BY CRYSTAL MURRAY PHOTOS BY BEN MURRAY
one beam How one family raises the roof and eyebrows while building their own timber frame home
F
Andrew Parsons chisels a beam before it is hoisted into place.
Beer Wine Spirits Ciders
ive years ago Andrew Parsons and his partner Shauna Heighton went for a walk on Melmerby Beach. With a breath of salt air they started to talk about where life had already taken them and questioned what would be important to them as they charted their future. After 15 years raising two girls in an old farm house in Scotsburn and travelling back and forth from their teaching jobs in New Glasgow every day it was time for a change. They sat on the sand looking out over the waves rolling onto the shore. Perhaps it was a gust of wind coming across the back bay behind them that carried one of the answers to their biggest questions. On the other side of the bay nestled on the top of a little hill peppered with summer cottages was an undeveloped property owned by Shauna’s parents. They walked the hill that day and realized that a beautiful opportunity was now right under their feet. The future seemed a little clearer now and the dreaming commenced. This is the beginning of a four part series that will follow the building of the Parsons-Heighton family home at Melmerby Beach, Pictou County. At Home on the North Shore is following the yearlong build through the seasons. Andrew, Shauna and their daughters Ella and Severn will share their journey with you where you discover right along with them the challenges, satisfaction and joy of building a modern home with storied traditional methods, one wooden beam at a time.
For Every Taste!
Ferment your wine & beer instore! Monday–Saturday 9–5 | Thursday 9–7
21 Heritage Ave., Stellarton | 902.755.9463 | waternwine.ca The North Shore
ah! Fall 2017 - 28
