FANTASY ISLAND.

Henrietta Southam, owner and designer of Henrietta Southam Design in Ottawa, vividly recalls the extravagant summers she spent at her family's cottage on Big Rideau Lake in the 1970s. The cottage, which was a one-acre island, was a paradise of privilege and luxury, with guests like Marlene Dietrich and private concerts by an opera singer. Although the original cottage burned down in 1979, Southam purchased a new cottage on the island in 2013 and continues the tradition with a more casual approach. The cottage is filled with eclectic antiques and modern pieces, reflecting Southam's personality and love for the lake. She spends her summers cooking, reading, writing, and hosting parties for over 50 guests. The cottage is a rustic mid-century time capsule, offering a peaceful escape from the outside world. [Extracted from the article]