CASA DEL AVON

OKE WOODSMITH delivers a home TO GROW INTO

When Lorie and Rick decided to demolish their old home just outside of Stratford to accommodate their new custom home back in 2013, they wanted a place that their rapidly growing family could call home – and not feel cramped.

The previous house, a split-level home with low-ceilings, had been tired out by numerous renovations – none of which satisfied the couple.

After purchasing and moving into a home in town while their eldest son occupied the old house, Lorie and Rick had to come to a decision on their future – would they rebuild in town or on their ten-acre property? After the decision was made to stay on the big property outside of town, Rick contacted Oke Woodsmith. “We went to look at a few homes they had done,” said Lorie. “We were impressed with the designs, finishes and workmanship. We liked how Oke Woodsmith finished their homes.”

Rick adds, “When you go to their houses there’s a different level of craftsmanship.”

For their custom home, Lorie and Rick had a good grip on their wish list. An ideal medley of traditional yet modern styles would work nicely with the open concept layout and high ceilings. Furthermore, Lorie and Rick hoped for a basement that didn’t really seem like a basement – a space with ten-foot ceilings that would flow out to the backyard easily with eight-foot patio doors. “We wanted the basement to be a second entertaining area,” aid Rick.

Lorie and Rick were impressed with designer Steve Poortinga, who had already drawn up a floor plan and seemed to have thought of everything.

Oke Woodsmith put 100 per cent into everything they did for Lorie and Rick, even down to interior design. “We looked at having an interior designer come,” said Lorie. “The

Oke Woodsmith people were better to source; it didn’t seem as important to [the other designers] as it did to the different members of the Oke Woodsmith team.”

The rebuild really did take a village – with Randy, Wayne and Kevin Oke on site constantly, and plenty of other skilled workers assisting with framing, trim, roofing and many other tasks – and the demolition itself, managed by Wayne, was a tearful day.

“It was hard to watch it come down,” said Lorie, of their long-time family home.

The demolition was a challenge – taking the old house down without touching the pool (an original feature of the property) had proven to be a difficult task, but it turned out just fine.

Their finished home included all the things on their wish list, with four bedrooms – each with patio or balcony access and six bathrooms – every bedroom is accompanied by an ensuite bath and a walk-in closet. The primary bedroom is bright with a bay window and an incredible vista, and its ensuite features a walk-in shower, a soaker tub and a double-sink vanity.

The home, which was completed and move-in ready by July of 2014, is built to accommodate their big family and hold large gatherings. The finished home also has two outdoor fireplaces.

The southern-facing windows bring light into the house at every time of the year, and the sunset is beautiful from the west side of the property.

Two sets of laundry machines are placed throughout the house, so the boys can do their own laundry. Their laundry room is conveniently placed off the garage for their hockey equipment.

The garage – separate from the house itself – was revamped to shelter their cars, ATVs, dirt bikes, lawn mowers and their boat as well. The exterior was in dire need of an update and was renovated to flow with the house.

“This detached building looks great as the exterior style, rooflines and finishes ties in perfectly with the new house,” said Rick. “Actually, most people think we demolished our original detached garage and put up a new building at the same time the house was built. “

Lorie and Rick said working with the Oke Woodsmith team made the process easier because they were able to provide good information and suggestions in the decision-making processes and helped them better visualize the plans.

“I could say something about the design to Steve Poortinga and he got it on paper the first time and did the tweaks we asked for,” Lorie said. “What we envisioned – he saw it too.”

Lorie and Rick wanted a place that would seem like a vacation home more than anything, and that’s what they got. “With working, we can’t usually get away, so this is great,” said Lorie, calling it “a place for family and to come home to.” n

ABOVE This large family home features six luxurious bathrooms to serve them and their guests.