Natural Wonder

Stonegate Design Build corners creativity with impressive architecture and quality craftsmanship.

AEuropean traditional design with Craftsman roots speaks eloquently to classic elegance with lasting appeal. Nestled in an established innercity neighborhood in Lethbridge, Stonegate Design Build corners creativity with impressive architecture and quality craftsmanship.

Recognizing the need to downsize from a much larger home, this satisfied couple was thrilled that they chose Stonegate to help them create their forever home. This superbly crafted home is a testament to custom quality. “Our passion is designing and building distinctive custom homes, which, along with consistent client satisfaction, are the hallmarks of our company philosophy,” shares Matt Deweert, president of StoneGate Design Build Inc.

Together with wife Nadine, they have been building custom homes for over fifteen years in Lethbridge and the surrounding areas, launching Stonegate in 2010. “I design many of the homes and Nadine works with interior design and sourcing the décor,” says Matt, adding that Mcdowell & Associates of Calgary designed this particular home. “We had a strong direction and went from there.”

An engaging façade from all angles, the home fits eloquently within its established neighborhood that hosts many original homes of quality and traditional character. The original home was razed and the generous, yet narrow corner lot allowed for abundant light flows and the opportunity for creative landscaping. Hosting 2,500 square feet on the main floor, this walkout bungalow features a finished basement and multiple attractions within a desirable landscape.

“One of the main goals of the design was matching the curb appeal from the front of the home with the street side,” says Deweert, noting the extra creative effort it took to enhance both angles that would complement the neighborhood. “We had a great working relationship with our well-informed clients and a mutual respect for each others abilities and strengths.”

“Our previous home was old-world style and this was a huge shift in both look and ornamentation,” share the homeowners of a decor that is both bright and warm with calming wood finishes that is very inviting at entry. Hosting clean lines and a sophistication all its own, its light palette provides an alluring contrast with wood finishes and

handcrafted furniture. The layout depicts classic function with a wide side hallway and connecting interior rooms that feature intimacy and genial flows.

“I met Stonegate at one of their show homes, liked their workmanship, and thought that they were the ones that could deal with me,” grins the lady of the house. “I have had the pleasure of building four homes and recognize true quality when I see it,” she adds of the two-year build, which she found fun and rewarding. “We didn’t have to rush and that allowed us to not only get what we wanted, but to feel confident in our unique choices. The exchange of ideas was terrific, plus Matt can really draw and that really helped us flesh out some concepts. I feel that the end result was even better than our initial vision.”

Desiring a home that would be cozy yet large enough for entertaining and individual space, they add,” I think it has proved itself. It has a terrific layout that works for all occasions.” The community itself also plays a part with its gracious, park-like views that can be enjoyed from outside or within.

At Stonegate Design Build, their expertise and guidance through the process allows the experience of building your own custom home to be almost as enjoyable as living there. “Our greatest reward is the recognition we receive from a satisfied client who loves their home,” concludes Deweert.

A special thanks to the following suppliers:

Adora Kitchens & Cabinetry IJC Coppersmithing Jackson Masonry Brock White Maple Ridge Floors Kodiak Heating The Ensuite Design Lighting Bella Pietra Premiere Woodworking Lo Gullo Industries Herman’s Carpets Baker Appliances Normandeau Interiors Stone Selection Kiwi Iron Southern Alberta Rock Gardens Country Blooms Garden Centre Quality Finish Inc. Loewen Windows

Photos by Mike Heywood A delightful blend of sublime architecture and gracious landscaping delivers a stellar exterior of solid appeal and workmanship. The side fence is staggered at incline, embracing the home that maximizes its well-appointed, inner-city lot. Steep roof pitches, prolific stone, and tapered pillars capture an original vision of timeless appeal.

Bright basement flows display continuous warm finishes with porcelain tile hosting a metallic shine on the fireplace surround that is bordered by quarter-sawn white oak mantles on the Milwaukee limestone clad fireplace. The room enjoys access to the patio and its thoughtfully planned areas for relaxation and added enjoyment.

Quarter-sawn white oak defines this Mission style staircase with built-in wine drawers beneath and ascending wainscoting. A large-scale, opaque glass window provides soft sunlight.

Large-format, porcelain tile anchors the master ensuite where molded-edge marble countertops with black iron pulls feature furniture-style toe kicks. Dual, backlit mirrors and solid core interior doors capture comprehensive quality.

The master bedroom enjoys plush nylon carpeting in a light yet soothing décor with dual, maple built-ins and a matching bed frame with added drawer function.

Quarter-sawn white oak cabinets feature a milky white painted finish with a cool brown stain that support marble countertops and complement a crackled, porcelain subway tile backsplash. Adding dramatic contrast, a stainless steel hood fan with blackened and hammered stainless trim details and a brushed stainless liner contributes balance to the kitchen that hosts a farmers sink with polished nickel faucets.