A Bit More Sparkle

Story: Janet White Bardwell

Photos: Jason Hartog

When Zofia Kaczmarczyk at Rego Realty Inc. showed Rhonda and Sheldon Cook a Queen Anne Victorian-style home in West Galt, they were immediately captivated by its limitless potential and iconic history. The allure was undeniable, and they simply couldn't resist the opportunity it presented.

“The style of the homes in this area is very specific,” says Rhonda. “A limited number of Queen Annes were built, and they have very distinct features such as the bird’s eye window in the attic. We love the front and rear wraparound porches and thought of how nice it must’ve been back in the day to sit and watch children in the park across the street. We saw this home as a beautiful canvas that needed refreshing.”

In addition, it is the childhood home of the late Peter Gzowski – the iconic host of CBC Radio’s Morningside. “When I learned of the home’s history and read how Peter Gzowski ‘Mr. Canada’ would play hockey in the attic with his friends, I pictured them gathered around an old transistor radio on Saturday nights to listen to Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan calling a game,” says Sheldon.

In a span of seven months, the Cooks undertook a thoughtful renovation of the classic old Victorian home. They tastefully transformed the closed-in rooms and traditional styling into a more spacious, sophisticated and approachable modern space. The design honours the home's historical roots while also incorporating nods to the future, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. “It was important for us to maintain the original character of the home – the high ceilings, trim work and large windows,” says Rhonda.

The Cooks' home transformation journey was a meaningful family affair. Their daughter Reily actively participated in making many of the design and décor decisions. With her keen eye for detail, she skillfully brought her vision to life, adding a personal touch to the project. The family worked collaboratively to create a warm and inviting home that reflects their unique tastes and shared love for creating a comfortable living space. “We took possession of the home two days before Christmas, and it was my first Christmas without a tree and lots of family visiting,” says Reily. “I spent a lot of time at the back portion of the home stoking the wood-burning fire. It became clear this area should be opened to accommodate large gatherings and celebrations – I saw the grand rooms flowing in an open concept.”

Reily’s vision also included some important inclusions throughout the home. “I wanted the bathrooms to showcase a modern luxury spa-like feel and I wanted to highlight the timbers in the attic,” she says. “A large island in the kitchen was also important, which would allow for large gatherings and entertaining, while enjoying a real wood-burning fire.”

Choosing the right contractor was key, says Rhonda. “For this, we reached out to trades who were taught Old World craftsman skills, and people who could really work with the bones of the home.” The family has renovated and sold several homes and has gathered a trusted group of trades to make it all happen seamlessly and skillfully.

The results the family achieved in seven months is impressive. On the main level, swaths of wide-planked oak hardwood from AA Floors & More Ltd. and a coat of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on the walls set a warm, modern sophisticated tone for the home, juxtaposed with opulent oversize herringbone entry tile. A formal glass chandelier crowns the entryway and is a testament to Reily's décor mantra of "she just needs a bit more sparkle." Her family chuckles at the phrase, but they know these meticulously chosen details make the home the special spot it is today.

The home’s living and dining rooms are spacious and comfortable, with many original details intact. New black Renewal by Andersen windows add the quality that the renovation required. “Originally, we were planning to refinish the windows, which were painted shut over the years. But we decided to replace them with a new efficient alternative,” says Rhonda. “Anderson windows are best suited for our application, and their warranty is an industry leader.”

The kitchen and family room area exude warmth and intimacy, providing ample seating and space that aligns with Reily's vision of creating a welcoming space for family get-togethers and celebrations. Painted maple kitchen cabinets by Lencraft Furniture add a fresh appeal, while the oversize kitchen island offers plenty of seating for gatherings and casual meals.

The family room area is Rhonda’s favourite spot in the home. “I love that it offers site lines for much of the main floor and backyard, and I wanted to highlight this room,” she says. “There wasn’t a lot of storage originally, so I thought arched shelving on either side of the fireplace would create the perfect blend of form and function. They provide lots of storage, but more importantly the overall structure adds texture and warmth to the space.”

Heading upstairs, formerly dark stairways are open and bright. Bedrooms on the second floor are serene, each with a board-and-batten feature wall in a different colour. The couple’s primary suite is a comfy, stylish cocoon with a spa bathroom, dramatic black feature wall and an Old Hollywood-style dressing room.

At the top of the house, the attic, once the cherished spot where Peter Gzowski played hockey with friends, has been transformed into a theatre room with exposed natural beams and a cosy fireplace. “I knew I wanted the space to be a modern gathering area for friends and family to enjoy a Hockey Night in Canada game in a theatre-like setting,” says Sheldon.

Adjacent to the theatre room, a cosy bedroom features slanted ceilings and exposed original brick wall, while on the adjacent side a stunning bathroom features a dramatic natural blue-green glass porcelain tile shower and pristine cabinetry and fixtures.

Rhonda and Sheldon say their latest home project has turned out just as the family envisioned – it beautifully blends the past and present, serving as an ode to a Canadian icon, while creating a harmonious and updated living space. “What we like most about our home is how it blends into the architectural canvas that is so unique to West Galt. Having stood for almost a century and a half, it was time for this grand lady to don a new dress and continue to sparkle,” says Sheldon.

The couple credits their realtor with presenting the opportunity and making the transformation possible. “The team at Rego Realty have been a pleasure to work with,” says Sheldon. “Their knowledge of the area, attention to detail, professionalism and communication make them stand out.”

Rhonda reflects on the renovation as an exciting project that the entire family could embark on together. "We plan to enjoy our time in this house, but we also look forward to future projects and new adventures!"