Reader's parents' home
Tue, 14 Dec 2010Here is an email we received from Sue: "I'm writing because I wanted to show you a home created by two of the most creative, eclectic, quirky and capable people I've ever met- my Mom and Dad. They have recently finished their fantastic house near Bancroft, Ontario; a house they designed, built and decorated almost all by themselves. And what's the first thing they did when it was finished? Put it up for sale, of course. There are more home design projects ahead! This is the link for the webpage they created for potential buyers." This is pretty much my dream home. SERIOUSLY. It is absolutely gorgeous. The spaciousness, the cabin feel to it, tons of WATERFRONT land, the large plank pine floors, a bunkie (!!!)....I could on and on. Instead, I'll show you a whole bunch of photos of it so you can see what I mean.
*the foyer features an antique tin ceiling*
*The lower level is built around a sunken living room with a long bench seat in the window for reading and afternoon siestas. A wood stove is the warm heart of the house; a stone floor provides rustic character. The space is open to the studio level above.*
*The cabinets in the custom kitchen are recycled antique chests-of-drawers, buffets and display cases, refinished and integrated into counters and an island with butcher-block tops.*
*And then there’s the screen room: 350 square feet of comfort in the trees, with an open-frame ceiling that soars to 20 feet.*
*The completely open studio level upstairs contains four dormer nooks for creative space or sleeping guests, plus a long studio/gallery with railings overlooking the main level. At the far end, floor to ceiling bookshelves rise up 10 feet over an antique gas fireplace insert and mantle. Rolling bookshelves along the sides provide access to generous under-eave storage.*
*A guest bunkie just below the house features a spacious sleeping loft and a whimsical main level. A separate deck overlooks the lake.*
Reader Comments (29)
This is an absolute dream! Thank you for sharing. :)
I wanna move in! :)
Oh man! I want to live there!!
I always love your blog, but every once in a while, you'll feature a house like this that makes me wish I had more stuff. So I could sell it all and start a new life in Canada.
This is SO me. But, then, I'm sure this is SO most people, because it's fantastic. They are highly talented.
Utterly beautiful.
WOW! You weren't kidding when you said it was your dreamhouse. I hope there will come a day when I have a home as beautifully eclectic as this. Thank you for sharing!
Awesome kitchen cabinets!
Alcira
How absolutely gorgeous! Aren't they clever? You must be very proud! In our house a 'bunkie' is a blanket. I think I like your version much better... Thanks for sharing and do pass on my congratulations...
why oh why are they selling? it's perfect!
What an amazing home, but also what a fantastic and eclectic collection of furniture too. The kitchen is so clever. I'd live here in a heartbeat!
URGH. I am dying inside.... Bancroft is so beautiful, I would give both my arms and maybe a leg to live in that wonderful, whimsical house!! How awesome is that kitchen?? AND A TREEHOUSE! Yes!
"You know you wanna look" and I do! Thank you!
i absolutely love this!
yes! that is a house i love love love.... why would they sell it? what a perfect house to retire in!!! If only my husband and I were in our retiring age, we would buy this house.. The kitchen is the most beautiful of all!!!! Congratulations to your parents!
I love everything about it! Amazing!
Wow wow and WOW! It's not only beautiful but it looks so warm and inviting too. That's not an easy task with a larger home. Seriously, well done!
I love the mix of old/antique and contemporary styles, furniture, etc. So eclectic and cool.
I am floored by this gorgeous house. I can see why it's your dreamhouse!
Wow....okay lost for words, the only thing that comes to me is wow!
This house is fantastic! I wish my parents were more adventurous.
Oh. My. God. My heart is doing cartwheels over this house! It is the most amazing, gorgeous, clever and articulate home I have ever seen. Incredibly charming.
They are leaving?! I understand wanting to start again, I really really do...but aren't they going to miss this place dearly? I don't think I could do it.
Sigh. Thank you so much for sharing. Your parents rock.
What all of you have missed is the beautiful apartment that Harold & Dianne transformed in the historic Great Hall in Toronto or the loft in an old warehouse or the yurt (look that one up) on the property next to this house....all of them spectacular!
Harold & Dianne are my friends and I was fortunate to see the first drawings, the hole in the ground and all of the amazingly hard work that it took to build this house. What makes it another of their incredible homes, and everyone who has commented can feel it, is the love and creativity that they put into it. I can't wait to see what comes next.
spetacular.....
When they sell the house are they leaving all the fantastic furniture and accessories? It all fits together so perfectly it would be a shame to separate them.
Amazing- i'm loving the little guest house!
The Craft