A Dream Comes True

THE LONDON LOTTERY DREAM HOME WOWS

Story Megan Smith-Harris

Photography ARC Creative, Courtesy Of Dream Lottery

The Dream Home has an impressive exterior and sits on a large lot. Lobo Landscaping created the landscape design and J.D. Interlock installed the hardscaping using Triple H Highthorn materials.

Who hasn’t fantasized about winning a stylish, state-of-the-art, fully furnished Dream Home? Now there’s a very real opportunity to win one. The current London Lottery Dream Home is an impressive 3,254 sq. ft. modern farmhouse on a generous corner lot with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a chef’s kitchen, high ceilings and distinctive architectural details. Ticket-buyers not only have a shot at winning this stunning property, they also get to help out the community, as all proceeds directly benefit area hospitals.

Designed and built by Londoners (and brothers-in-law) Phil Alves and Rick Leitao of Woodfield Design + Build with interiors by Lea Legg of Red Acorn Studio, this Talbotville house possesses both style and substance. The handsome white brick exterior is neatly tailored with black, European tilt-and-turn custom windows by Raven Windows with high performance thermal and acoustic characteristics. Peaked symmetrical rooflines (Kettle Creek Roofing) and a striking two-storey stone chimney stack (Woodburn Masonry) provide dimension and visual impact.

Open, airy and sophisticated – who wouldn’t want to live in the 2023 London Dream Lottery Home in Talbotville built by Woodfield Design + Build with interior design by Red Acorn Studio and valued at $1,790,000.

Inside, it just gets better. The foyer, grand staircase and open-concept living/dining/kitchen areas are bathed in abundant natural light from the towering windows – many rising to the second floor. Blonde, wide-plank oak flooring (Flatout Flooring) flows throughout the house, adding a warm, unifying Scandinavian vibe. Custom, black, steel railings, specially constructed, painted and installed on site, adorn the staircase, and run from the basement to the second floor.

A substantial Parsons table with an upscale butcher block vibe defines the dining area and is balanced by black wooden chairs with an updated Shaker style.

Furniture and accessories have a modern, yet relaxed feel. The living room features two inviting white sofas, black-lacquer cane chairs, a low-slung blonde oak coffee table and a sleek gas fireplace with a porcelain surround. The adjacent dining area features a large pine Parsons table with black chairs and views to the outdoors.

Belly up to the generous, oversize island with of-the-moment black porcelain counters that provide contrast with the classic white farmhouse sink. Striking french doors dress up the entryway to the spacious butler’s pantry, which features a second sink and dishwasher, along with additional storage.

The kitchen is defined by a gorgeous, cultured floor-to-ceiling stone feature wall (Ferrel Brick London, install Woodburn Masonry). Classic beige Shaker-style cabinetry (Buehler Custom Woodworking) provides enviable storage and is complemented by black porcelain countertops from Sloan Stone Design. A professional eight-burner Fisher & Paykel gas range (Goemans Appliances) with a custom range hood will inspire any cook. Elongated vintage birch french doors artfully conceal the butler’s pantry and provide rustic charm.

A high-end, eight-burner gas range with a convenient pot-filler is crowned with a statement custom range hood designed by Lea Legg and built by Buehler Custom Woodworking.

The beige kitchen cabinetry is echoed in the combined laundry and mudroom and provides ample storage. A set of double-stacked LG washers and dryers promises to make laundry day a breeze.

A multipurpose laundry/mudroom doesn’t disappoint, providing double washers and dryers, a utility sink, tons of storage and a convenient bench to put on and take off boots.

Upstairs, the spacious primary bedroom is all about elegant simplicity. The space is anchored by a woven textured rug from Crate & Barrel, a king-size bed dressed with flax-coloured linens, and a framed modern print (Wills & Prior). A statement black light fixture and gun-metal grey linen-blend drapery (Blinds by Design) add another layer of sophistication.

The primary bedroom is sparsely furnished, creating a tranquil retreat. A decorative wall ladder, adorned with a luxurious blanket, adds a rustic touch and provides a homey counterpoint to the ultra-modern black light fixture, retro bedside tables and square white lamps.

The luxurious en suite features double sinks, a vessel bathtub and a dramatic, fully-arched entry into a curbless shower with double shower heads and white subway tile. An adjacent walk-in closet offers an attractive and efficient closet storage system. Three additional bedrooms boast en suites and walk-in closets as well, ensuring family harmony.

A spa-like bathroom with an elegant double walk-in shower and a bathtub meant for lingering. Arched black framed mirrors echo the arch of the shower and tie in with the black countertops and window frames, adding to the sophisticated, modern feel.

Arches are a recurrent theme throughout the house, and appear in window casings, doorways, mirrors and a groin-vaulted ceiling in the office. The house is also a smart home, decked out with voice-activated lights and a security system, as well as three-zone HVAC and four-zone speakers.

The lucky Dream Home winner can work in style in this chic office space with floor-to-ceiling windows flanked by custom linen-blend curtains, a modular desk and retro 70s-style club chairs. The space has a unique groin-vaulted ceiling, which adds distinctive architectural flair.

Woodfield got involved with the project because they saw the Dream Home as a great opportunity to help local hospitals. Phil, a trained architectural technologist, has a passion for architecture and design, whereas Rick’s background is in marketing and promotion. “Our skill set complements each other, so together, we make one really good person,” jokes Rick.

Phil had a vision for the dream home and their team was given full creative licence. “That speaks to how much the lottery team trusts us and respects Phil’s work,” says Rick. From start to finish, the project only took eight months to complete.

“We have a streamlined process, an incredible team and our trades are loyal to us, says Phil. “When people know it’s a dream home they want to participate even more.”

Lea has been working on Dream Home projects for the past six years and immediately connected with the Woodfield team. “In my opinion, Lea is the most talented designer around,” says Rick. “We put our full trust in her,” adds Phil. “There were elements she suggested that initially we weren’t sure of, but when we saw everything pulled together, they not only worked, they were awesome.”

Every purchase of a Dream Lottery ticket helps change the lives of patients from across Southwestern Ontario who need the specialized services at Children’s Hospital at LHSC, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre. Proceeds also help London’s hospitals invest in patient care, equipment, research and education. Dream Lottery has raised over $53 million (net) for these regional hospitals since 1996.

Phil sums up their experience: “For us, it was a dream come true.” Soon another dream will come true for one lucky winner. Will it be you? dreamitwinit.ca OH

LEFT: Soft light fills this pretty guest room painted Benjamin Moore Horizon Gray and simply decorated with blush bed linens and modern artwork by Wills & Prior. RIGHT: The home’s four bedrooms each have their own personality – this romantic dormered space is styled in muted greys and pinks.

Each bedroom is outfitted with an en suite bath with vanities by Buehler Custom Cabinetry and floor and wall tile work by Refined Flooring & Design.