This home on 10th Concession, located just west of Schomberg in the Township of King, may be newly constructed, but it exudes the charm and elegance of an established French chateau. The custom-built residence, which includes an adjacent horse farm and stables, marries traditional elegance with contemporary practicality.
Written By Rebecca Dumais | Photography By Dan Molina Studio
The exterior features a clean-lined, symmetrical light brown brick facade, with a sophisticated appearance that complements its countryside setting. Many elements go into designing for simplicity; and for this style, it comes down to the right-sized windows. Width, height and placement is everything; for this project, it was a two-inch reduction in the windows’ width that locked the right proportions in place – for a timeless traditional look.
The property is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. A four-car garage is positioned on the right side of the home, connected by a breezeway that offers protection during adverse weather while providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery. To the left of the home is an outdoor covered seating area and a spacious cabana (dubbed “The Frenchie”), which overlooks the house and the future pool area, ready to be landscaped complete with planting and integrated ornate trellises.
As you step inside, the grand staircase sets a tone of elegance. The main floor layout includes a spacious dining room with a walk-through pantry leading to the kitchen. This area is designed for entertaining, with easy flow between the dining room, living room, and kitchen. The design ensures that when the house isn’t bustling with activity, it still feels warm and inviting.
The main floor also features a study, equipped with a full bath, which serves as a versatile space for guests or as a personal retreat. The basement is designed with a home office and additional entertainment space, adding to the home’s functionality.
Above the garage, a separate living suite provides additional guest accommodations, perfect for extended stays during family gatherings. The design ensures that the main house remains intimate and cozy, even when fully occupied by visiting family members. “Our clients wanted a home that felt welcoming for their children and families but wasn’t too big or overwhelming when they were alone,” says Berit Bech, CEO and principal designer of custom builder Stamp & Hammer. The balance between ample space for entertaining and a comfortable, manageable size for two is a key feature of this home.
One standout feature is the kitchen extension, characterized by three-sided glass windows that flood the space with natural light. This bright and airy area offers views of the future pool and trellis, contributing to the home’s seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Mitch Sauder, CEO and principal designer at Stamp & Hammer, emphasizes the importance of visual interest in home design. “We strive to guide you through the home, creating a visual journey from one room to the next,” he says. The double-vaulted archway that you travel through from the foyer to the family room is a classic example of the team’s thoughtful approach, creating an elegant transition in feeling from compression to expansion.
Entering the family room through a millwork double-vaulted arch brings the scale of detail down to highlight the precision craftsmanship of the architecture; one gazes through oversized windows that showcase the rolling hills of the equestrian landscape, under elegant wood beams on the ceiling, to the archway leading to the kitchen, and beyond that to the breakfast nook, all enhancing the French country theme.
Stamp & Hammer’s commitment to delivering exceptional value is evident in projects like this one, where their meticulous attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked. Their involvement spans every stage of the journey, working closely with each consultant to ensure a seamless process.
The firm’s in-house rendering and design team plays a pivotal role, creating photorealistic renderings of both the home and its landscape. These renderings are crucial in helping clients fully grasp the potential of their property and design. They offer a clear visualization of the final product, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. “We go above and beyond to detail every element of the home, ensuring smooth progress from conception to completion,” explains Sauder.
With over a decade in business and a team that currently comprises ten in-house renderers, designers, and drafters, Stamp & Hammer has honed the skills needed to deliver highly detailed architectural sets – essential not only for clients but also for builders, ensuring that every aspect of the design is accurately represented and executed. Their comprehensive approach underscores their commitment to quality and precision, making sure that every project progresses smoothly and meets the highest standards.
Ultimately, the success of a custom build lies in understanding and realizing the client’s vision. Berit and Mitch prioritize building strong client relationships, to deliver homes that not only meet but exceed expectations. “We aim for our clients to fall in love and to be inspired every day with their home; and we use our expertise to help them fully realize that dream,” Berit concludes.
For more information visit StampandHammer.com
