HOUSES
Parkwood Court
Sitting on half an acre, at the end of a quiet court, is this elegant 4800 square foot home, framed by a backdrop of towering pines. Designed by Hicks-Pettes Architects and custom built in 2000, the façade is a masterful mix of stone and stucco.
As you enter through the exquisite artisan created wrought iron and glass doors, you are welcomed by a dramatic staircase with railings festooned with lush greens and red and silver adornment. The loving attention to detail is evident in this “Maximalist Traditional” décor.
The “Vellum” painted walls of the cozy living room set the stage for the 12 foot white and silver Christmas tree, safely anchored to the wall with cables. Luxurious fringed drapery, bold red and gold accents, and a carved French fireplace bring the room to life. A collection of Trisha Romance artwork harkens back to a nostalgic era of celebration.
Opulence best describes the gold painted striped dining room. Matching trees and a collection of crystal accents make the room sparkle. With family roots in Newfoundland and an affinity for entertaining, having 16 around the table has become a Christmas tradition. Parcels are opened in the family room, with its uninterrupted view of the gardens.
Carey Court
The owners of this contemporary 4200 square foot Hamptons like home, built by Rock Cliff Custom Builders, have embraced a relaxed family lifestyle. With white painted wood panels, a low slope black metal roof and bold black window frames, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of a Modern Farmhouse.
Minimalist touches begin with external LED lighting which adds a subtle glow. Interior wall switches by UK designer Buster + Punch give an industrial edge. The sleek colour customized light fixtures throughout are by Montreal-based Luminaire Authentik.
Oversized abstract artwork sets the tone for the home. Wide plank oak flooring is a unifying element. The “Silver Satin” dining room features oak details on the ceiling as well as the wine display.
A 14-foot Christmas tree sits in the great room with a 20-foot vaulted beamed ceiling. Matching curved bookcases with reeded plaster wall applications flank the streamlined Arabescato marble fireplace, decked in fresh greens and berries.
The “Collingwood” painted kitchen by Top Notch maintains the unity of the design, with pared down white oak cabinetry and Caesarstone counters. A dual faucet trough sink makes for quick cleanups. The mudroom has personalized, vented lockers, a practical clutter solution.
Burgundy Drive
Few homes can compare in scale and grandeur to “Gemstone House”, so named by the current family in 2021. It sits on a majestic two acre terraced, treed lot at the end of a private court. An extensive two year renovation by Whitehall Homes and Construction brought this 15,000 square foot, five bedroom, traditional stone, slate roofed home, up to date.
The interior aesthetic is transitional and sparkles with glamorous light fixtures and décor accents by Robb & Stucky of Naples, FL. A pair of backlit 350 lb. quartz panels highlight the grand foyer. The music room piano entertains guests, while the sophisticated dining room seats ten. An adjoining black and gold powder room is a jewel box like oasis.
The kitchen, with a 14 foot Statuario marble island and custom rangehood, has wonderful sightlines to the pool. Clear paned, oversized windows allow unobstructed views. Imported Italian leather sofas and a porcelain clad two-storey fireplace, with antique mirror finishes, make the great room a favourite family retreat. ArchiDisegno Gallery provided much of the main floor furnishings.
Off the hallway is the dedicated “dog parlour” with bathing facilities, personalized bowls and treats, and a closet for seasonal wardrobes. The two-legged residents enjoy a lower lounge with bar, golf simulator, theatre, pool table and easy access to a magnificent outdoor entertaining space.
MacDonald Road
This fun-loving family of seven is known for their quirky holiday displays of inflatable characters and their fondness of after dinner games. They purchased this beautiful home in 2019 and relocated to the family friendly community, close to schools and work.
Cochrane Homes transformed this five bedroom residence, on a private landscaped 93 by 200 foot lot, into an award winning showcase. The entry with its vaulted ceiling, classic designed staircase and dark stained wood flooring welcomes you. A collection of large and small scale works by Canadian artists are highlighted throughout the home.
Black painted double French doors lead you into the great room, a favourite family gathering place. Here you find a bit of whimsy in the grouping of Dr. Seuss art prints with a mounted (faux) taxidermy head as a focal point.
The spacious custom kitchen is the centre of the home and where a father who loves to cook can be found. The traditional design features slate floors, grey and white shaker cabinetry and natural brass taps and pulls. Recent upgrades include Hudson Valley “Sputnik” style lanterns and a Bari chandelier in the dining area. Striking black and white artwork is a Star Wars fan’s delight.
Galt Avenue
Located in the historic Brantwood neighbourhood, this Federal Colonial Revival home with its symmetrical façade and balustrades, was built in 1928 for the family of E.P. Lunau, a local dry goods merchant. Hageman Homes & Interiors impeccably renovated and restored the handsome residence with the highest attention to detail, to ensure its listing on the Heritage Property registry.
Preserving the authenticity of the home involved sourcing custom built wood windows and trim, and 200-year old wormholed reclaimed oak flooring, found in North Carolina. New plumbing and electrical wiring were added throughout, incorporating 1930s’ style Forbes & Lomax (UK) brass toggle light switches.
Harlequin patterned, black and white English floor tile greets you
in the vestibule. The young family enjoys entertaining in the light filled living room and adjacent media room. To the foyer’s right is the bespoke kitchen, featuring a French enameled Lacanche range, Top Notch “baby fawn” painted cabinetry, soapstone counters and a custom Derry table island with marble. It is the perfect spot for decorating gingerbread houses with the children.
Colefax and Fowler wallpaper adorns the intimate dining room. A Gabriella Collier landscape adds a finishing touch. The décor evokes an English Country Christmas with muted touches of magnolia, cedar and seeded eucalyptus.
Thomas Street
This empty nesters’ retreat sits on a sunny corner, across from Lakeside Park, in the Olde Oakville Heritage Conservation District.
Severed from the “Glenorchy” estate (1839) lands in 1995, the property was used as a skating rink by the Macrae family in the 1930s. Evidence of an impressive Victorian era wooden gate is located along the side of the home, behind the neighbouring carriage and horse stable.
Architect William Hicks designed this welcoming two storey, three bedroom, cross gabled home with diamond shaped accent windows. A unique Pelican weathervane can be seen perched on the roof’s cupola. Recently, the home has undergone an extensive main floor update that takes advantage of its numerous wonderful views.
The open concept home is decorated in calming shades of blue and dove grey with wide plank oak flooring throughout. The traditional European inspired kitchen was designed by Braam’s of Oakville. The custom cabinetry, oversized gilded iron lanterns, pot-filler, and open shelving add to the ambiance. A coffee station in the new pantry is well used.
The family room suite off the entry provides a comfortable stay for visitors at Christmas time.
Lakewood Drive
Near the end of a quiet lakeside street you will find a grand bungalow. Built in 2005 by Stoneshore Designs the home takes full advantage of the large tranquil setting.
Entering by way of the 600 lb solid oak door you can fully appreciate the spaciousness of the interior rooms. With 17 foot vaulted ceilings in the front hall and kitchen, black painted doors and 12 inch baseboards, this sophisticated home is built for entertaining.
Home to a designer and her family the rooms are infused with modern Scandinavian elements. The serene colour palette is a mix of neutrals from “cloud cover” in the main rooms, “silver satin” in the primary bedroom and “grey mist” in the dining room. The Serra White Palm wallpaper used in the powder room adds interest and elevates it to a black and white tropical paradise.
Family life gravitates to the kitchen with its Chantilly lace painted cabinets, dramatic feature wall and wood-clad beams. In the great room sits the Christmas tree. The natural holiday décor throughout the home evokes a sense of peace and calm.
Fans of HGTV may recall that this home was featured in Four Houses Canada in 2014, reaching celebrity status.
Maplehurst Avenue
The handsome English Garden style exterior of this multi-gabled home was designed in 2006 by architect David Small, known for his “Natural Modern” aesthetic. The owners were drawn to the timeless interior and quality workmanship of the builder, Legend Custom Homes.
Personalized touches were added to create a modern farmhouse style interior, with a rustic Wiarton stone fireplace and pewter painted French doors in the sitting room. Wide plank floors by Antique Hardwood run throughout. In the dining room a sparkling crystal chandelier is suspended from the vaulted shiplap clad ceiling. The focal point is a custom wall feature designed in Italy, then templated and applied with plaster.
Warmth is added to the kitchen with the addition of brick wall cladding, complementing the round metal dining table, a favourite family gathering spot. Top Notch designed the impressive ceiling height cabinetry. With ample seating in the family room there is space to gather around the Christmas tree. A palette of pale blues, greys and creams adds elegance while an oversized double ringed light fixture adds drama.
A main floor primary suite with a custom Parisian style bath in white and black is a welcome retreat for the owners to rejuvenate before the traditional Christmas family breakfast.