Grounded in Legacy

STORY RENEE ALKASS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

Featured in Barrie, Orillia, Midland & Innisfil - Summer 2025

The first time Gio brought his kids to the newly-built cottage, they went fishing off the dock. On the first cast, they caught a perch. It was one of those good omens everyone clung to - a sign that all the hard work was worth it and that new, lasting memories were about to begin.

“We saw the sunset, and we were sold,” says Gio, describing how the home walls turn a rich, golden hue at dusk. Rays of orange light dance across the windows and create a lakeside feeling like no other.

Gio and his brother, Frank, had always dreamed of owning a waterfront property. When they toured Lake Dalrymple, north of Brechin – a calm, spring-fed fishing lake known for northern pike, smallmouth bass and muskie – they knew they had found the perfect place. The peaceful environment, natural beauty and calm, glass-like water reflected on summer mornings made it feel like home.

“It’s all for our dad,” says Gio. “A place where he could retire and enjoy life.” The brothers found their perfect lot in 2022 and immediately got to work.

The property was charming, but rundown. It was home to a crumbling 1940s cottage, an outhouse and a decaying dock. After clearing the land, the brothers faced a bigger challenge: 12 feet of solid limestone stretched across the entire lot. Digging out the non-negotiable walk-out basement meant endless hours of chipping through rock. “Anyone who builds knows the struggle,” Gio reflects. “You take a gamble when you buy.”

Protecting the shoreline was another priority. With unpredictable water levels, they decided on a Redi-Rock retaining wall for its high-strength durability and freeze-thaw cycle resistance. Frank personally put the rock wall together to ensure the shoreline would be protected for generations.

As the groundwork was nearing completion, Frank introduced Jordan O’Coin, owner and lead contractor of 5th & Seven Custom Contracting Ltd., to the project. “We needed a good contractor, and Frank found the perfect fit,” says Gio.

5th & Seven is a family-run custom builder based in Simcoe County. The company specializes in the design and build of exceptional homes and cottages in Orillia, Muskoka and surrounding areas.

“I approached the project with an organized process,” says Jordan. His proactive planning and attention to detail ensured each phase of the build stayed on track moving forward.

“The most challenging aspect of the job was working within tight lot constraints,” says Jordan. The property was bordered on both sides by existing cottages and navigating equipment through the narrow space required precise execution. Lake Dalrymple Contracting Ltd., was brought onto the project site to build concrete retaining walls to reinforce the neighbouring properties.

Having Gio actively involved on-site helped keep the momentum going. Known for his hands-on nature and jack-of-all-trades skillset, Gio helped expedite many parts of the construction.

The finished 3,000 sq. ft. four-season home is a dream realized. Floor-to-ceiling windows from Dell Windows & Doors provide uninterrupted lake views from nearly every room, fulfilling one of the family’s top wishes.

The open-concept living space spills onto a spacious deck, built by 5th & Seven Custom Contracting Ltd., to enhance entertainment. The deck leads to a low-maintenance backyard with a turf area – a perfect soccer field for the kids. The dock, installed by Naylor Systems Inc., is the ideal spot for sunbathing and taking in the view.

The living room’s cosy, modern aesthetic, with sofas from Smitty’s Furniture, sets the tone for the rest of the home. Jordan suggested tongue-and-groove ceilings and smooth wood beams to add texture and warmth. Vaulted ceilings breathe air into the space and a raw wood dining table from Earthwood Elements gives the family a perfect place to enjoy quality time together. “It’s my favourite part of the home,” says Jordan. “We’ve blended natural light with architectural design to truly capture the essence of lakeside living.”

The kitchen is rooted in the family’s Italian heritage. A four-foot island is placed at the centre to invite gathering, and the sink intentionally faces the lake, so no one ever misses the view. “When I’m entertaining, I want to see the water,” says Gio.

Quartz countertops stretch behind the stove, making clean-up easy after homemade tomato sauce nights. The tuxedo cabinetry from RockWood Kitchens, sleek black hardware, and stylish lighting from Caledon Lighting tie the look together with timeless elegance.

The brothers designed the main floor with accessibility top of mind. The layout includes the primary bedroom, laundry amenities and a modern bathroom for their father’s comfort.

Everyone in the family has a favourite spot in the cottage: the loft nook. It’s a cosy perch with panoramic lake views. Two bright bedrooms and a full bathroom with matte black finishes complete the upper level.

Downstairs, the fully-finished walk-out basement ties the knot on this home. Oversize windows, a secondary kitchenette, and modern design details make the space both fun and functional. With easy access to the backyard, this level gives the family room to grow.

One of the biggest accomplishments of the project is the relationship between Jordan of 5th & Seven Custom Contracting Ltd. and the brothers. “When you’re making decisions on a regular basis, you want someone you’re compatible with, Jordan was just that,” says Gio. “Even though the build is done, we’re still friends.”

After overcoming challenges and pouring their hearts into every detail, Gio and Frank created a place where memories will flourish for years to come. Their father now finds pure happiness sitting lakeside. It is the ultimate reward for all their hard work.

“That was the goal,” says Gio. “For him to sit back, relax and watch us live life on the lake.” OH