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AA million dollar view! This luxury home overlooking conservation land in exclusive Gordon Woods soars 100 feet above the Credit River. When the trees lose their leaves, the prestigious Mississauga Golf and Country Club is visible in the distance. Privacy. Luxury. An entertainment playground designed for families (there’s a putting green on the side lawn!). It’s all here. Homeowners May and Francis are well aware that their reno rivals the atmosphere of a high-end resort – that’s exactly how they planned it.

The couple bought the house about five years ago. They loved the lot and the exterior’s warm brick and copper elements, but the interior, not so much. It screamed 1980s. A reno was in order. “When our kids were young, we took a lot of skiing holidays in Quebec. We wanted to take advantage of the existing terrain and surrounding trees, and incorporate some of the mountain-style architecture and outdoor living areas,” says May.

The use of western red cedar is the standout element of the reno, but stone, glass and iron play a crucial supporting role. Lighting was also important. The pair spent hours creating the right amount of ambience. Most of the lighting is LED. Very few walls were removed. The reno was about modernizing and maximizing the ravine view on every level. Particular attention was given to the terraced landscaping, including new upper and lower decks and walkouts, designed and installed by Evans Landscaping. Of course, it never hurts to begin a reno with a million-dollar view as your starting point.

The clean, woodsy scent of cedar hits you like a breath of fresh air as you walk into the all-season Muskoka room off the kitchen. “This room’s our favourite all-year-round, but it’s especially beautiful during the winter when the snow lies thick on tree branches,” says May. “Family heads straight for this space when they visit.” A modern gas insert would have fit the aesthetic, but the freestanding Vermont Castings gas stove was a more organic choice. Classic travertine marble floor tiles prevent cedar columns and beams from gaining an overly rustic upper hand. Modern conveniences in the room’s outdoor kitchen also help keep things contemporary – black quartz island, chef sink, faucet and barbecue. The custom glass-top table seats 10. When it rains, the sound plays on the room’s honeycomb, polycarbonate roof.

hilltopHAVENSTORY JOYCE TURNER-GIONETPHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG

The all-season room provides spectacular views of the ravine. OPPOSITE TOP: The outdoor kitchen houses an array of culinary conveniences. BOTTOM: The warm tones of the brick allow the exterior to blend into its natural surroundings.

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The resort atmosphere carries into the lower level where cedar-wrapped walls, posts and columns run the length of a second deck. This level offers an eight-seater hot tub, sauna, home theatre, wet bar, professional workout room and wine storage.

The main-floor kitchen and family room share a space. Hunter Douglas blinds hide in a ceiling pocket above full-length windows, although ravine views make privacy a moot point. To gain height, the kitchen’s original California drop ceiling was removed and creamy cabinetry runs floor to ceiling with backlit upper display cupboards. Five slim Hudson Valley bronze pendant lights hang over a 13-foot Nougat Caeserstone island, accentuating ceiling height. Heated 24- by 24-inch polished Crema Marfil tiles were used on the floor. The backsplash is done in sheets of Botticino Marble, split-faced mosaic tile. The splitting process delivers a rugged finish that adds texture. Two Blanco sinks – a main sink and one for prep – are set into an antique-brown granite countertop. Stools around an island are often more for show than comfort. Not these, they’re buttery soft and the taupe and chocolate brown leather complements the cabinetry.

There are very few curves in this house; where they appear, like on the rounded kitchen countertop edges, they serve a specific purpose. “We like the clean lines and linear design,” says Francis.

ABOVE: The white kitchen is flooded with light from the exterior windows. FAR LEFT: The island and raised bar provide plenty of space for food prep and seating. LEFT: A sleek cooktop and prep sink are delights in the culinary kitchen. OPPOSITE, TOP RIGHT: Rich, dark floors and a roaring fire are the perfectbackdrop for the piano. BOTTOM RIGHT: The dining room is kept formal with dark wood furniture. BOTTOM LEFT: The focal point in the spacious entryway is the winding staircase.

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In the master en suite, his-and-hers glass shower stalls include Rubinet rain showerheads. A bidet is hidden behind frosted glass doors in a separate water closet. An unexpected touch of Victorian in the cast-iron, claw-foot tub shows beautifully against the expanse of Crema Marfil marble and polished limestone. The vanity’s stool was upholstered in burgundy, a small detail, but a dramatic one. Paul of Designers Fine Upholstery is a master at making everything old new again, according to the homeowners. The touch of burgundy makes a regal splash in the monochromatic space. Millwork here and throughout the house is by LT Contracting.

In the piano room, the standout is not the piano, although it’s a beauty, it’s the stained glass in the double French doors installed by What A Pane Inc.

BCF Contracting Group was the general contractor during initial demolition and construction. May had input, but she gives hubby the credit. “He has an eye for design, I trusted him completely,” she says. During any reno there’s a story. In this one, only half the Crema Marfil tile order showed up on installation day and the family had to live with half a floor for over two months. Fortunately, when it arrived, the second batch matched the first perfectly.

RIGHT: His-and-hers sinks integrate nicely with a built-in make-up vanity.BELOW: Floral artwork and a branch motif on the bedside lamp bring organicelements indoors.BOTTOM RIGHT: Built-in cabinetry in the laundry room maximizes space.

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Achieving harmony in a reno isn’t easy. It’s often easier to start fresh and build new from the ground up. Working with an existing structure requires artistic diplomacy to perfectly balance original elements with new ones. Kudos to the homeowners achieving that balance so spectacularly. OH

This home is currently for sale by Hodgins Realty Group Inc., Brokerage. Contact James at 905.855.8700 or visit jameshodgins.com.

TOP: The lower-level recreation room is ready for play with game tables and a place to lounge. MIDDLE RIGHT: The hot tub and sauna are placed just outside the recreation room door for easy access. RIGHT: A spare bathroom is kept fresh with neutral finishes. ABOVE: The theatre room is set up to showcase the next box office hit.

Saturday November 21st, 201510am – 4pm $30.00

a one-of-a-kind opportunityto gain access to 6 beautiful and

uniquely decorated homes in mississauga

the homes will be decorated for the holiday season by 6 top local designers

and decorators

Mark Your Calendar!

Net Ticket Proceeds to The Royal LePage Canada Shelter Foundation

Presented By Sponsored By

TICKETSWill Be Available Online As Of September 1st & At Retail Locations October 1st

The event was a wonderful success and we would like to thank all of our homeowners who opened up their homes for the tour!

The net ticket proceeds from the ticket sales and the silent auction will be donated to Armagh, the local women’s shelter.

In Association with Royal LePage’s Shelter Foundation, which supports local women’s shelters, a number of local Royal LePage Real Estate Representatives sponsored the homes.

Loretta Phinney, Stephanie Hebb, Jess Wang, Rosemarie James, Monique LeBlanc-Smith and Heidi Lobel.

The tour featured local designers and decorators such as Lionsgate Design, Kalli George Interiors, Interiors by Jasmina, Dorota Decor, Home Interiors for Easy Living, Alexcentrique Designs, Erin Mills Paint and Decor Centre and student volunteers from Sheridan College Decorating Program.

Local suppliers worked with the designers and decorators to make these home spectacular, thank you Crate & Barrel, Sterling House Interiors, Crescent Hill Art Gallery, and Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market.

Special thanks to the City of Mississauga in allowing us to decorate Benares Historic House and Holcim Waterfront Estate!

The Glenerin Inn, our Host Venue Site, was a wonderful location to hold our holiday decorating seminars, holiday marketplace and silent auction.

Thank you to volunteers, Susan Pugliese, Megan Pugliese and Rita McPhail.

The Second Annual Mississauga Holiday House Tourtook place on Saturday, November 21st

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