Back to the Classics

Stonegate Design Build delves deep to reinstate Classic French style.

An invention of classic elements and sophistication, this Stonegate home embraces the traditional with interpretive flair, flawlessly. Custom to its core, every feature is a revelation with every room infused with a heightened sense of the extraordinary. Uncompromised, it is a testament to what teamwork and creative vision can accomplish.

Inspired in their travels by the timeless architecture of Europe, this couple decided to recreate that charm back home. “We wanted a Classic French style with its ornate details and a level of updated hospitality that would capture all of the comforts of home,” recall the homeowners. “We met Stonegate Design Build through a friend and she said that they would be the only builder that would satisfy us due to their attention to detail and customer care.”

Matt and Nadine Deweert of Stonegate were also excited about the concept. “We both are drawn to traditional elements in design, so our vision was considered and reflected in the final plans.” A husband and wife team of complementary skill sets, they have been building custom homes in Lethbridge together for over fifteen years. “It’s our passion. We design and build homes of all sizes and budgets in Lethbridge, Coaldale, and surrounding areas that reflect personal taste and individual lifestyle.”

Matt’s strong background in architectural theory and building science can be seen in every home that they build. After graduating from SAIT’S Architectural Technologies Program in 1995, Matt spent the next ten years designing custom homes before venturing into new home construction in 2005. Nadine then sets the stage, assisting home

owners with interior design and sourcing décor. Together they build dream homes, working with each client to help select the perfect location with extensive experience in new subdivisions, infill properties, and acreage developments.

Avid entertainers, the homeowners desired that their kitchen—and their favourite room in the home—be all it could be. “This is how we show our gratitude and love to our friends and family. We entertain regularly and love to cook. Our focus for the build was to have an accommodating kitchen that could host many guests.” Also past guests of several of the Fairmont hotels, they admired their lavish, old school charm that sustains warmth and a familiar ambience, which they were eager to reflect in their own home.

“They wanted a tall façade that would captivate, with curb appeal that would host a timeless, classic facade,” admits Matt. Featuring 2,150 square feet plus a developed basement, this bungalow with a two-story facade resides on a corner lot on a busier street. “We wanted the front entry to face the less busy street with the garden fronting the other side protected by a tall stone wall barrier.”

Positioned to capture eastern and southern exposures, the captivating and private courtyard enjoys ample sunlight with fountain charms.

Triple-pane, low-e, argon–filled windows, low-flow toilets, and a high-efficiency furnace and boiler system further offer energy efficiency with in-floor heating enjoyed throughout the home, including the attached garage of consistent curb appeal.

Located in the inner city of Lethbridge, this established neighbourhood features many original homes of stately and well-defined character. “I believe our home does its part to sustain the architectural values that inhabit here and preserves the appeal of this classic community,” share the homeowners with pride. “We love our home. Our builder understood not only our needs in terms of function, but were also able to interpret our style and execute it.”

Carefully planned and skillfully implemented, the entire project from concept to completion spanned nearly three years. “Stonegate never rushed us and made sure we were happy with our selections, giving us the time to make interesting choices that oftentimes took weeks to fulfill. If people aren’t given a choice, they pick whatever is made available, but Stonegate lent us their expertise in assisting us with truly remarkable options.”

With an experienced team committed to building homes of uncompromising quality and craftsmanship, StoneGate believes in forging positive client relationships with a high level of customer service. “I knew how important it was for this couple to have unique features, and we supported those choices so that they could ultimately have the remarkable home they always wanted,” concludes Matt.

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Calcutta Gold marble countertops complement maple millwork that features beaded face-frame cabinetry with raised panel doors and carved corbels in a soft matte, creamy white, hand-patina’d finish. The result is a look that suggests the curation of ‘found’ pieces enhanced by eye-catching metal finishes peppered throughout the décor. Bronze kitchen sinks and faucets mingle with crystal and brass dropped light fixtures, with beveled subway tile hosting a stone aesthetic. Walnut hardwood floors set the stage on the main level, adding warmth to the great room where the cast limestone fireplace, wainscoting panels, and crown mouldings feature Acanthus leaf details that captures counter-sunk LED lighting. The Austrian balloon valance adds softness and melds beautifully with elegant furnishings that blend linen and velvet amongst the gleam of brushed gold and glass. Folding glass doors host entry to the kitchen with original flair and function.

In the master bedroom, raised panel wainscoting displays an Acanthus leaf border, rising to multi-layered crown mouldings that enhance tray-ceiling features illuminated by LED rope lighting. The chandelier is suspended from the dormer ceiling with front window features.

At the foot of the limestone-cast staircase, large-format Italian porcelain tile leads to a handsomely crafted wine closet. Featuring a custom wrought iron and glass door with personalized initials that are repeated on burl-clad walls with similar Mappa cabinets, alder wine racks host generous capacities. Adjacent, solid wood doors with oversized oil-rubbed bronze hardware displays classic style.

Quartzite countertops and a beveled-edge marble backsplash in the master ensuite complement warmed marble floors with a Herringbone inlay. Consistent cabinetry hosts polished nickel pulls and faucets.

Concrete paving stones surround the cast concrete fountain in the side courtyard. Ivy covered concrete block fencing adds English garden charm with perennials for all season colour. A European-inspired style wrought iron fence features fleur-de-lis finials that border the front of the property. A Mansard roof clad in asphalt shingles slopes downward from a copper cornice with matching eavestroughs and downspouts. Dormer windows feature copper capping, adding traditional character amidst Sawn Ashler Tyndall stone with split-face and honed finishes. Colour matched acrylic stucco balances the façade with seamless charm.