Winter is over. And now, let the summer cooling season begin! In eastern Ontario we have wide temperature swings that make climate control a necessity. Summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable it can be a health challenge for many. We want fresh indoor air that’s just the right temperature. Net Zero homes have the freshest indoor air.… Continue reading In-Home Climate Control
Spring cleaning is a ritual in our culture. The curb side pick ups in the spring of our excess home and personal goods is sometimes overwhelming. Sometimes our large homes are really overcrowded and not so liveable. Are you ready to create some room to breathe? How much space do you really use in your… Continue reading Living With Room To Breathe
A Northern Cardinal Pair in Spring – You might just see some of these on your walks around Westport, or at your birdfeeder in Watercolour! Springtime is coming..albeit slowly in parts of Ontario. But the warming weather has brought most of us outdoors more and thinking about our outdoor spaces. How is the yard looking?… Continue reading Springtime Is Coming
Westport Harbour, Summer 2022 Another Earth Day is coming and Land Ark Homes is working to build a better future. Anxiety about the planet is real. Most companies, politicians and educational institutions talk about stewardship but do very little. Rather than being immobilized by fear and being overwhelmed – there are actions you can take… Continue reading Earth Day Anxiety
An inviting screened-in porch on a Charleston Bungalow Cottage-life designs are chosen to compliment interaction rather than simply making an impression. What does the word “cottage” mean to you? For many it’s about memories of gatherings the feeling of simplicity. Cottages mean connectedness with nature and people, and the joy of being free of the demands of… Continue reading Your Cottage And Home In One
Net Zero Ready or Obsolete? Which do you want? Watercolour Westport is Canada’s first community to be entirely built to Net Zero Ready standards, with no fossil fuels piped into the neighbourhood at all. Net Zero Ready (NZR) Homes are so energy efficient on their own, they are “ready” to be netting zero emissions if you were… Continue reading You Didn’t Know a Home Could Feel This Good
Before we relied so heavily on a car in our day to day lives, life was very different. Some of these things from days long ago, researchers are saying we would do well not to forget. People walked a whole lot more.Neighbourhoods and towns used to be designed to be walkable out of necessity. Is it any… Continue reading Designed To Live Healthier: 2 Things You Didn’t Know Affected Your Well Being
What if there really was a better place to call home? Thousands of people, young and old, enjoy the charm and hospitality of Westport Ontario every summer. For generations people have been coming to experience a little bit of paradise. Tree lined streets, village amenities and beautiful Foley Mountain trails are just some of the… Continue reading A Better Place To Call Home
Finding a home is a complicated thing. The stakes are high with tremendous impact on your lifestyle and well being. So, when you find a home builder with a reputation for excellence who is building homes to last more than a lifetime – you should take a closer look and see if there’s a new… Continue reading House Hunting
“Home and cottage – two words most suggestive of comfort in the English language.” William H. Ranslett writing in The Architect, 1851 A cottage has an architectural definition from its historical origins. In Ontario, cottages were designed by early settlers in the style and influence of their places of origin. Irish, English and Scottish settlers made… Continue reading Thinking About Opening The Cottage?
Recently one of our team members bought a bag of coffee that had a BIG statement on it. Better Coffee ~ Better Life Wow! That’s a big thing to say about coffee. Coffee can taste better, smell better and be more sustainably farmed, but can it make your life better? We aren’t so sure. But, it made… Continue reading Can coffee make your life better?
Coming out of the complex housing market we have been in over the past 2 years, stories are still emerging. We recently heard the story of someone who was looking to move out of the city, and downsize to a nice bungalow in the country but couldn’t find one. It was a reminder to us of… Continue reading A Downsizer’s Dream
What’s your obstacle? Everyone has one and each of us have different obstacles in various parts of our lives. Moving to a better place for yourself and your family has its obstacles too. But finding a great place to live doesn’t have to be hard. We have been working on building a one of a… Continue reading Winter Activities Guide and Overcoming Obstacles
Think long term about your home. It’s not just the up front purchase price; what about the longevity of your home, or upcoming building code changes? What if you bought a new home that will be obsolete in the next 10 years? Some of you are probably wondering: is now a good time to sell my house?… Continue reading It’s a Great Time to Move to Watercolour ✨
Why Westport? Many people would move in a heartbeat if they could, to live in Cottage Country year round (if it also didn’t mean giving up amenities). We are excited to make that a reality for more people. New homes in Watercolour have fast internet to the door, and all of your basic amenities are… Continue reading Why Westport?
At Land Ark Homes we are in the deep end of some new dreams for PHASE 2, or the Rice Farm Phase as we know it. Imagine the possibilities of new roads, new trails, new sidewalks, new home designs, and best of all: new neighbours exploring together. Phase 2 reservations are being taken now and we have new models coming… Continue reading When Do Dreams Become Reality?
We make hosting easier. Standard features, such as ample natural light and open-concept living spaces, make even our smallest 1,200 sq. ft. Charleston Bungalow feel spacious. Connecting with family and neighbour is just easier, in a home that’s designed to gather. Don’t just take our word for it, schedule a model tour and see for yourself – we would love… Continue reading Homes Designed To Host
Did you know that you can purchase a better built, certified Net Zero Ready Land Ark Home, with better finishes, that’s priced at a better value? New homes in Watercolour Westport include over $50,000 in added value on the interior of the home that other builders would call an “upgrade”. You can download a full breakdown of added value in… Continue reading These “Upgrades” Come Standard
We know that winter can get long, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Families who live in Westport don’t have to go far to find something fun to do in their leisure time. Explore towns and events close to home in places like Portland ON. A short 15 minute drive from your home in Watercolour,… Continue reading Winter Wellness: Part of a Better Place to Call Home
The next home to house the memories You can mark the eras of your life with houses, like markers on a road. There’s your first house — small but full of energy when anything seemed possible. There is the house that was full of kids — noisy, joyful, a period when everything was growing. And… Continue reading 3 Homes in Phase 2 Reserved
Yes, last week another new happy homeowner took the keys to their new Land Ark Home in Watercolour and started a new chapter of their lives. A new home in time for Christmas and from the last word, they may even be hosting their family this year! But many new home buyers lament the delays,… Continue reading T’was the Night before moving…
Give these two words some thought – About & For The difference between these two words has its greatest impact in the context of stewardship. Yes, that’s what most companies, politicians and educational institutions talk about. There is a keen sense that stewardship matters, because everyone wants to leave a better legacy. But the difference comes from these two words.… Continue reading Two Words with a Big Difference
Thanks to everyone who was able to join us in October for our Breakfast with the Experts event at the Cove Inn! We heard from: With a focus on solar power and the importance of stewarding energy in homebuilding. If you weren’t able to join us at the event, video’s are now available on our… Continue reading The How, Why & Impact of Net Zero Homes: New Videos
Pictured (from left to right) Rodney, Joe, Victoria, Noah, Kevin, Matt, Mona and Steve Land Ark homes has embarked on what other homebuilders consider an impossible mission. Build a home for the future in the present. Phase 1 of Watercolour Westport is a leading example of community scale construction of Net Zero Ready homes. The… Continue reading Mission Impossible
Can we all say that about where we live? That we feel relaxed? Many of us, if we could, would live at the cottage year round and escape the urban hustle and bustle. Watercolour Westport seeks to make that a reality for homeowners: cottage country life, connected to nature and neighbour without giving up the internet speed you… Continue reading One Word to Describe Living in Westport: Relaxed
Can’t join us for a model home tour in person? Now you can take a sneak peek on video! Watch here for a look at our new model home (but we still hope you’ll stop by for an in-person visit). Book and In-Person Tour or View Phase 2 Christmas Wreath Making Workshop In partnership with Creative Gardens Floral in… Continue reading A Virtual Tour, A Workshop, aaand more!
Canadians want to move towards energy independence – even at the household level. Energy independence isn’t something the average person has any influence on. But it isn’t far fetched to imagine your home operating without dependence on fossil fuels and using only clean energy. Innovation in every aspect of homebuilding science has advanced the dream… Continue reading Moving Toward Energy Independence
New Model Home Tours Open this Weekend 🍂 Stop by this weekend to view our newly finished Benson Bungalow, now open for tours. You will be greeted by amazing fall colours; cottage country isn’t just beautiful in summer! You will also be greeted warmly by a member of our team – we hope to invite you… Continue reading A Big New Reason to Stop In …
Once you lose the cornerstone businesses, the downtown is done. It’s either slow, steady growth or you lose the heart of the town. That’s what a local business owner in downtown Westport told me the other day. He has experience living in a small town that relied on tourism revenue but didn’t do enough to… Continue reading Smart Growth is Saving Rural Ontario
Land Ark teams are working hard to help build the future of Westport as a thriving village and a great place to call home. We love building community and we hurt when others are hurting. One week ago hurricane Fiona made landfall in Canada and lives in the affected areas have been lost, property damaged… Continue reading Home – It’s a Powerful Place
The Frontenac Bungalow Town (End Units) The Cataraqui Bungalow Town (Interior Unit) Our new bungalow town homes are causing quite a stir! Hundreds of you have viewed our model floor plans and inquiries are coming in about the opportunities that lie ahead at Watercolour. But some of you are probably wondering, is now a good… Continue reading It’s a Great Time To Move Into a Bungalow
Watercolour and the Westport Lions Club hosted 125 people at the Picnic on the Beach last Saturday. Good food and live music at a beautiful location… what a great way to spend a Saturday in September in Westport. The idea for the Picnic on the Beach came out of a desire to keep building community.… Continue reading Community Connections at Picnic on the Beach
How often would you like fresh air in your home? Most of us would say a resounding: all the time (and any of us who wouldn’t might just be worried that the fresh air comes at the expense of leaving a window open and letting cold or hot in!) We’ll keep this brief to let the video… Continue reading How Often Do You Want Fresh Air In Your Home?
What are you doing about your wellness? Perhaps we should ask ourselves….when do you know you’re sick? Usually we present ourselves to a medical professional to help us when symptoms creep into our lives that are unpleasant or giving us a poor quality of life. Well, the symptoms of stress and disconnectedness are what inspired… Continue reading Let’s Talk Wellness
Land Ark Homes is pleased to invite you to a Picnic on the Beach at Westport Sand Lake Beach on Saturday, September 10th from 11AM – 3PM. Enjoy a free lunch catered by the Westport Lion’s Club, live music from Eric Uren and Meg Balogh, and fun for all on the beach!
A Net Zero Ready Home from Land Ark includes $200,000 of added value that other builders call upgrades. Download the price brakdown here. And we are still selling these homes at market rates. One of the most common questions we get is: What is a Net Zero Ready Home and why does it matter? The technical… Continue reading New Video Series: Net Zero Homes Made Simple
Two storey towns, bungalow semis and towns…you must come and see!We are opening up the opportunity for new homeowners to buy exceptional homes at a price that makes it easier for you to choose wisely.We’re not afraid to show you the value of buying a home by Land Ark in Westport. You really are getting… Continue reading Sneak Preview: All New Two Storey Townhomes
Living in Westport means you have the opportunity to explore and discover new possibilities for your wellness. Did you know that listening to live music can improve your brain function, reduce your stress levels and create community by the shared experience of common purpose? Recent studies have shown that listening to live music can have… Continue reading Enjoy Live Music at the Cove Inn
Summer is a great time to visit Westport and this weekend there is a new trail for you, your pets and family to enjoy! A winding trail along Harvest Creek in Watercolour Westport has some new bridges and we would love to see your pics as you explore them! Use #harvestcreektrail. Walking trails are an important… Continue reading Come See The Bridges Of Watercolour
Meet the Benson Bungalow – now under construction for quick occupancy; a new home plan in the models Land Ark is constructing in Watercolour Westport. Net Zero Ready and lifestyle refined, this bungalow has room for you and your family with a spacious 2703 sq ft living space on two levels with 1GB fibre optic connectivity available. We love porches… Continue reading Weekend Fun and a New Home to See!
It’s easy to get emotional about buying and selling a house. Many of our new homeowners have shared their personal stories with you about how they made the move to Westport and Watercolour. Often it’s the intersection of finances, family and employment that change our course. If you are standing at the crossroads of these factors, Westport… Continue reading When is the Right Time to Move?
Adding beauty to the village of Westport, Watercolour Westport has a new 1km trail, complete with new bridges! The Harvest Creek Trail is ready for everyone’s enjoyment. Working with the world-class suppliers at The Wood Source, in Manotick ON, we are proudly unveiling these beautiful bridges. With over 2000lbs of steel and 3000lbs of Douglas Fir from B.C, these… Continue reading Stroll In Westport
“I entered a point in my life where I wanted to be in nature. This place embodies nature and community, which is what I like.” – Sandi, Watercolour Resident Watercolour in Westport is being developed by a proven builder with a trustworthy track record. Land Ark Homes has a reputation as a builder of remarkable communities with… Continue reading Interview With Watercolour Homeowner
Go a little farther to find something better. Watercolour is part of a historic village. Westport is poised to grow and has the unique geography of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere that brings nature and neighbourhood in perfect balance. Walking the other day, a pedestrian lost their credit card from their pocket. As she re-traced her… Continue reading Just A Little Farther…
A sweet welcome into warmer weather after a long winter – a visit to the Sugar Bush is an annual (if not much more frequently!) tradition for many in Rideau Lakes. You don’t have to drive far to find the great maple syrup that makes the Westport area famous. Here are a few of our… Continue reading Maple Syrup Season is Here 🍁
Our earth is remarkable and miraculous. To harness the energy of the earth and put it to use for mankind while leaving it unspoiled is the challenge of true stewardship. Many of us know that the sun’s energy can be harnessed by what we label “solar power.” But your home can be powered by the… Continue reading All You Need is Sun
The next home to house the memories You can mark the eras of your life with houses, like markers on a road. There’s your first house — small but full of energy when anything seemed possible. There is the house that was full of kids — noisy, joyful, a period when everything was growing. And… Continue reading Watercolour Portrait: The Johnstones
You don’t need to suffer cottage headaches to live the cottage life A cottage is a dream. But any cottage owner will tell you that fallen trees, power outages, and broken septic pumps can turn the dream into a weighty weekend burden. For as long as Joan Buma can remember she wanted to retire to a cottage near Westport. Her family had roots there. But John, her husband,… Continue reading Watercolour Portrait: John and Joan Buma
For many of us, retirement is a time in our lives to enjoy ultimate freedom, fulfillment, joy, and peace. The challenge, then, is to find a place where dreams become reality, where our perspectives and experiences are shared, and where we are renewed, like each day, over and over again. Westport, Ontario is such a… Continue reading 7 Reasons to Retire to Westport, Ontario
If you thought that living in cottage country meant isolating yourself from technological innovation for the sake of peace and quiet, think again. In Watercolour, a community of brand new, cottage-style homes in Westport, you choose how connected you want to be. If your livelihood (or even your mother) depends on you having high speed… Continue reading Work from Home in Cottage Country with 1G Fiber Optic Internet
In the village of Westport in Eastern Ontario, simplicity reigns supreme. Here, the pace is slower so that you can enjoy long, fun-filled days, the homes are spread out among the trees so everyone has access to green space, and residents can simply step out of their homes and walk to numerous local destinations. Here,… Continue reading Embrace a Walkable Lifestyle in Westport, ON
Mona Kennedy chose Westport first. Then she discovered the house. Now she’s found her home. A year ago Mona sold her house in Picton and moved to a rental in the charming village of Westport. Living in the picturesque cottage town would put her near her family and friends. She knew the area well because… Continue reading Watercolour Portrait: Mona Kennedy
The Canadian cottage lifestyle is one steeped in history and tradition, but that doesn’t mean your cottage has to be. With modern features like ultra energy-efficient design, sleek stainless steel appliances, and electric car charging rough-ins, your cottage can meet (and even exceed) the style of living you’re used to. Plus, we’ve included $25,000 worth… Continue reading Elements of Modern Canadian Cottage Design
If you grew up in the charming lakeside town of Westport, ON, and you’re considering a move back, there’s never been a better time. Westport continues to be the beautiful, peaceful, nature-focused area you’ve always known, but now with a few more amenities and brand new cottage-style housing options that make life on the lake… Continue reading Tips for Moving Back to Westport
The Ontario cottage lifestyle is one of luxury, peace, relaxation, and reconnection to all that is important. Whether you choose to rent or purchase a cottage property for quick weekend getaways or to stay a lifetime, the lake options in Ontario are seemingly endless. From large lakes with small shoreline towns, to bustling communities punctuated… Continue reading Top Lakes in Ontario for Cottage Living
As you look around at your current home, you may realize that your wants and needs have changed. You’re certainly not alone. Right now, you may prefer the comfort of a cozy yet functional, one-level layout, rather than a multi-level home with unused rooms. Or perhaps you’d love a private outdoor living space that connects… Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Rightsizing
With breathtaking natural landscapes, 32 lakes within a 24-km radius, and dozens of hiking trails to explore it all, the area around Westport, Ontario is meant for enjoying life outdoors.
Inspired by the pre-1950s neighborhoods that were centered on community, convenience, and accessibility, Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) is the solution to many of the challenges spawned by suburban sprawl of the last few decades.
Enjoy a simpler pace of life — where you live outside as much as possible, become a steward of your community, stay physically active, and responsibly engage with the natural world around you.
The village of Westport, on the west end of Upper Rideau Lake, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream
High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Homes Built to Advanced Standards. These days, more folks are doing what they can to help the environment, or at least not damage it any further.