A Thoroughly Modern Build
STORY JANET WHITE BARDWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY 23 MEDIA CO.
As seen in the Wellington County Summer 2026 Issue.
In Waterloo, where established neighbourhoods often reflect long-standing architectural traditions, a narrow lot becomes an opportunity to thoughtfully respond to contemporary ways of living, embracing design choices that align with evolving needs, preferences and lifestyles.
This three-storey home by Beverly Homes, approved and stamped by Chaplin Standard, takes a fresh approach with an urban influence while staying comfortable and practical for everyday living. The result is a home shaped around the needs of modern life while fitting naturally into its surroundings.
For Brooklynn Boyer, owner and operator of Beverly Homes, the project began as something personal before responding to a broader reality. “This project was originally a personal build,” she says. “It started with a wish list of items, seeing so many beautiful homes that we work on.” As interest in the property grew, intention shifted. “It quickly became a high-end rental property after so much interest in the house,” she says. That pivot is subtle but important, moving the design from individual expression toward something more universally functional.
What emerges is a study in how modern buyers think about home – not just in terms of aesthetics, but in how space supports changing routines, temporary stays and long-term flexibility. “While knowing it was going to become a rental before finishing the house, the list of ‘must-haves’ changed to accommodate a more relaxed build,” says Brooklynn. Storage became more important, materials were chosen for endurance and detailing was refined to sit comfortably in the background rather than compete for attention.
The long and narrow site imposed its own challenges. Structural framing and materials supplied by Fairway Lumber Home Building Centre worked within the limits of Ontario Building Code requirements. The design allows circulation and function to stack cleanly across three levels. The main floor brings together the kitchen, dining and living spaces with an entry and generous butler’s pantry, opening onto a rear deck that extends the living experience outdoors. Exterior systems by Nedlaw Roofs and windows from Pickles Home Exteriors complete the envelope with precision. Inside, continuity is maintained with trim and doors from Riverside Millwork Group, while masonry by Ferrell Builders’ Supply grounds the structure in material weight and consistency.
The second floor is practical in its arrangement, with bedrooms, bathrooms, an office and laundry positioned for everyday ease. Above it, the third floor offers something more reflective. “The third floor is, as they say, where the magic happens,” says Brooklynn. “Being three floors up, looking over the neighbouring roofs, you can see the most stunning sunsets from up there.”
Material choices are restrained and cohesive. White oak engineered hardwood from Straightline Custom Flooring Inc. runs throughout, while City Stone countertops introduce quiet variation.
“Our goal was to make each bathroom feel unique, with no two patterns or styles being used twice,” says Brooklynn. Appliances from
TA Appliances & Barbecues and furnishings from Hauser keep the interiors grounded and livable. The palette, anchored by Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, allows light and materials to do most of the visual work.
Now operating as a short-term rental, the home offers a clear view of how the design holds up to daily use, welcoming a range of guests passing through Waterloo. That lived experience has become one of its most rewarding aspects, particularly in the way it supports people during times of transition or travel. At the same time, the project reflects a broader shift toward adaptable, experience-driven housing, where flexibility, clarity and comfort are equally valued. “Meeting families and short-term guests who come to Waterloo has been the most enjoyable part,” says Brooklynn. “Our goal was to make this house really feel like a five-star rental. People often seem relieved to find our rental during a chaotic or exhausting time of change.” OH