A Home For Henry

STORY RENEE ALKASS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

Henry the French bulldog parades around a modern farmhouse in the Snow Valley Highlands like he owns the place.

With a cream-blonde coat and a beaded collar, Henry toddles around on quick legs to find a place to rest. Typically, it’s on the living room sofa with a view of the front door, or out in the backyard with a view of the surrounding forest.

“We always joke that we bought this house just for him,” says homeowner Winter Newkirk as she gives Henry a good scratch. “He’s become the little king here.”

Winter and her husband Jason received the keys to their 5,000 sq. ft. home in the summer of 2023. They liked that the property was bright, spacious and bordered environmentally protected land. Being close to nature was non-negotiable.

Snow Valley was always the sweet spot neighbourhood for the couple. They wanted their home base to feel private, yet close to their family business, JN Roofing & Contracting.

Jason founded his roofing business 11 years ago with the intention of doing something different. Instead of relying on subcontractors, he built a team of experienced in-house roofers to ensure every project is handled with the highest quality.

The company services homeowners and cottagers in Barrie, Collingwood, Muskoka and Parry Sound. Recently, they earned Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor status, a top-tier position in the industry, and have become a reputable name across the region.

S.L. Witty Homes, a contractor who’s been building homes in Barrie and Snow Valley for over 30 years, constructed their prize winning home, and JN Roofing & Contracting assembled the roof. From the outside, the property embodies everything you’d want in a farmhouse – classic rural charm and clean contemporary lines.

Inside, the home feels fresh, modern and welcoming. “I want to walk in and feel like I can take a breath and exhale,” says Winter. Her design style leans toward a minimal aesthetic with neutral tones and clean, clutter-free spaces.

“It’s funny though, because even though I like everything light and neutral, I also need a lot of black,” she says with a laugh. Black as an accent colour often grounds and balances an interior dominated by white. In Winter’s case, the black window frames give the space weight and make the home feel more visually interesting.

In the living room, a fireplace feature wall is painted Benjamin Moore Black Onyx, a luxurious yet grounding shade. It’s a focal point and gives the main level a sophisticated aura. “Paint can make such a difference,” adds Winter.

Black and white continue to work interchangeably in the kitchen, yet brass and wood elements add warmth. Winter loves her large window over the sink, which grants sprawling views of the backyard and her lush hydrangeas. She also loves plants, many of which are potted around the kitchen. “I needed plants in here. It breaks up the black and white and adds softness,” she says.

“I always have a lot of herbs in different pots lying around,” she adds. A pot of lemons sits on the centre island, and sprigs of basil rest beside the unique, European-style cooktop. There’s something heritage yet modern about the open burners built into the countertop. “We love it,” Winter adds.

Around the corner from the kitchen is the hidden butler’s pantry, and it’s one of the ways Winter keeps her space extra clean. “When we’re hosting, I try to keep things tucked in here,” she admits. The pantry has additional storage, counter space, open shelving for glassware and a second sink for prep work and cleanup.

There’s a walkout in the pantry as well, opening directly to the backyard to make hosting and barbecuing much easier.

“I love being out here in the evenings,” says Winter, as she walks around her backyard. Whether enjoying an al fresco dinner, swimming in the saltwater pool or spending time in the hot tub, the family loves using the outdoor space.

Winter loves to do a lot of her own gardening, but R Legacy Landscapes & Pools Inc. helped with the construction and continues to visit for maintenance and upkeep. Much of the outdoor furniture around the pool and on the stone patio was purchased from Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery.

Personality is woven throughout the home with artwork and furniture. “There’s beauty in waiting to furnish your home,” explains Winter. “I wanted to have big purchases, but I still wanted things to be functional and usable.”

“And when it comes to art, I want pieces that people don’t expect,” she adds. “I like things that are unique and different.”

In the basement, the words “different is a better story” are painted across a large canvas. It embodies the motto the family lives by inside and outside of their home.

And as for Henry, after a long day of watching over the house, he retreats to his chill-space – a nook under the staircase that is furnished with a small sofa, fur rug and colourful animal-themed artwork. He crawls in for a nap, content and happy as can be. OH