Sailing Through Life
STORY RICK SHURMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
Much to their delight and good fortune, Tom and Maryann Penton have enjoyed “fair winds and following seas,” for some time now. They have always been sailors and enjoyed countless days on the waters of Georgian Bay, with good friends and fellow enthusiasts. A match made to order and a long and lovely voyage have ultimately brought them to the north country and these brilliant shores. They continue to enjoy life on the water, regularly sailing their sloop out of Midland harbour.
“We lived in Burlington in a condo for a while. We had wonderful friends, a welcoming community and enjoyed our time there very much,” says Maryann. “The truth of it is though, in spite of the good times we had, we pined for the country, open space and an easier lifestyle.” Without much prompting Tom suggested they make the move.
Invited by close friends to spend a weekend in the Thornbury area, the couple arranged to view some properties with local realtor Steve Simon of Royal LePage Locations North. They saw 10 in total, the last being a lot in the Lora Bay community. They fell in love with it immediately and purchased within 48 hours of their initial visit. “There was no doubt about it,” says Tom. “Deal done.”
“We began the process by working out a vision for the design of the house,” says Maryann. “I searched various sites for ideas and came across a video of a stunning modern mountain home in Truckee, California, in the Sierra Nevadas. It had a unique H shape – two wings with a breezeway overlooking a courtyard connecting them. The private and public quarters are two separate sections, which is kind of an old English tradition. I showed it to Tom and he said, ‘Don’t even bother looking at anything else. That’s the house.’ ”
“Our good friend and wonderful architectural designer, Darren Sanger-Smith of Structured Creations, took our vision and brought his own interpretation to the idea,” says Maryann. The finished home speaks to the original design, but brings all the necessary features that the location, this particular lot and Tom and Maryann’s personal tastes required.
The next step was to find a contractor and a designer who could help them navigate the potentially threatening waters of new home construction. Enter Blake Farrow of Blake Farrow Project Management.
“We can provide turnkey solutions when given the rope that allows it to all move forward with confidence,” says Blake. “Not only do we provide costing options, but most importantly, a high measure of understanding to the entire process, from stem to stern.” The maritime reference is not lost on Blake or the Pentons and that theme was intentionally a current through the building process and a meaningful element in the finished home, both inside and out.
“Tom and Maryann had a very solid vision of what the house should be and that enabled us to offer a realistic budget and an efficient approach,” Blake says. “We were a third party in the design process and we kind of pumped the brakes a little to ensure that any moves forward were practical. We really connected to the owners because we were like-minded and had the same kind of ‘horse sense.’ It came down to spending money on the right things.” The Pentons, in turn, connected with Blake and his crew and felt at ease with where things would land.
They felt equally comfortable with their designer Marina Farrow, of Farrow Arcaro Design (F.A.D. Inc.), and her approach to the design elements and finishings. “She listened to us and understood our affection for all things nautical,” Maryann says. “She really helped to bring that feel to bear in a tasteful and elegant manner. It absolutely reminds us of sailing and brings the ‘on the water’ aspect to our landlubber life.”
The look includes shiplap and tongue-and-groove wall surfaces as well as cabinetry and shelving that is ordered, recessed and efficiently arranged. The impressive structural fir beams and plank flooring, the high ceilings and cosy hallways and all the colour choices and furnishings throughout call back to a life on board. All in all, it presents as a pleasingly tight ship.
“We actually sent a series of northern and southern Georgian Bay nautical charts down to the states to a company that manufactures custom wallpaper,” says Maryann. “With the Canadian government’s approval, we had paper made for Tom’s office. What a find. It really works wonderfully.”
The Pentons’ private space presents a softer, more “romantic” sensibility and the public space has a more nautical and cottage- like appearance. “Naturally, my favourite place is now the breezeway, because I can see both sides of the property and enjoy every aspect of the home,” says Tom. “The front yard and gardens on one side and the swimming pool and courtyard on the other. Picture perfect.”
In addition to their appreciation for their new home, the Pentons are delighted with their choice of location. “We had no idea when we purchased the property how fantastic Lora Bay would be in every respect,” offers Tom. “The people are gracious and offer us a real sense of community. We enjoy all of the facilities and social opportunities that are available. We feel it is a special place, a special feel. I like to say, ‘There is just nothing wrong with Lora Bay.’ ”
“From the cottages to the larger homes, we are amazed at how welcoming it is here,” adds Maryann. “We are all sharing the same wonderful life around us. We pinch ourselves every day,” adds Tom. “I think that if we named our home, like one names a vessel, we would call it Gratitude.”
