Woodland Retreat
STORY: LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDY MACKAY
Featured in Grey & Bruce Counties - Fall 2025
When Dayna and Brian Canary heard the waves of Lake Huron crashing softly in the distance, they knew the quiet beauty of this 10-acre property was the ideal setting to build their barndominium. Their weekend scouting trips from their home in Rockwood had finally paid off. “My sister has a cottage in Lion's Head, so we are familiar with the area,” says Dayna. “When we saw this property, we immediately knew this was where we wanted to put down roots.”
Located on Miller Lake on the Bruce Peninsula, this unique 4,753 sq. ft. home blends rustic charm with a sleek, modern look. The open floor plan spans one level, featuring a living space, a screened seasonal room and a spacious 2,400 sq. ft. garage and shop. “We always wanted to design and build our own home, and we decided the barndominium was what we wanted,” Dayna recalls. “The rustic exterior, modern interior and classic garage door opening to a screened or open patio really appealed to us.”
When the couple met builder Jose Andino Rodriguez, there was an instant connection. His enthusiasm and belief in their vision made him the obvious choice to build their new home. Jose and his wife Amanda own AND-ROD Construction, a full-service construction company that offers a variety of building services, including custom homes, secondary dwellings, decks and major renovations.
Jose oversees construction while Amanda manages the administrative side of the business. “We can’t say enough about Jose, Amanda and the entire team,” Dayna says. “He was excited about the project from start to finish.” The company’s organization, craftsmanship and transparency confirmed AND-ROD was the perfect fit. “We had monthly team and onsite meetings, emails and phone calls,” explains Dayna. The Canarys sketched their design, and Jose worked with residential designer Greg Williamson to tweak the final plans. “Our greatest satisfaction was seeing our vision executed exactly as we envisioned it,” Dayna says. Construction began in 2023 and was completed in October 2024. “At that point, we retired and moved here,” says Dayna.
Jose and Amanda believe using local trades and suppliers while keeping clients closely involved sets their company apart. “Each client’s home reflects the work of local associates who are part of the community. Our clients will eventually meet the people who built their home and get to know them,” says Jose. He ensures clients are informed throughout every step of the project. “To establish trust, there are no surprises. They know where they stand with us, from the financials to the integrity of the work,” Jose explains.
He was eager to take on the challenge of building a barndominium – a first for his company. “This project was unique and different and provided a lot of satisfaction for our team,” says Jose. The home’s central core is framed by two distinct wings: a three-car garage on one side and a screened porch on the other. The ceiling in the screened porch is covered in shiplap from Ready Pine. Brian enjoys working on his vintage Mustang in the spacious garage. “There is great flow from one side to the other. The simplicity of the open-concept interior with only one bedroom and fewer partitions made the build efficient and cost-effective,” says Jose.
The large lot allowed AND-ROD to frame the entire metal roof on the ground and hoist it into place with a crane. “We had the space, and it made sense to build it on the ground,” recalls Jose. “It was an awesome challenge and feat for our team. It saved a lot of labour and kept them safer.” The exterior of the house is clad in James Hardie black siding with grey, quarter-stone skirting the foundation. Wood accents the garage doors and entranceway.
In the foyer, a dramatic stone feature wall (Evolve Stone) sets a bold and elegant tone as it rises to meet 16-foot ceilings.“ Once the walls were up and I saw the high ceilings in the foyer, I knew I wanted something that would stand out. It’s definitely a wow factor and one of my favourite features,” Dayna recalls. A bank of windows, supplied by Ostaco Windows & Doors, diffuses natural light throughout the openconcept main level. The interior poplar doors were handmade by Desboro Doors. Neiley Concrete Services installed the easy-care heated concrete floors throughout.
The kitchen is bright and airy with ample counter and storage space. Shaker-style cabinetry from Wilson Home Building Centre, including deep, pull-out drawers and 14-foot counters, was a must-have. LakeHouse Bath + Kitchen supplied all the fixtures while Home Depot provided appliances. A pantry, hidden behind a faux cupboard wall, adds a touch of fun and mystery to the space. “We designed it, and AND-ROD did a fantastic job executing exactly what we wanted,” says Dayna. “It’s a special candy room our grandchildren and adult children love,” she explains. “It’s also extra space to store perishables and keep kitchen counters clear of appliances.”
The primary bath is a soothing sanctuary with three-dimensional honeycomb tile, a tiled 16-foot shower and a double-sink vanity (The Vanity Shop) topped with white quartz. “It feels like a spa,” says Dayna.
For Dayna, their woodland retreat evokes childhood memories of family camping trips as a child in Nova Scotia.“I was born there and everything from the trees to the water reminds me of Nova Scotia,” she says. “Every day feels like we are camping here. OH