Christmas Tour of Homes
CHANTRY ISLAND CHAM-BETTES 2022
Story Sara Martin | Photography Sandy MacKay
OUR HOMES takes you inside four beautiful homes on the Chantry Island Cham-bettes’ 2022 Christmas Tour of Homes. All proceeds raised from the tour are donated to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital, which has received more than $158,000 from this magical event over the past 14 years.
Cocoon of Joy
As a principal of Bruce County Custom Cabinets & Dennison Homes, design professional Kaitlyn Shular has helped many homeowners bring their dream homes to life. So when it came time for Kaitlyn and partner Blake D’Angelo to build their own home, Kaitlyn had many distinctive ideas she wanted to include.
Their Dennison-built home with cabinetry by Bruce County Custom Cabinets has a unique interior design full of personality – a perfect backdrop for holiday decorating. Most of the décor was sourced at K Interiors – owned by Kaitlyn and her mother Susan and located in Port Elgin.
Natural elements in the furnishings and décor mingle with gold and cream holiday items. Garlands of sparkling balls, snowballs and leaves are casually draped on a mantel, over light fixtures and mirrors, while a holiday tree is laden with ornaments. Glass holiday trees follow the colour palette of the decorations and unite with the tropical plants that thrive in the home. In the primary bedroom, lanterns sit on a bench at the end of the bed, offering a welcoming beacon at the end of Christmas day.
Merry Coastal
Heather Hart and Doug Seiler’s custom home sits on a forested lot steps from the shores of Lake Huron. It was built in 2018 by Seaman & Sons Builders. The great room’s vaulted, white-washed pine ceiling shelters the spectacular tree centred in front of the double-height windows. It is one of four trees placed throughout the home.
A fieldstone fireplace is surrounded by deep, comfortable, slip-covered seating, perfect for a snowy Christmas morning, its mantel draped with a lush garland and stockings ready to be filled on Christmas Eve.
Steps away, the kitchen, with cabinetry by Arbour Hill Custom Furniture & Cabinetry and appliances from Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances, is ready for the family to start the preparations for the holiday dinner.
A large wooden bowl on the island is filled with ornaments that follow the pastel colour scheme of the home. On the lower level, younger members of the family enjoy a tree surrounded by plush toys, its boughs filled with childhood holiday delights. Working with décor items from Accents Port Elgin, the homeowner has woven a tapestry that captures the warmth and delights of the holiday season.
A Light, Bright Fantasy
This home, designed and built by Matt Mulholland and Melissa Carr, with more than 7,600 square feet of living space, makes entertaining during the holidays its mission statement. A life-size Santa greets each visitor in the front foyer with a little dance and a “ho ho ho,” getting everyone in the mood to mix and mingle.
The 18-foot tree in the living room on the main floor is festooned with silver balls and snowflakes, making an elegant statement. The dining room on the other side of the fireplace is located next to the kitchen that has a 17-foot island that seats eight people.
Appliances were sourced from Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances. A three-storey custom steel staircase with glass railings, made by Jim and Charlie Feddema, ascends to the upper level, where each bedroom has its own unique festive additions.
On the lower level, The Grinch makes an appearance beside the pool table and bar, while in the opposite corner, a petite white tree shines beside the shuffleboard. This home celebrates the holidays with colour, humour and a sense of wonderment that is enjoyed by everyone lucky enough to gather under its roof.
Serene French Country
Built by Berner Contracting, this home backs onto a ravine full of mature trees, bringing nature to its doorstep and giving homeowners Paul and Sue Roberts a private setting to relax and entertain friends and family.
Their daughter, designer Britt Hartel, was given carte blanche on the interior design. She created a casual, classic home with neutral tones and arched doorway features that add a sense of history. Britt used her talented eye to prepare the home for the holidays, selecting décor to enhance the home’s carefully considered finishes.
Edited, festive touches are found throughout, including in the kitchen with custom cabinets by Exquisite Wood Design. A natural wood board on the kitchen island holds walnuts, olives and cheese, while a freshly made loaf of crusty sourdough bread waits in a handmade pottery bowl. Cedar garland is a lush addition to the oak staircase and the fireplace mantel.
A fresh tree is centred in the main-floor great room that allows it to be enjoyed from any vantage point. Gifts wrapped in brown craft paper with jewel-toned ribbon are placed on cosy beds ready for guests arriving for a magical, starry-night stay in this tranquil holiday haven. OH
