CLASSIC IN THE COUNTRY STORY ERIN PEPLER | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG The exterior, Indiana variegated limestone in a French classic joint style adds timeless beauty, distinction, and the lasting value of natural stone. ABOVE: Homeowners Michael and Irene Dimech stand in the pretty courtyard. T Tucked away near Georgetown in the town of Halton Hills lies the hamlet of Glen Williams. The quiet community boasts its own downtown, plenty of historic charm and spacious family homes on sprawling, tree-lined streets. A converted mill on Main Street houses local craftspeople selling unique fine art pieces. Conservation land runs alongside much of the residential area, offering spectacular views that span as far as the CN Tower. It’s all picture perfect, particularly when you catch sight of a grand, French chateau-style estate at the end of a cul-de-sac. The spectacular custom-build is home to the Dimech family: husband Michael, wife Irene, and sons George, 19, Michael, 9, Marco, 6 and Nico, 9 months. Continued on page 54 ourhomes SPRING 2017 | 53 52 | ourhomes SPRING 2017 feature
Transcript
CLASSICIN THE
COUNTRYSTORY ERIN PEPLER | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG
The exterior, Indiana variegated limestone in a French classic joint style adds timeless beauty, distinction, and the lasting value of natural stone. ABOVE: Homeowners Michael and Irene Dimech stand in the pretty courtyard.
TTucked away near Georgetown in the town of Halton Hills lies the hamlet of Glen Williams.
The quiet community boasts its own downtown, plenty of historic charm and spacious family homes on sprawling, tree-lined streets. A converted mill on Main Street houses local craftspeople selling unique fine art pieces. Conservation land runs alongside much of the residential area, offering spectacular views that span as far as the CN Tower. It’s all picture perfect, particularly when you catch sight of a grand, French chateau-style estate at the end of a cul-de-sac.
The spectacular custom-build is home to the Dimech family: husband Michael, wife Irene, and sons George, 19, Michael, 9, Marco, 6 and Nico, 9 months.
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developed the blueprint for the 7,000 sq. ft. home and 2,500 sq. ft. garage with the guidance of the homeowner. A 3D render was prepared by Neezo Renders, helping the project go from vision to reality. “A house should be designed for how you want to live,” says Peter. Each design he creates is a detailed reflection of what the homeowner envisions.
One of the major achievements of the home is the exterior, Indiana variegated limestone in a French classic joint style by Elite Masonry. The structure is a grand, two-storey estate with a large, circular cobblestone driveway by Davel Construction Inc.. The slate symphony CertainTeed roof is guaranteed to last generations. Extensive work by Southern Landscaping Ltd. fills out the front and rear gardens, which house an outdoor pool, children’s play space and fire pit. Dozens of trees and an English garden were planted.
Multi-level entertaining spaces at the back of the home include an outdoor kitchen with a wood-burning fireplace. Several accent walls are set in a herringbone pattern. “My vision for the house started with the exterior,” Michael explains. Peter notes that he loves the portico entry between the front and back yards, as well as the courtyard, patio connections and walkways. “It’s timeless.”
Michael and Irene fell in love with the property over a decade ago, when it was just an empty space in their dream neighbourhood. When the couple became serious about buying in the area, they looked at other properties but always found themselves wistfully returning to the same location. One evening, on a whim, the couple swung by the cul-de-sac and were shocked to see a fresh “for sale” sign. Jumping at the opportunity, they put an offer in within hours. The property was officially theirs in the fall of 2008.
Construction wasn’t immediate. Michael brought friend and builder Dan Mlinaric of Courtland Homes onto the project. Together, they worked on countless revisions until the plan was flawless. “What we submitted to the town for permits is essentially what you see – there were almost no changes during building because we really thought about everything and sat with ideas until we were happy with them,” notes Michael. “Dan was amazing, he really immersed himself in the project, and helped with every inch of the house. He understands design and function together, and what can physically be achieved.” The home was designed by Peter Vozikas of Empire Design Company. Peter
LEFT: The couple’s love for old-world style is evident in the great room with a candelabra-style chandelier, corbels and oversize, tufted furnishings. TOP: A balcony in the upper hallway allows light to flood the second floor. ABOVE: The powder room is rich in texture with contrasting colours and a sense of history.
Peter Vozikas, Dan Mlinaric and homeowner Michael Dimech created beauty together. ABOVE: The backyard mirrors the front, with plenty of architectural elements in the curved stonework, iron railings and thoughtfully placed windows. RIGHT: Spectacular views of the conservation area beyond lend the feel of a year-round retreat.
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The interior is equally stunning, though surprisingly cosy for a house of its size. Even with high, coffered ceilings, exquisite mouldings and a spectacular marble staircase, the home feels warm and welcoming. The entry is remarkable but unpretentious. Down the hall, there’s a spacious laundry room, back staircase leading to the basement and a special room for the family’s 100-pound Doberman, Diesel. Beautiful, comfortable and family-friendly, you’re reminded of the home’s magnitude only when you pass the elevator outside the Parisian-style powder room.
Irene and Michael chose all the décor elements, from finishes and textiles to artwork and furniture. “Dan was very involved, as well – he even had suggestions for appliances and would go shopping for anything from marble to washing machines,” Michael says. The large, traditional kitchen by Pearl Kitchens features granite counters by Ciot, a hidden, walk-in pantry and a servery to the formal dining room. The area opens to a great room, which houses the home’s largest fireplace and tallest ceiling height, and is accented by an interior balcony. Tall windows overlook the backyard, which spans 1.8 acres.
Vintage, hand-scraped engineered floors cover much of the house, complemented by Italian marble from Ciot. The bathrooms feature additional marble and limestone touches – a nod to the home’s exterior – as well as millwork by Pearl Kitchens. A white, claw-foot tub in front of a window in the master en suite overlooks the horizon. The home is filled with natural light streaming through windows from Pella on every level. Each bedroom is spacious with no detail overlooked.
LEFT: A dining area connects the hallway to the kitchen and also accesses the covered exterior patio. BELOW: Curved mouldings, embellishments and cream glazed cabinetry give the kitchen European flair. OPPOSITE, TOP: The large dining room seats 12 or more effortlessly. BOTTOM: Small corridors help break up the large living space.
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The curved stone staircase with its ornate wrought-iron embellishments takes centre stage in the middle of the home.
TOP LEFT: The large family means an extra-large space to handle plenty of laundry. TOP RIGHT: The classic elegance of ornate furniture cultivates sophisticated style in the master bedroom.ABOVE & LEFT: The details in the woodwork mirror those in the bedroom furniture. The tub is positioned to enjoy the view and soak away the day’s stresses.
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If there’s one section of the home that really aims to impress, it’s the basement. A curved marble staircase opens to an incredible lower level with a full bar, a pool table, several flat-screen televisions, table seating for 20 or more and a solid glass wall overlooking an array of luxury vehicles. A high-tech cinema, outfitted by Completely Wired, contains twinkling star ceiling lights and genuine theatre carpet brought in from California. Another hallway leads to a home gym with military-style, industrial laminate flooring. Outside, the 2,500 sq. ft. garage boasts epoxy flooring, steel wainscotting, four vehicle hoists and a large mezzanine. It holds 10 cars or more, and is one of Michael’s favourite elements.
The lower level is a veritable playground, with a pool table and lounge area overlooking a garage filled with luxury cars. ABOVE: No detail was overlooked in the theatre room, where twinkle lights and a genuine theatre carpet were installed for the full effect.
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With plans to grow old in their dream home, the Dimeches are thrilled with all that they have, and eager to express their appreciation to Dan and the rest of the tradespeople. “The house is all that we wanted it to be. It’s an achievement,” says Michael. “There’s a story in every room.” OH
LEFT: The cars are parked where Michael can see and enjoy them daily from the lower recreation room. BELOW: The family can get in a workout with all the convenience of a gym in the comfort of their home. BOTTOM: The 2,500 sq. ft. garage can hold a host of cars and boasts four vehicle hoists and a large mezzanine.
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