Mountain Modern
STORY RICK SHURMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY l FLORALS COLLINGWOOD FLOWERS & HOME DECOR
As it happened, Jason and Jenn Elmes got lucky the second time around.
About 10 years ago, they found themselves captives in their own home when their kids came down with chicken pox. With no friends or family around and little to do, they went or a drive from their place in Collingwood, west towards the Pretty River and the rolling hills of Nottawa.
They happened to pass a small house for sale on a lovely piece of land, tucked comfortably back from the quiet sideroad on which it fronted. A minute or so from the Pretty River itself, it was encircled b the natural beauty of the forest backdrop, but elevated enough to offer a wonderful panoramic view of Georgian Bay and the landscape to the north. Picture-perfectand just the right piece of real estate to realize their vision for a new home.
“Unfortunately, the property sold just before we had a chance to make an offer,” says Jason.
Disappointed by undaunted, Jason kept an eye on the location, and four years ago it came back on the market. For the second time, they jumped on the opportunity to buy it — this time successfully. Jason and Jenn are no strangers to construction. They own JMH Custom Homes, an acronym for their family’s first names. J for Jason and Jenn, M for daughter Mackenzie, and H for daughter Hailey. The couple have been together since high school and partners in business since 2005. Jason handles building and site management while Jenn takes on design and administration.
“We lived in the original house on this property for three years before starting the build,” says Jason. “It was small, but comfortable and was actually the footprint of the bedroom side of this new home.”
“Then, as we usually do over a glass of wine, we basically drew out our idea on a napkin,” adds Jenn. The couple enlisted the help of Pam Farrow of Pam Farrow Designs to develop a fully realized plan and formalize their vision for what they fondly refer to as “mountain modern.” Although the structure is modern, the rustic setting demanded natural textures and tones to blend with the landscape and surrounding woodlands.
“We used neutral tongue-and-groove wood siding, black surfaces and black framed windows and doors,” says Jenn. “The black metal roof is perhaps a concession to the more modern element,” adds Jason. These touches, along with the angular roof lines and the generous use of large unobstructed glass surfaces, define the notion of mountain modern to a tee. “We are all about the outdoors,” says Jenn. “We have firepits front and back for family and friends to gather and we made sure to keep the bay view unobstructed. In terms of this construction, like many that we have done, we wanted to bring the outdoors inside.”
“We use lots of wood and natural finishes inside and try and keep everything warm and comfortable,” adds Jason. “Modern can be grey and colourless, whereas we like to use materials and colours that feel cosy and familiar,” says Jenn. They designed the main living area around a sprawling oversize sofa they love because it can accommodate many people. “The kitchen is large enough to work in and lounge in simultaneously,” offers Jason. “We purposely put the dining table close enough to the cooking area, but not too close, and did not surround the island with bar stools. Jenn likes the cooking area to be clear and separated.
The plan worked elegantly and the transition from work area to lounge area is seamless and functional, allowing intimate conversation with someone in the kitchen with a spectacular view to the outdoors.
The stunning home was built with a keen eye and distinct expertise.
The result is that it sold recently and now someone else will enjoy the benefits of their great taste and dedication to craftsmanship. For Jenn and Jason and JMH Custom Homes, it is on to a new and undoubtedly fantastic family construction project in Craigleith. The vision continues.
