There are few companies in the building industry that are able to claim that one of their homes have been nominated as the "Best Custom Home In Canada." This in itself is an incredible achievement. Thistlewood has not just been nominated , but has actually been awarded this prestigious title three years out of four (2001, 2002 & 2004).
The 2001 winning home is a remarkable custom timber frame affectionately titled "Lore of the Woods" because of its location in a coniferous forest set against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. The interior timber frame structure was handcrafted in Thistlewood's Markdale, Ontario workshop in Eastern White Pine and Black Walnut and was finished by Thistlewood's talented Western Canada Dealer and Master Craftsman, Robert Mitchell.
The home is exceptional. Uniqueness and creativity caresses every surface, structure and view. The towering timber frame, stunning rock walls, marble, slate and highly finished custom flooring, doors, millwork make this home a very rare gem indeed! "Lore of the Woods" truly celebrates the union of design, material and craftsmanship. The home features a large great room, custom kitchen and dining area, a custom wet bar and wine cellar, artist loft and pottery studio, 4 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms (2 ensuite). As an additional complement to the homeowner's outdoors lifestyle, an indoor rock climbing wall was creatively designed and constructed to span the entire three storeys of the home. This unique feature adds style and entertaining recreational function to this fully featured mountain home.
The timber frame was crafted by Thistlewood's Markdale team of timberwrights who handcrafted every aspect using traditional mortise and tenon joinery. Once the frame was erected in Alberta, it was Robert Mitchell and his talented crew of carpenters and subtrades that brought this home to life. "Lore of the Woods" took nearly two years to finish as the level of finishing was very high and quite involved. Robert credits all of these skilled tradespeople whose collaborative efforts made this home worthy of a national award.
For more information on Lore of the Woods, please read the article published in Timber Homes Illustrated, October 2002.
The home is exceptional. Uniqueness and creativity caresses every surface, structure and view. The towering timber frame, stunning rock walls, marble, slate and highly finished custom flooring, doors, millwork make this home a very rare gem indeed! "Lore of the Woods" truly celebrates the union of design, material and craftsmanship. The home features a large great room, custom kitchen and dining area, a custom wet bar and wine cellar, artist loft and pottery studio, 4 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms (2 ensuite). As an additional complement to the homeowner's outdoors lifestyle, an indoor rock climbing wall was creatively designed and constructed to span the entire three storeys of the home. This unique feature adds style and entertaining recreational function to this fully featured mountain home.
