Farmhouse Central
STORY: LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDY MACKAY
These homeowners enjoy starting their day with coffee on the sheltered front porch.
Nestled in a quiet subdivision, this new four-bedroom bungalow is Sue Ziegler’s vision of the ideal family haven. “We are all about family and welcoming people into our home,” she says. Sue and husband Tim recently sold their business and retired to spend more time with their four children and three grandchildren. “We also want to travel and take life a little slower,” says Sue.
Located in Mount Forest, this charming residence is stylishly decorated, fusing contemporary convenience with homey, personal touches. “This house is really special to me because I had the creative license to design exactly how I wanted,” says Sue, who has previous design experience.
The idea to build a new home took root after the couple purchased an investment rental property with a huge, adjacent lot. The Zieglers severed the lot and looked for a building plan that would work. “We always liked our son’s home so we got his plan and modified it,” Sue says. They entrusted Candue Homes 2020 Ltd. to handle the construction. “They have a really good reputation and we wanted to give them a try,” says Sue.
Founded in 1990 by Don and Susan Tremble, Candue has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry. Chad Weltz joined the team in 2007 and today, he and his wife Becky Weltz are majority owners. Chad has a passion for building while Becky loves real estate and working with numbers. The couple oversaw the Zieglers’ project and helped customize the building plan to fit the lot. “We made the plan slightly smaller to accommodate the lot and keep costs down,” says Sue. “The lot is 50-feet wide by 200-feet deep. Very narrow and deep but a nice size for a town property.”
The living area’s inviting sectional sofa gives the family’s dog, Henry a perfect view to watch for visitors out front. The black framed windows from Golden Windows Ltd. were chosen for contrast. The black coffee table, side tables and stools follow that design rhythm.
Candue prioritizes quality, customization and transparency. “We put customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to make our clients’ building experience smooth, enjoyable and ultimately rewarding,” says Becky. The Zieglers had a wonderful rapport with everyone at Candue. “They did a great job and Becky and project manager Alex Neuman were amazing to work with,” Sue recalls. Design consultant Courtney Dietz and Don Tremble also provided invaluable assistance.
In designing the interior, Sue envisioned a warm, modern farmhouse feel with splashes of colour and texture. “Our last house was too white and pristine. We wanted lots of light but also warmer accents,” she says. A textured stone fireplace, windows with contrasting black borders and pale luxury vinyl floors, by Twelve Oaks, underscore a contemporary yet cosy vibe. Window coverings for the home were supplied by Wilson Solutions.
The fireplace mantel matches the ceiling beam and is used for displaying candles. The style of the fireplace lets its warmth and ambience touch every corner of this impressive space. Wall colour is Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois.
Highlighting the living area is a three-sided, stacked-stone fireplace. Its wraparound wooden mantel matches the beam that intersects the ceiling from front to back. “The beams turned out great and the combination of colours worked out well,” says Sue. Golden Windows Ltd. provided windows, bordered in black, to define and contrast with the walls painted Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois.
A wagon-wheel chandelier illuminates the sitting area, furnished with a cosy sectional sofa and black coffee tables. Washable carpets and easy-care vinyl flooring simplify clean-up. “We have three little grandchildren and our dog Henry, so we needed easy-care fabrics and materials,” says Sue.
The Zieglers enjoy entertaining in their well-appointed, modern kitchen. “We are big on people dropping in,” says Sue, who loves cooking and baking. “I’m all about fresh flowers, candles and a bottle of wine.” The 10-foot quartz-topped island gives her plenty of space to whip up a batch of muffins or a decadent cake. Bronze veins snaking through the creamy Calacatta quartz counters, supplied by The Old Barn, add warmth while Shaker-style cabinetry installed by Barzotti Woodworking Ltd. features German glass inserts, ideal for displaying stemware.
A pantry with pull-out drawers neatly hides supplies and crockery. Open shelving and the skirting around a double granite sink match the colour of the fireplace mantel and ceiling beam. The square backsplash tile was sourced through House Rules Design Shop.
French doors off the dining area open onto a patio, pool and backyard landscaped by Robertson Landscaping. Guests can enjoy this pastoral setting as they gather around the large dining table. A stylish black cage chandelier gently lights the table. “Lights are the jewels of the home so I chose them carefully as they can sometimes change the look and mood of a room,” says Sue.
A raised-panel feature wall in the primary bedroom painted Benjamin Moore Wethersfield Moss adds warmth and texture. Window coverings for the home were supplied and installed by Wilson Solutions.
In the primary bedroom, a raised-panel wall in Benjamin Moore Wethersfield Moss beautifully balances the light floor and textured ceiling. A walk-out provides easy access to the patio. Vintage furniture and local art from Plumes Main Street Interiors add interest and personalize the space. A pocket door divides the bedroom and en suite.
The cabinetry In the laundry room is painted Benjamin Moore Wethersfield Moss. The Calacatta Viraldi quartz from The Old Barn has green veining that complements the cabinets.
Sue chose complementary fixtures, paint and accents in the en suite. Champagne coloured brass faucets and taps offset the pale quartz counters, dual sinks and black vanities. Two-light Alton fixtures from the Home Hardware Scott McGillivray collection, finished in matte black with gold accents, match the champagne-edged mirrors. Floor and shower tiles are from Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home.
The vanity in the main bathroom is painted Benjamin Moore Natural Cream and topped with Calacatta Miraggio Duo quartz from The Old Barn.
Century Stair Systems Inc. crafted a white oak staircase leading to a spacious lower level. Tim and Sue skillfully finished this space with warm colours and furnishings that are casual and comfortable. Elegant french doors usher in a cosy family room. A soft mushroom coloured leather sofa and love seat make watching TV in front of the electric fireplace a welcome respite after a busy day. Two guest rooms, an office and bath are also located on the lower level.
A cool retreat on a hot day, the rear porch can be accessed from the dining area or the primary bedroom. A large ceiling fan is a thoughtful addition for a cooling breeze.
Over the summer, the Zieglers finished landscaping the backyard and enjoyed the pool, installed by Scott Parker, with family and friends. Sue is thrilled her vision beautifully translates into reality. “It all came together, the colour combinations, choice of materials and overall look,” she says. “We couldn’t be more pleased.” OH
Grey & Bruce Counties - Fall 2024