The Kutcher House

11 Glencairn Lane

As a Realtor, I see a lot of homes.  I see small homes, big homes, new homes and old homes.  I get to see luxury condos, heritage conversions and waterfront cottages. For all the homes I see, there are only a handful of occasions where I find myself saying, “Wow!”. 

The Kutcher House at 11 Glencairn Lane provides exactly that reaction.  I’m not even creating hyperbole here.  From the moment I drove up the private lane to see it for the first time, I was legitimately excited to get inside.  It has a special air about it.  An imposing presence from the first moment you lay eyes on it.  As I stepped through the steel gates to the courtyard, I found a structure hovering over a massive boulder. 

When the owners first bought the property, they walked through the woods to find the spot where the home sits today.  They clambered on top of the rock with a coffee in hand and looked over the tree tops at the vast Atlantic Ocean.  This is where they would build their dream home. 

Two architects were interviewed to take on the project.  The Kutchers wanted to build their house atop the boulder.  The first architect brushed off this idea as inconvenient.  Blow up the rock he said, so that I can build you a proper house.  As an architect, I think a statement like that entirely misses the point of what an architect is supposed to do.  If I wanted a cookie-cutter house, I would have hired a builder. If I wanted to create a masterpiece that is a part of the rugged natural surroundings, I would hire an artist. 

Enter the award winning Brian MacKay-Lyons.  He has crafted an extremely special property that fits exactly what his clients asked him for.  The Kutcher House hovers over the rock and enjoys unobstructed, panoramic views of the ocean and passing ships. He incorporated the principles of Fung Sheui, which the owners fell in love with from their time in Japan.  It creates an inviting atmosphere, where you are comfortable and relaxed. 

Additionally, there is not a single supporting wall in the entire house.  It is built like a skyscraper, with steel beams and curtain glass windows.  The result is that no matter where you stand in the home, you can see outside in three different directions.  They’ve hosted weddings in the living room. They’ve had parties and entertained countless guests. I think this is the real value of the Kutcher House.  It is a place you want your friends and family to experience.  A truly special design that makes you say “wow.”  A place you’ll never want to leave.