This extensive renovation was a real collaboration. The couple, tired of living in the city, was ready to start a family closer to their extended family in Erin Ontario. They planned to do the construction themselves and came to GSA for architectural direction. & Pierre, a friend of the couples’ from high school, was engaged for the interiors. 

From the first visit to this idyllic property, we knew we had to keep the 100 year-old stone farm house but better orient the house to look towards the existing pond. We introduced a new black wood gabled structure, in contrast with the existing stone building, to house a garage with sleeping areas above. The new building sits askew from the stone house. A one storey volume with the main living spaces connects the two buildings.

Natural light fills the interior through deep window sills, skylights, an open stairway, and a double-height living space, connecting the home to the surrounding pond and landscape. The layout balances open, airy areas with cozy interior spaces for year-round living. A warm wood kitchen adds softness to the exposed interior stone walls, bringing together the old and new to create a functional, welcoming family home.