Where Classic Meets Contemporary - Inside Oakville’s Modern Georgian Gem
STORY GINA MAKKAR | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG
As seen in The Golden Horseshoe Spring 2026 issue.
Located in desirable southwest Oakville, just steps from the lake and minutes from downtown, the Fall 2025 grand prize for the Princess Margaret Home Lottery is a modern Georgian masterpiece, highlighting balance, symmetry and thoughtful design.
Partnering with the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation was an honour and a chance for second-generation principals Cyrus and Syrina Gatta of Gatta Homes to showcase their signature style in Oakville. Every element, from lot selection and design to construction and finishing touches, is handled in-house, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. The result: a home that marries beauty with function, ready to welcome a family, couple or anyone looking for a forever home.
In sourcing the lot, Cyrus says size and setting were key. “We wanted to make sure it could accommodate something grand and stately for the lottery home, but location is also important. This is close to the lake, with views of Lake Ontario from the front yard.”
Designed by Gatta Homes and ACK Architects, the stately exterior blends classic brick and precast stone with gently curved dormers, mirrored garage doors, lantern sconces and stone spheres crowning the front entrance. “We wanted something that made sense for the area, but that really felt grand on its own,” says Syrina. “That’s why we went with the modern Georgian style of home, with red brick and hand-cut stone, layered with thoughtful contemporary detailing.”
Inside, special attention to proportion creates balance from front to back. “Playing off the modern Georgian feel, symmetry was really important in the overall design. There is a math and science to it that gives you that calm, connected feeling,” says Syrina.
An unencumbered sight-line draws the eye to the backyard. In the entry, a rotunda with copper detailing makes a striking first impression. To the left, the office features a floating desk by shop.rhw, warm wood beams and a brick archway that connects the interior to the exterior aesthetic. Light oak hardwood set in a herringbone pattern from Aristocrat Floors helps define the space.
To the right, the brick archway is echoed in the dining room where a fireplace from Stella’s Regional Fireplace Specialists casts a warm glow across a glass accent wall, creating the perfect backdrop for entertaining. Precise drywall installation was executed by Board Boss Drywall.
Trimlite Primed Shaker doors from Regional Doors & Hardware are a contemporary twist on the traditional interior door.
The inspiration for the interior design began with the stately, symmetrical Georgian exterior. “Syrina brought elements of the red brick indoors, through the archways and at the rear of the home, thoughtfully tying the exterior and interior together,” says Cyrus.
Beyond the entry, a waterfall white oak staircase from Amber Stairs & Railings Inc. spans the home's three levels. An elevator creates easy passage from floor to floor. A hidden door slides open to reveal the powder room, painted in a moody hue, with a copper ceiling that adds opulence to the smaller space. The great room soars two-storeys high. A Dekton fireplace, flanked by floor-to-ceiling mirrors, was custom-crafted from two oversize slabs and serves as a striking focal point.
The design layers earth tones and natural textures, creating a soft and inviting space that feels warm and elegant.
Modern touches, like glass walls, mirror features and contemporary light fixtures from Distinctive Lighting Concepts, add depth and dimension. “It feels luxurious and stately but intimate at the same time,” says Syrina. This blend of textures and finishes results in a neutral, livable space.
Functionality is cleverly hidden throughout. The kitchen is designed for everyday use and entertaining. It layers custom appliances with thoughtful details. A hidden fridge and freezer maintain a seamless look, while a concealed bar, integrated custom cabinetry and storage by Artcraft Kitchens and a softly illuminated, tucked-away butler’s pantry make the space functional and inviting. An impressive island, topped with Silestone Blanc Élysée and installed by Quartz Co, sits at the centre, concealing appliances and adding comfortable, casual dining space.
On the upper level, 14-foot ceilings maintain the light, airy feel of the home. Each bedroom includes a private en suite, complete with wood beams and distinctive panelling.
The primary bedroom is a veritable retreat. A feature panel crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from historic Welland Canal lock gates adds a hint of heritage. A curved brick archway leads to the bedroom, where relaxation awaits with a cosy double-sided fireplace, window seat and en suite with a soaker tub, expansive closet and dual rain showers.
The lower level is a hub for gatherings, with a recreation room, spa with sauna and home gymnasium. The home’s audio system, purchased and installed by Gibbys Electronic Supermarket, allows for musical ambience throughout the home.
A walkout creates a seamless transition from indoors to the outdoor oasis. Landscaped by Landscape Florida Inc., the space is complete with an outdoor kitchen, saltwater pool and covered seating area. OH
GATTA HOMES
At the heart of Gatta Homes is a deeply personal story of resilience, family and legacy. The company was founded over 30 years ago by Kekoo Gatta, father of Cyrus and Syrina – an immigrant who fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s regime and arrived in Canada with nothing. With no formal background in homebuilding, Kekoo built the company entirely from the ground up, guided by an innate passion for design, craftsmanship and doing things properly. “He didn’t come here with a roadmap,” says Syrina. “He came with work ethic, curiosity and an eye for quality.” In the early days, Kekoo took on whatever work he could, learning the construction process hands-on and earning a reputation for precision and reliability. Over time, that commitment evolved into a distinct design sensibility and a builder-first mindset that would become the foundation of Gatta Homes.
Today, that legacy continues through the next generation. “We’ve intentionally built Gatta Homes as a truly integrated, one-stop experience – something still uncommon in custom homebuilding – where clients are often left to assemble their own architect and design team,” says Cyrus. “By bringing everything together under one roof, we offer a level of clarity, confidence and comfort that matters when you’re making an investment of this scale.”
Being chosen as the grand prize builder was a meaningful moment for the Gattas, one rooted in trust and a shared commitment to the cause. Their relationship with the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is driven by genuine passion, and, for Cyrus and Syrina, it was an opportunity to do what they do best: bring care, craftsmanship and thoughtful detail to every corner of the build, while going a step further, knowing the home supports life-saving research. The result is more than a standout home in Oakville – it’s a true reflection of how Gatta Homes approaches every project.