TFor Phil and PJ Dopp, this was certainly the case when they decided to build a custom home a couple of years ago. As both are outdoor enthusiasts, being close to Mother Nature was one of their goals. And, having lived in their fair share of places, the couple had an idea of what their new house would look like.

“You get to a certain age when you know exactly what you want,” says PJ.The Dopps wanted something that matched their active outdoor lifestyle. Their great room, filled with pieces from Mio’s Furniture Fashions, the nickel-coloured birch

hardwood flooring from United Floors, and matching interior doors from Maple Leaf Forest Products set the Craftsman theme for their home. A fireplace from Henderson Metal Fabricating Co., with accompanying brick work by Gough Masonry Ltd., adds to the rustic feel.

“We went with a traditional look,” says Phil, an anaesthesiologist and family doctor at Sault Area Hospital. “It goes with the country setting.”

made easyACTIVE LIVING BY MARC CAPANC ION I // PHOTOGRAPHY BY COL IN CROWELL

There comes a point in everyone’s life where, after years of discovering things – sometimes by accident – people just know what they’re looking for.

LEFT: The Dopp family and their Labradoodle, Mocha, outside their home. MIDDLE: The Dopps love that

they were able to bring the outside in by having the same cultured stone on the fireplace as on the

exterior of the home. BELOW: The great room’s earthy colour palette is brought to life with splashes

of orange on throw pillows and in the art on the walls.

Continued on page 20

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This setting includes a backyard that overlooks Crimson Ridge Golf Club, a place the couple spends countless hours at, either golfing or simply using the land for cross-country skiing or pulling their two-year-old son, Kieran, on a toboggan during the winter.

“It’s like having our own outdoor playground,” says PJ, who, along with her husband, is a member of the Sault Stryders Running Club.

Garden of Eden Outdoor Living & Landscaping is responsible for the natural setting on the exterior of the home. It’s complemented by exterior doors from Soo Mill Buildall and outdoor furniture from Home Depot.

Mike Elgie, owner of Elgie Builders Ltd., helped the Dopps select the home’s location and features.

“We knew he had a great reputation as a custom builder,” says Phil. “Mike kept us on pace and helped us break down the process. It was a lot of fun.”

Working together, it took about one year to design and select the ins and outs of the home. Spending so much time with one another, they quickly built a connection.

“We became friends,” says Elgie. “This is common. A home is usually the biggest investment of your life, and you have to be able to trust your builder.”

The Dopps’s kitchen continues the home’s Craftsman theme, with traditional-styled cabinetry from Johnston Henry & Sons Carpenter Shop Ltd., hardware from Home Hardware and stainless steel appliances from Sears (Station Mall). A large island with four stools from Pileria’s Interiors is often used to entertain guests.

The Dopps like entertaining and wanted a spacious kitchen and island

so guests can gather around during meal preparation. BOTTOM LEFT: A contemporary chandelier hangs

over the couple’s formal dining room table. BOTTOM CENTRE: This table is frequently used for both family meals

and casual entertaining. BOTTOM RIGHT: A glass jar filled with beads

is a simple touch that sparkles beautifully in a sun-lit window.

There’s no need for any other window dressings with a fireplace set against

a large framed window.

Continued on page 22

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The Dopps found many of their accent pieces at Storey Home Furniture, Market Mall Pharmacy and Wellington Square Drugmart.

The kitchen also features an office, with a printer and filing cabinet neatly tucked away in sliding shelves. The idea is convenience – to be able to surf the web while cooking up a meal.

Speaking of convenience, this is also what the Dopps had in mind when they decided to have the master bedroom and laundry facilities on the main floor. Off the master bedroom, which features window coverings from Lemay’s Decorating Centre and linens from Winners, lies a massive en suite bathroom, with a custom-made Wilsonart Gibraltar countertop (also from Henry Johnson & Sons).

The shower was custom built by Elgie Builders to perfectly fit the room, while the plumbing work was done by DNM Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

A large guest bedroom in the basement is also equipped with an en suite bathroom.

TOP RIGHT: A pop of green is added to the master bedroom’s earthy tones. MIDDLE RIGHT: A wall of glass blocks separates the Bain Ultra tub and the walk-in shower. BOTTOM RIGHT: These adjustable water tile heads by Kohler are ceiling mounted. LEFT: Gerbera daisies (Mann Florist) look great between matching white vessel sinks in the en suite bath.

Continued on page 24

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“We wanted our guests to have their own space,” says Phil. Painting throughout the home was done by Element Painting.When Elgie Builders began erecting the home and the cement was

about to be poured by Ontario Concrete, Elgie suggested the Dopps consider changing the grade slope of the ground, thus allowing for large windows to be used in the basement guest bedroom.

The end result is that the downstairs room looks and feels like it’s on the main floor, giving it a welcoming and affable setting.

Little things like this – ideas from the builder – made a huge difference for the couple, and it’s something they would not have thought of without Elgie’s suggestions.

“It’s great to be working with someone who’s looking out for you,” says Phil, who now lives just a few minutes away from his job at the new hospital.

When all was said and done, the Dopps were extremely satisfied with their home, which features a security system from S&T Electric.

For the photo shoot with OUR HOMES, staging work was done by Ginette Breton (Bellevue Cabinetry & Interiors). Flowers were provided

by Mann Florist and entry art was provided by Storey Home Furniture.The Dopps were extremely happy with their initial decision to go

with Elgie Builders.“It was the perfect fit,” says PJ, who joins the growing list of the

company’s satisfied clients.In fact, with its reputation for great customer service, Elgie Builders

has been recognized by the province’s home warranty program, taking home the Tarion Warranty Corporation’s Outstanding Service Recognition Award for Northern Ontario in the Small Volume Category in 2002. The company was also nominated for Tarion’s 2006 Award of Excellence, which honours builders that provide the best in customer service in the industry.

“It’s very nice to be recognized,” says Elgie. “You have to pay attention to detail, and you also have to be accountable for your actions.”

He chalks up his reputation to two main components: time and energy. “It takes a lot of years and a lot of hard work,” says Elgie. “You have to

do things right and do them over and over again.” OH

TOP LEFT: Adjustments by the builder meant this basement guest

room was brightened with the addition of large windows. TOP

RIGHT: Keiran’s brightly painted bedroom is a favourite spot for story

time. BOTTOM LEFT: A spacious laundry room on the main floor is

easily accessible from both the kitchen and the mudroom. BOTTOM RIGHT: After a run, the Dopps enjoy

a relaxing sauna.

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