Family Tapestry
STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
Featured in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, & Durham Region - Spring 2025
Tall vaulted ceilings and an open concept living space make this home feel welcoming and bright.
Nestled in her cosy office, Karla puts down her pen and watches the spring sunshine dance through the towering sugar maples outside her window. “I feel so privileged to live here,” she says. “I wake up and feel joy.”
Karla, a writer, and her husband Randy, a retired dentist, bought this rural property near Stouffville two-and-a-half years ago and moved in last June. After living in Manitoba for many years, they relocated to Ontario to be close to their daughter Marie and son Drew. “Our children lobbied us to move, and now we have grandchildren, so we knew it was the right time,” says Randy.
They bought the property sight unseen except for video tours with their realtor. While it was challenging planning the construction of a house from afar, Karla and Randy knew they had found the right fit.
“We had phenomenal people working with us, and they took great care of everything,” Randy says. The build, spearheaded by Steve Snider Construction Inc., began in July 2023 and finished in September 2024. Project Manager Jared Olsen was amazing to work with,” says Karla. “He was never in a rush and came up with great ideas.”
Situated on 10 acres, this three-bedroom, 3,500 sq. ft. bungalow is elegant, with thoughtfully curated family heirlooms and contemporary accents. Alison Strickland, design director and founder of Narratif, spearheaded the design. “She was a joy to work with. We needed a house that was personalized and family-oriented,” says Karla. “We have two dogs and grandchildren. We wanted a house we could live in, not a showcase. Alison understood what was important to us and what makes a house a home.” Karla describes the overall design as quiet country, a peaceful home that looks timeless with natural light and space. “We used colour, curation, art and different materials to achieve this,” she explains.
Every detail of the customized kitchen reflects Randy’s passion for cooking, especially the AGA induction range with its three ovens and large cooktop. “It’s beautiful and the centre of the kitchen,” he says. Sandy Sillaots, owner of Hickory Lane Kitchens, designed the space, including all the cabinetry on the main level. “We spent a lot of time talking with Sandy about function and flow,” says Randy. “We walked through various virtual versions of this kitchen. I don’t like clutter, so I wanted clean lines and everything in its place.” Two dishwashers, a built-in freezer and a panel refrigerator, all from Tasco Appliances, facilitate convenient storage and clean-up. Stone Tile supplied the striking blue-veined marble topping the island, range, backsplash and counters.
This butler’s pantry was a great addition to the kitchen’s layout. Its shelves display fun trinkets and kitchen accessories collected over the years.
The nearby butler’s pantry is a charming alcove where Karla enjoys baking and watching the neighbour’s grazing cows. “They put their heads through the fence and eat our plants,” she quips. A custom designed shelf, trimmed with a delicate brass rail, displays some of her favourite treasures, one of several “moments” throughout the home. “It’s like a little vignette. I love putting special items on it,” she says.
A stately Rumsford Renaissance 1500 wood-burning fireplace from Friendly Fires keeps the great room toasty and warm. “The house is net zero, so this fireplace can heat the whole house,” says Karla. The mantel is framed with barn board salvaged in Manitoba, adding a hint of home to the space. A black metal five-bulb chandelier from Pottery Barn brightens a cosy seating area before the fireplace. Maple beams (Timberkits by Country Log Homes) intersect at the apex of the vaulted ceiling. Three dormers house windows from A. Oppers Ltd. Windows & Doors that infuse the open-concept main floor with natural light.
A delightful little retreat nicknamed “the snug” is tucked away off the living area. “It’s a great place to relax. We have two comfy chairs, a TV and a walk-out to the upper deck that overlooks our yard and pool,” says Karla. Randy’s banjo and treasured mementos line the walls.
Karla’s office, her personal refuge where she writes and spends quiet time, is part of the loft above the garage. “Randy and I each have our own space, and this is mine,” she says. Elegant french doors divide her office from the library and sitting area. Built-in bookcases with soft shelf lighting, a quilting corner and her grandmother’s sewing cupboards make this space uniquely Karla’s.
Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry from Hickory Lane Kitchens in a calming colour named Creekside Green makes this laundry room a homeowner’s dream.
The couple’s home is a tapestry of family treasures and charming décor. Karla’s Scandinavian heritage inspired the wallpaper from Borastapeter Blomstarfröjd in the laundry room. “My mother was Danish and immigrated when she was 10,” says Karla. An antique washstand furnishes the main-floor powder room. “Randy refinished it and converted it into a sink. Another little piece of Manitoba we brought with us,” she reflects. The couple’s Golden Retrievers, past and present, are lovingly remembered in portraits displayed above the dog wash at the back door.
A dog washing station is located by the door to the garage, perfect for cleaning those messy paws.
A white oak staircase by Kawartha Stair & Rail Inc. descends to the lower level. Two guest bedrooms comfortably accommodate son David and his family during visits from Winnipeg. “When the grandkids are older, we’ll add a ping pong or foosball table,” says Randy. A kitchenette, sitting area and walkout to the beautifully landscaped gardens by Wiggans Landscaping Ltd. make this space ideal for unwinding or entertaining.
As springtime blossoms, Karla and Randy look forward to sharing their home with family and friends. “We are so happy with how everything turned out. This home truly feels like us,” says Karla. OH