Little house that had lost its way
Patti Wolfe was searching for the perfect house and she wasn’t in a hurry to find it. She was looking for something unique, with character and charm. After searching for almost a year, Wolfe found her needle in a haystack.
“I don’t like cookie cutter subdivision homes. I like homes that are unique. I love the east end with its mature homes, established trees and close proximity to the lake,” says Wolfe. “I looked at a lot of homes and I knew, as soon as I walked through the door, that this was the one I wanted. It just felt right.”
Situated on an expansive corner lot, on the east side of town, this 1950s red brick bungalow blends comfortably into its mature surroundings.
From street level the transformation looks minimal - new shutters were added and the roof shingles were changed from a dated green to a complimentary grey. The hedge was trimmed, the yard manicured and a new Muskoka slate path leads from the driveway to the front entrance.
Yet, beyond the stunning cherry wood door, is where Ridgwell’s vision became a reality.
“Walking in the door and seeing this open concept space - the new kitchen, the original fireplace and the hardwood floors - that’s what really drew me to the home,” says Wolfe.
A complete interior renovation of this 1,400 sq. ft. bungalow, including a significant structural change, was all part of Ridgwell’s grand vision. With preservation in mind, he came up with a plan that allowed him to unearth the homes potential, while embellishing it with updated and modern features.
After four months of hard work and with a minimal crew, the result is a warm and cozy, open concept space that retained much of the homes original character, while adding modern twists throughout.
Soon after Ridgwell purchased the home, demolition began. The hardwood floors were covered, the 50-year-old trim was carefully removed and the original plaster crown moulding was protected.
Walls came down and a new Parallam PSL beam was installed between the living room and kitchen, allowing for an open and airy space to unravel. New drywall was hung, while the corners were rounded out, allowing the home to flow smoothly from room to room.
The dated kitchen and bathrooms went out the door, while new windows were replaced throughout.
Then came time to put it all back together.
The once dark and boxed off kitchen, living/dining room was completely opened up, allowing for a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Every wall received a fresh coat of paint and the original oak strip floors, which run throughout, were refinished.
“I think my favourite part of the renovation is the refinished floors,” says Ridgwell, as he glances at them with pride. Dufferin Simcoe Wood Floors completely restored the floors and brought them back to life. They were then stained with a custom mixed Minwax wood stain by Irvine Carpet One, to compliment the cherry cabinets.
Downstairs, the 1950s finished basement was demolished, reframed and finished from top to bottom. A new guest suite, a full bathroom and a large exercise room were added.
If you ask John Ridgwell what his favouite feature of the house is, he will tell you with a smile about the solid cherry wood door from Madawaska Doors. “I really, really wanted the cherry wood door on the front of the home,” says Ridgwell. “The house came with a solid wooden door and I wanted to preserve this original character.”
Once inside the front door, a quick glace to the left shows the immediate transformation. A bright and spacious living room that leads directly into the kitchen is the most dramatic change of all. Walls were painted a creamy beige, Delaware Putty (Benjamin Moore) accented by a striking red, Raspberry Truffle (Benjamin Moore).
The original brick fireplace, once the same colour as the home’s exterior, was painted a crisp white, a quick fix for a modern update. The original crown moulding and trim work remains intact and was spruced up with only a coat of paint. Two midnight microfiber chairs sit across from a round leather ottoman, offset by a complimentary loveseat that rests in front of the main window. Red is the accent colour here, with a large area rug, cushions and lamps to match.
The dated kitchen, once two separate rooms for eating and cooking were merged into one large area, just off the living room. This warm and functional space is one of Wolfe’s favourite parts of the home. Custom cherry cabinets from Crown Hill Custom Woodworking paired together with the coffee brown granite from Marstone Marble and Granite, and tumbled marble, subway-tiled backsplash from Tile Master are a riveting combination – rich and luxurious.
The seating area is an inviting combination of old and new, as Wolfe spruced up an oak table from her families farm with a fresh coat of paint, while dressing it up with new creamy leather chairs from Home Sense.
The result, an open, warm and cozy space that is perfect for every day living and entertaining.
Off the kitchen and down the hall lies the main bath, office, mater bedroom and custom walk-in closet, all sporting their original doors and handles.
If you asked Wolfe what her second favourite feature is, she would tell you her walk in closet. Once the smallest bedroom in the house, Wolfe had the space reconfigured and dressed with custom racks and shelving to house everything from stilettos to sweaters to scarves. It’s every woman’s dream and a great addition to the house.
The master, while not large in size, is exquisitely decorated. The neutral coloured walls are accented with black and white from the custom bedding to the small touches of glitz and glam - the elegant black chandelier, the lace throw cushions and the distinctive lamps, which dress up the room with flair.
The basement is not only a great recreation room, but also a calming guest retreat.
Painted a neutral tone and lined with a creamy berber carpet from End of the Roll, there’s ample room for both working out and lounging around.
The guestroom is dripping with Victorian charm and is reminiscent of something found in a historic bed and breakfast. With crisp white bedding, antique furniture and a charming chandelier, the room is fresh and inviting.
In addition to the guest room, a large three-piece bathroom was added, giving both homeowner and guest a little more privacy. Painted chocolate brown, fitted with a custom cherry vanity and finished off with large mocha ceramic tiles, it’s a room any host would be pleased to share.
And both homeowner and renovator agree that this home made a special impression on each of them. “This house has history and it was built solid many years ago. It’s a shame when houses are let go, but it’s wonderful to be able to bring them back and embellish them a little bit more,”
says Wolfe.
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