"Family Traditions"

Story By: Scott A. Murray
Photography: Ted Yarwood

Located in a secluded maple grove not far from Orangeville, Ontario, Gwynn and Ken McGhee's new timber frame home exemplifies the success of a well-planned project. Culminating with construction in 1999, the story actually began 30 years ago, explains Gwynn when asked how their project first started. "We purchased our property very impulsively on our way to the ski hill one winter's day in 1970. Ken and I had only been married for one year." The property was perfect. A small stream meandered along the southern boundary and both trees and wildlife were plentiful. Little did they know the positive influence this decision would have on their lives. Every year since, the McGhees have made their own maple syrup, collecting sap from the towering sugar maples that surround the finished house. The "sugaring-off" each spring has become a family tradition they plan to continue. " Now that I'm retired, I'll have more time to enjoy the process" explains Ken who organizes the annual event. Other family traditions each year included camping at the property and also weekend hikes and outings throughout all seasons.

Having so much time to become familiar with their land simplified many aspects of the eventual construction process. They always knew where the house would be built and they even decided long ago what style they liked best. "We were once on a family holiday in Quebec when the children were young and Ken and I both fell in love with the quaint, French-Canadian stone farm houses." says Gwynn when asked about the various design influences tastefully reflected in their finished home. They never wavered from this theme and now the stone exterior, narrow dormers, and red-painted exterior doors uniquely reflect these attractive design details.

The house is actually a hybrid design, a very popular approach to construction that combines both timber framing and conventional building techniques. The great room, kitchen, sun room and main foyer all feature robust timber frame elements. Designed to reflect the exterior forest setting, the rich hues of salvaged Douglas fir timbers and green-tinted walls subtly complement the natural forest tones outside. The granite fieldstone fireplace has become one of the features the McGhees most enjoy. The cozy atmosphere in the great room created by the combination of natural wood and stone elements is further accented by the couple's collection of family heirloom furnishings and antiques. Of special interest are the pine cupboards and hooked rugs that have been passed down through the generations. They have eight handmade rugs, each artistically and lovingly crafted by Ken's grandmother from worn-out garments and other scraps of cloth. Each design is original. The rugs, dating back to 1906, are proudly displayed on the walls and floor areas throughout their home. One in particular dated 1940, features two loping deer and prominently adorns the fireplace above the mantle.

The McGhee's designed their retirement home to allow comfortable day-to-day living on one level. They even built a model to ensure the floor plan design complimented their lifestyle and captured the various forest views of their property. The great room, dining area and kitchen are adjacent living spaces woven together by the open concept floor plan. Another favourite living space is the sunroom. "We open the french doors from March to October and enjoy the sunrise every morning" Gwynn explains. The sunroom features handsome timber trusses that complement the other timbered areas of the house and large windows that bathe the room with soft morning light. The master bedroom, a well-appointed ensuite bathroom, a study and a side entrance adjacent to the double garage complete the main floor design. Upstairs, the open loft area overlooking the great room is casually comfortable and leads to two upstairs bedrooms that accommodate visiting family and friends. The upstairs bathroom features a unique claw foot bathtub. The stained glass panels with a trillium motif were skillfully crafted by Gwynn and fit perfectly into the window openings. Throughout the house tasteful decorating and the use of earth tone colours complete the decor. Of special interest are Ken's wood carvings. "Birds have always been my speciality" quips Ken, "but dog carvings seem to be most popular lately." For nearly 20 years Ken has shaped blocks of wood into life-like forms that are scattered throughout the house. Although just a hobby, his natural talent is evident in the detail of each finished piece.

Thistlewood Timber Frame Homes, Markdale, Ontario provided complete design and general contracting services as well as supplying the timber framework and stresskin panel enclosure system. The salvaged Douglas fir timbers used in the timber frame were sourced at an old factory being demolished in Toronto. The McGhees lived and worked in Toronto for many years and the idea of using timbers from an old structure was especially appealing. The character and colour of the salvaged wood fit the "natural" theme of their new home very well. Other interior millwork was also made with salvaged Douglas fir. The wood used for the door and window casing, baseboard and the entire main staircase system complement the timbers of the house in both hue and patina.

"If we had to start over and do it all again we wouldn't change a thing" both Gwynn and Ken agree. If the success of any project can be determined by the clients level of enthusiasm and satisfaction, the McGhee's project was a complete success.

With exterior landscaping now finished and only a few final touches left to complete inside, the McGhees now have time to enjoy their retirement. Visits to the golf course are more frequent and they now can enjoy their home and property every day. "It's even better than we could have imagined" Gwynn and Ken agree.

The McGhees celebrated New Year's Eve in their recently completed home with long time friends and toasted the new millennium in front of a roaring fire. Possibly some new family traditions are just about to begin.