From the Ground Up
STORY: LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDY MACKAY
The dining nook is defined by a sisal area rug.
Cradled on the shore of Lake Huron, the charming community of Point Clark is renowned for its sandy beaches, unspoiled natural beauty and friendly people. For Chris and Tracy Irwin, this close-knit hamlet has become home. “We love the lake and have made some wonderful friends who have become family. We are very lucky,” says Tracy.
Originally from Lucknow, the Irwins bought a quaint, three-season lakeside cottage in 2016. “We spent holidays and weekends there but it got to the point where we just didn’t want to leave,” Tracy recalls. They decided it was time to make Point Clark their permanent home and bought a lot just around the corner from their cottage. “We still work in Lucknow but are very happy with our decision to relocate,” says Tracy, the owner of Everlastings Flowers & Gifts, a floral and home décor business she established in 1993. “We have the best of both worlds, our new home and the cottage,” she adds.
Tracy and Chris, a farmer and employee at Bruce Power, quickly took charge of construction that began in April 2023 and was completed in a mere six months. “We were the general contractors for the entire project,” says Tracy. “Everything was organized and on site. All our trades were lined up well in advance.” She designed the house while Chris assisted Stanley Construction with the build. “We wanted to use a local builder and Ken Stanley and his team did a great job,” says Tracy, who spent two years meticulously planning every aspect of their new home. “I knew what every inch would look like,” she says. Blakestyle Design & Drafting Inc. converted Tracy’s sketches into detailed plans while McDonald Home Hardware Building Centre supplied the timbers and building materials.
Tracy’s attention to detail is reflected throughout this unique bungalow. At the front, cedar shake siding highlights peaked gables while a stone sidewalk leads to an innovative breezeway that allows access to the house and backyard. “The sidewalk looks like stone found in Portugal, one of my favourite places,” says Tracy. West Shore Stone & Brick supplied the hardscape material for the landscaping.
The open-concept interior seamlessly melds traditional and contemporary elements like vintage furniture and transoms with large, modern windows and substantial mouldings. Tracy’s love of antiques is reflected in carefully-selected pieces that add a conventional flavour to the décor. “I’m very proud it doesn’t look like every other house,” she says. “I enjoy collecting so I wanted a traditional but collected look.” Tracy’s careful planning ensured her antiques flawlessly integrate into the design. “I made sure the space fit the furniture I wanted to display,” she says. All the essentials like laundry, bathrooms and the primary bedroom are conveniently located on one level. “We want to age in place here so we made sure everything is accessible,” notes Tracy.
She called on designer Sarah Langtry of Interiors by Sarah Langtry to help with the kitchen design. “She prepared my drawings for the cabinet maker (Precision Cabinetry) to ensure everything fit properly,” says Tracy. The cabinet colours are a striking combination of blue and creamy white, beautifully offset by the warm, hardwood flooring by Fuzion.
The island cabinetry is painted Benjamin Moore Williamsburg Blue and is offset by the creamy white colour on the remainder of the cabinetry.
A fluted-glass display cabinet adds interest while a peninsula defines the kitchen area and provides extra cabinetry and counter space. “I wanted the kitchen to have some separation from the rest of the open concept,” says Tracy. Silestone quartz from Cowie’s Custom Granite Inc. tops the counters while Venetian plaster gives the range hood a textured finish. Open shelving punctuates the charming coffee bar that leads out to a sitting area. “Chris loves hanging out here in the morning,” says Tracy. A sliding barn door encloses a spacious pantry, discreetly storing the microwave, stand-up freezer and a vintage cabinet.
The great room is anchored by a magnificent floor-to-ceiling stone wall, crafted from natural, tumbled limestone (Colonial Brick & Stone Inc.). “It took me a year to find the right stone. It came from a quarry on Manitoulin Island,” says Tracy. Design Stone Custom Masonry finished the wall while Omega Mantels fashioned a limestone mantel and surround for the gas fireplace. The white shiplapped vaulted ceiling reflects plenty of light from dual windows flanking the fireplace supplied by the Heritage Fire Co.
The primary bedroom’s feature wall is painted, soothing Benjamin Moore Gray Wisp. Trim for the home was supplied by North Pole Trim & Supplies Ltd.
The en suite offers the ultimate in relaxation. “I wanted this room to feel peaceful,” Tracy says. The oversize soaker tub, softly illuminated by a pendant chandelier, overlooks a copse of birch trees. It is the ideal setting for a relaxing soak after a long day. “When I was designing the tub, I made sure the windows were at the right height to see outside,” says Tracy. Hunter Douglas window coverings throughout the home are from Sunset Blinds & Awnings.
Piastrella tile backsplash in Aqua from House Rules Design Shop adds a peaceful colour tone to the en suite. The double vanity is from Precision Cabinetry with Silestone quartz in Calacatta Gold from Cowie’s Custom Granite.
Heated floors are a welcome feature on winter mornings while dual vanities, skirting a single window, are convenient and roomy. The Piastrella ceramic backsplash in Aqua, supplied by House Rules Design Shop, adds a colourful yet tranquil feel to the room. The glass-enclosed curbless shower affords ease of entry.
The powder room is a luxe retreat with wainscotting painted Benjamin Moore Williamsburg Blue paired with a stylized leaf print wallpaper.
An elegant arched doorway leads to the water closet, walk-in closet and primary suite. Three additional bedrooms and a bath are located on the lower level along with a kitchenette, bar and entertainment area.
The two-piece dresser with a pie shelf displays a collection of milk glass containers. Wall colour by Benjamin Moore Simply White.
The Irwins are delighted they were both involved in the planning and construction of their home. “It feels like home and we are very proud that we built and designed it from the ground up,” says Tracy. OH