contractor and homeowner's dream! While visiting the cottage during construction, Jillian said, "This place is coming together better than we ever could have imagined."