If you're partial to the warmth projected by a rustic-style home, yet enjoy the contemporary touches that come with a modern design theme, we may have the home for you.
Found tucked away on a (nearly) two-acre lot at 193 River Road near Larters at St. Andrews Golf Club is a two-storey log home that has been turned into a tasteful fusion of all things rustic -- and modern.
The architect of the renovation, Maggie Tavares, says while it took two years of hard work -- and living amid dust and general chaos -- to complete the transformation, all the challenges that come with undertaking such an ambitious project were worth it.
"It's turned out to be a very unique house -- it was a real diamond in the rough," she says of the two-storey, 3,700 square foot abode. "I conceived the whole design (which was carried out by a host of general contractors), and am very proud of it. I had to have a real vision of what I wanted. I think it turned out to be a pretty seamless fusion of two different styles."
Shauna Dram, lead realtor for the property, says the home truly has been renovated from top to bottom.
"That's no exaggeration -- Maggie completely renovated the house. The features that stand out most to me are the staircase, the mantel over the fireplace and the way the modern upstairs blends so well with the original structure," she says. "Everything works so well together. The best part is that it's like having a vacation home near the city."
As Dram alluded to, the home -- originally built in 1989 -- is essentially two homes in one. The lower level is the rustic section, while the upper level is decidedly modern in derivation. The home's split personality works exceedingly well.
Take, for example, the main level, where three features found in close proximity quickly capture your attention: the aforementioned staircase and mantel, as well as the great room's soaring 16-foot ceiling. Knotty pine flooring that runs through the great room and dining room adds further to an already rustic feel; meanwhile, the log walls make you feel as if you're in a very well-appointed vacation home.
Of particular interest is the driftwood staircase, which is held up by what appears to be a driftwood log. Tavares quickly explains that's not really the case.
"It's a piece of timber that's been treated with a weathered look called chinking," she says.
Next on Tavares' transformation list was the kitchen, which she redid entirely. Today, it features a unique cross-section of finishing materials that merge into a distinctive (in a good way) style: bubinga (wood) countertops (along with a sprinkling of granite for good measure), a deep, cavernous double stainless steel sink, white cabinets and grey porcelain tile floors.
"I call this area of the house 'modern country'," she says. "The bubinga counters are a very hard material, and are red with a very distinctive grain -- all you need to do is put some Mazola oil on them and rub it in to maintain them. You can shine them up like glass, and the grain looks amazing. Everything looks good, and works well together. It's a very functional kitchen."
The upper level is as modern in concept as the main level (there's no basement) is rustic. Whereas the main level is solely log construction, the upper level is entirely comprised of drywall. The synergy of styles has been surprisingly efficient, says Tavares.
"They work really well together -- it's such a cozy home. The other benefit is that being half log, half drywall, the house isn't overwhelming -- the change of pace is nice."
Much like the main level, 193 River Road's upper level is chock full of unique design features: an open-concept master bedroom with jetted tub divided from the sleeping quarters bed by a one-third wall, with a hand-painted pedestal sink beneath a stained glass window in the corner -- with a staircase that leads up to a loft that serves as an office, with huge dressing room to its right; built-in dressers; and a huge (media?) room fronted by a smaller room with another loft (currently occupied by a bed for naps).
"While it's a different, neat kind of home, it's still functional," Tavares says. "There's tons of storage, lots of windows and all kinds of separate living areas."
Now, with her kids grown up and a sprawling house all to herself, she says it's time to move on.
"If they were still here, I wouldn't entertain the idea of selling. It's a beautiful place to call home -- in the afternoon, the whole great room is showered with sunlight. You're close to the city, but when you're here, the atmosphere is so serene and calming. It has the best of both worlds. It's going to be tough to say goodbye to such a special place."
DETAILS
ADDRESS: 193 River Road, St. Andrews
SIZE: 3,700 sq. ft.; no basement
LOT: Just under two acres
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 3
GROSS TAXES: $3,805.78 (2007)
SELLING PRICE: $549,900
CONTACT: Shauna Dram, Sutton Group - Kilkenny Real Estate @ 334-2800, 1-888-554-3526
KEY FEATURES: Rustic main level with driftwood staircase, pine hardwoods, country kitchen, dining and media rooms; upper level with maple hardwoods, open-concept master bedroom with loft and 600-sq. ft. bonus room.
