Rooted in Craft: Revitalizing a Century Home in Thornbury

STORY: CAELI MAZARA | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDY MACKAY

Valleyview Construction gives a historic home new life through respectful restoration, thoughtful modernization and local craftsmanship.

When Christine and Dean Anderson began searching for a home in the Thornbury area with assistance from Martha Whitton and Doug Linton of Royal LePage Locations North, they were looking for more than a place to live. They were searching for a feeling. After decades of skiing in the charming village of Ellicottville, New York, they wanted to recreate that same small-town feel in Ontario. After a year of searching, they found a century-old home in a great location, with strong bones, a rich history and the potential to become something extraordinary with the right team behind it. Enter Valleyview Construction.

Valleyview is a local legacy builder founded more than 30 years ago. “We started construction in the Blue Mountains in 1990 and expanded from there,” says owner Paul Rogers, who launched the company with his wife, Anne. The firm’s longevity is no accident. Its success is rooted in the continuity of its people.

Project manager Trevor Freeborn has been with Valleyview for nearly three decades. Another carpenter is approaching 30 years, and several others have passed the 15-year mark. “We’ve got a dedicated crew that has been working together to create quality homes for a long time,” says Paul. A few years ago, the next generation joined the fold: Paul’s son-in-law, operations manager Spencer Beach. With 16 carpenters and three office staff, Valleyview describes itself as hands-on, known for new builds and the kind of complex, sensitive renovations that century homes demand. As Paul puts it: “Our motto is we build the best and we fix the rest.”

The Anderson home, just over 100 years old, had belonged to the same owner for decades. “It needed updating,” says Dean. At the same time, the couple were determined to preserve its soul. “We wanted to maintain the character of the old home, but update it,” says Christine. “Paul and our designer Gwen Krieger of Blue Hat Studio did a beautiful job.”

The project was far from simple. “It was a very extensive renovation,” says Trevor. “A lot of brick was removed and beams were put in.” On first inspection, the house showed its age. “The centre of the building, where the staircase was, had to be levelled out to make it feel like it was back in action,” Paul explains. The team added an addition, rebuilt the garage and modernised the structure while staying true to its era. The goal, says Spencer, was a “century home chalet.”

Working with a century-old home brings inherent challenges. “You can encounter a lot of surprises,” says Paul. Yet older building practices also have their benefits. “Amazingly enough, in older homes there’s generally no rot, for the most part, because they were able to breathe.”

Inside, Valleyview craftsmen reframed floors and navigated the unpredictability of an aging structure while preserving what mattered most. The original staircase stayed, along with the old coal-burning fireplace in the dining room, which was restored with a new surround. Christine and Dean’s vision was guided by the architecture itself: clean, neutral and inviting. Gwen was instrumental in creating the warmth and timelessness they wanted. “Gwen knocks it out of the park,” says Trevor. “She really knows her stuff.”

The finished home features a number of standout spaces. For Trevor, the kitchen and living area, now open concept and filled with sunlight, is a clear highlight. Neutral cabinetry by Scavolini and a dramatic black-and-white countertop are warmed by honey-coloured hardwood floors from Stone Tile. The panel-ready fridge was sourced through Macdonald’s BrandSource Home Furnishings. “We took out a big double brick wall and put in a huge patio door with a full wraparound porch,” he says. Paul is especially fond of the mudroom and side entry with built-in storage by Osprey Millworks. “It’s got a great presentation as soon as you walk in. It just feels so comfortable.” Red Brick Group installed the security and audio systems. Then there’s the cosy front den, a feature Spencer loves for its uniqueness. “It’s a nice detail that we don’t see too often,” he says.

The Andersons describe their renovation experience with Valleyview in glowing terms. They can’t say enough about the people who helped create their home, sentiments the builders appreciate hearing. From the team’s perspective, clear communication and a collaborative mindset shaped the project’s success. “Dean and Christine were great to work for because they were open-minded,” says Trevor. Renovations demand flexibility, he explains. “With renovations like this, you do need to be patient and ready to pivot.”

Spencer agrees. “Being comfortable with being flexible at the start is very important because the project is going to change many times. Be ready to be surprised.” Paul emphasizes early alignment between homeowners, builder and designer. “They need to reach out to a quality builder, then start the design process. Introducing the designer and the builder at the same time is important.” It’s this kind of synergy – communication, trust and flexibility – that transforms a lengthy renovation into something far more meaningful. As the Andersons joke, “We’re gonna miss those guys.”

Valleyview continues to balance a mix of new builds and renovations while investing in training the next generation through co-op and apprenticeship programs. This approach ensures the continued growth of a team already defined by loyalty and craft.

Ultimately, the Andersons’ home reflects exactly what Valleyview prides itself on: respectful restoration, thoughtful modernization and a commitment to building relationships as solid as the homes they work on. After nearly 35 years, Valleyview Construction remains right where it intends to be, at the heart of its community, building homes that stand the test of time. OH