An Old Farmhouse Gets A Very Personal Update

STORY MADDIE JOHNSON | PHOTOS NAT CARON

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The lower-level family room has an extendable table for game nights and seating that combines Mid-century modern with classic design. The wall colour is Benjamin Moore Middlebury Brown.

This stunning farmhouse in the Singhampton countryside is steeped in history and renewed with vibrant energy, thanks to the vision and expertise of Eden House Co., a full residential design studio.

Originally built in 1882, this storied property recently underwent an intricate renovation, blending timeless design with modern functionality to create a home that feels both elevated and inviting.

This story of the farmhouse began when the homeowners, drawn to the property’s charm and history, decided to make it their permanent residence. The house, with its original 19th-century structure and a later addition from the 1990s, had good bones but needed updates to suit modern, full-time living.

“We loved the character of the house,” the homeowners say. “It was important to us to honour its history while making it functional and comfortable for everyday life.”

Having previously worked with Eden House Co. on another project, they brought Lejla and Jeff Eden on board to reimagine the space. Their trust in the couple’s vision and expertise set the tone for a collaborative and rewarding process.

From the outset, the homeowners were clear about their goals. They didn’t want the home to feel modern or lose its farmhouse essence. Instead, they envisioned a space that was updated but timeless.

Lejla and Jeff took this vision and ran with it, diving into every detail of the project. “We wanted it to feel elevated and layered but still very livable,” Lejla says. “Our goal was to create a space that felt classic and timeless while accommodating the demands of modern life.”

One of the standout features of the home is its custom design. From the oak kitchen island to the carefully-selected wallpaper sourced from England, nearly everything was tailored to suit the space. Even the bedrooms feature handmade quilts, chosen after hours of searching to perfectly match the wallpaper and décor.

Renovating a 4,000 sq. ft. farmhouse is no small task, especially when the goal is to preserve its character. The Eden House Co. team worked closely with K. Vogel Construction Ltd, a trusted local contractor, to ensure every detail was thoughtfully executed.

“We collaborated on everything, from structural changes to interior design,” Jeff says. “It was about more than just making it look beautiful; we wanted it to work for how the homeowners would live in it.”

This meant rethinking the layout to improve functionality. For instance, a dark, dated kitchen was transformed into a bright and welcoming space with enhanced flow and natural light. A new doorway between the kitchen and living room brought in additional brightness, while subtle design choices like custom millwork and elegant light fixtures elevated the space.

Organized cabinetry offers a place to sit when taking off boots, somewhere to hang coats, and a shelf for keys and gloves. A stone floor offers a forgiving surface for changing weather.

Other updates included creating a mudroom in the basement for outdoor gear, adding closets to accommodate full-time living, and ensuring the home was accessible and practical.

The homeowners appreciated these thoughtful touches, noting that the house immediately felt like home. One of the keys to the project’s success was the collaborative relationship between Eden House Co., the homeowners and the trades.

“The homeowners gave us so much trust,” Lejla says. “They were open to our ideas and willing to take creative risks, which made all the difference.” The homeowners echoed this sentiment, praising the seamless teamwork. “Lejla and Jeff listened to what we wanted and brought their own ideas to the table. It felt like a true partnership,” they say.

The trades brought on by Vogel also played an integral role in the process. “The trades were thoughtful, friendly and truly exceeded our expectations,” the homeowners say. “Everyone contributed to the shared vision and brought great ideas to the table.”

The final product is a home that feels both historic and fresh, elegant yet comfortable. “It’s a classic farmhouse with a nod to British design,” says Lejla. “It’s charming, timeless, and livable – nothing feels too precious.”

For the homeowners, the finished home represents a new chapter in their lives. “It’s such an uplifting place to be,” they say. “Every time we’re away, we can’t wait to come back. It immediately felt like home, and that’s a testament to the thought and care that went into every detail.”

Lejla and Jeff have spent over a decade crafting beautiful spaces throughout the Collingwood area. With Lejla’s background in interior design and Jeff’s experience in project management and construction, the duo brings a unique blend of creativity and practicality to every project.

“Our style is about listening to clients and creating spaces that reflect their vision,” Lejla says. “It’s always about collaboration and finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality.”

The Singhampton farmhouse is a perfect example of this philosophy. From the carefully sourced materials to the thoughtful design choices, the home stands as a testament to the Eden House Co. approach: creating spaces that are elevated, layered and deeply personal. OH

William Morris & Co. wallpaper is framed by wainscotting and crown moulding in the dining room. Heating and cooling for the home was installed by Optim Air Sheet Metal Co.