Nestled on the tranquil shores of Gloucester Pool, just north of Port Severn, lies a beautiful cottage that may be new, but pays homage to preserving a unique part of Ontario architectural history. Earle and Michelle Graham grew up on farms in Elmvale and it’s their love of rural life that led them to create and build a grand cottage using reclaimed timber from a barn in Horseshoe Valley. “I really like reclaiming these timber frames,” said Earle. “The old trees will never be duplicated again. The barns have to come down because the foundations won’t support them anymore. I know they have to come down but I hope more people would think about using the wood. A lot of the lumber goes to the States, where it’s cut up for flooring. It’s a shame in a way.”
Timber from old barns is not necessarily expensive, but the process is very labour intensive which adds to the cost. The timber must be sanded and varathaned before it is used. The timber for the Graham cottage actually came from two adjoining barns: one built in 1920 and the other in 1860. The couple, who had already had an architect design the house to their specifications, purchased a portion of the massive 8000 square foot combined barn. “We had our measurements,” remembers Earle, “and we just had to make sure that the timber frame we were buying was going to be long enough and that we had the square footage that we needed.”
The couple knew they wanted to build an investment property on this lovely part of the Trent Severn water system; they own another property across the water from this house. Finding a lot was challenging as people are discovering the area as a beautiful alternative to Muskoka that has the added benefit of being closer to the GTA and is only 35 minutes from Barrie. The Grahams were able to buy the south facing lot, which had a small 900 square foot cottage on it. Demolition took place last October. The framing, done by local builder Greg Ballantine, was completed by January, and Earle completed the house over the winter.
The focal point of the house is of course the incredible wood. The 18-foot high ceiling of the great room is the original barn ceiling. Throughout the house, Earle and Michelle have taken great care to source local products wherever possible. The gleaming pine flooring came from a sugar bush near Elmvale. While new, the planks evoke a rustic charm; they were installed in variable widths from 12-22 inches and face-screwed in place.
Expansive windows and a deck span the width of the house, taking full advantage of the lake view. A soaring floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace also recalls the great hearths of long-standing cottages, even though it is made of composite stone. Throughout the house, antiques found at local auctions create a sense of time lacking in many new constructions. “There are so many great pieces out there,” said Michelle, a self-confessed antique and auction junkie. “And they bring so much character to a home.” In the open kitchen, pride of place belongs to an antique woodworking bench used as a centre island. Custom cabinetry, in a vibrant, fresh green, and the large sideboard in the dining area, made by Tim Kennedy of Wyewood Custom cabinetry in Elmvale, are reminiscent of turn of the century style. Similarly, the Villeroy & Bosch porcelain apron sink blends perfectly into the cottage style.
Just off the main living space is the master bedroom, which like the great room has expansive windows and access to the deck. The walls are painted in Baffin Island by Benjamin Moore, a lovely grey-green hue that picks up tones from both foliage and rock outcrops just outside the windows.
The master bath is a whimsical combination of old and new. A contemporary slipper tub evokes the era of cast iron tubs. An antique drying rack is put to use for holding towels. A cottage style screen door, complete with roller catch, was custom made by Earle as a playful entrance to the separate shower.
Downstairs is a large family room with gas fireplace that features an antique brass mantel and Adirondack style deer head carving. The focal point of the bar area is an antique counter, bought at auction, that was originally from the drugstore in Craigleith. Behind the bar lies a sizeable wine room. Two bright bedrooms, similarly decorated with antique dressers, flank the family room. As with the upper level, large windows in all rooms give access onto a deck and a view of the gently sloping lawn that continues to the sand beach and dock. There is an additional back bedroom as well as a bathroom on this level.
The outside landscaping shows another aspect of the Graham’s ability to blend old and new. Boulders, created by blasting out space for the foundation of the house, line the embankment that supports the upper driveway. Earle also selected thinner slabs of bedrock to create a natural stone walkway that wends its way down the side of the house.
The cottage is largest project the couple has undertaken, but it is not their first. While they both maintain other careers, Earle owns Lakeland Irrigation in Elmvale; Michelle works for the Rural Ontario Medical Program, which educates and recruits doctors to small communities, they have built two other cottages and a farmhouse. They have also had to take down a barn on their farm and that wood is currently awaiting a new home. And like anyone who has caught the home building bug, they don’t take long to rest on their laurels. The cottage is currently for sale, “Part of me hates to leave it,” says Earle. But then with a wry grin he adds, “But we are already looking for our next project.”
Current Issue
November - December 2008
Preserving the Past
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