Country Roads...

Gemwood Construction blends built-in warmth with engaging function, offering stylish living in Athabasca.

“We strive to make every home a one-of-a-kind statement, delivering beauty in form and comfort in function,” shares Judy Deans in regards to her and husband Gary’s team efforts in Gemwood Construction. As a boutique builder they offer a more personal approach, collaborating with their clients in creating an in-house design that is uniquely tailor-made to suit personal style and lifestyle preferences.

This show home in Athabasca was a compilation of their favourite projects. Situated on over an acre across from rolling farmlands with natural vistas and wildlife views, the town itself is built on a river valley. “The northern lights are very active up here—it’s a terrific light show enhanced by the walking trails that surround us,” admits Judy Deans. This walkout sits on a gently sloping lot with fieldstone, large boulders, and granite flat stone enhancing elevation, function, and solid landscape appeal.

“We were influenced by modern influences, wanting to capture a clean, comfortable living space that works for both family and for those who love to entertain,” states Judy. Hosting over 4,000 square feet of luxurious layouts, this walkout bungalow displays a 12-foot gas fireplace feature with large-format porcelain tile offering the look of Calcutta marble without the weight or maintenance. Wide-plank, white oak hardwoods further captures high style within its brightly appointed interiors.

“We undertook a lot of the unique millwork ourselves, including the use of recycled woods to create something unique and wonderful. We also built our own staircase and created the landscaping that allowed us to complement and enhance the setting of our own design,” explains Gary. The home also hosts multiple energy saving features that include an ICF foundation and triple-glazed, argon-filled, Solar Ban windows that reduce heat gain and heat loss. LED lighting throughout

tempers energy costs coupled with high-efficiency HVAC heating with radiant in-floor heat. Also built with eco-friendly, low VOC paint and high R-value insulation, architectural rubber based shingles further extends durability in harsher climes and shifts the load from landfills.

Proud of their history and reputation as a dependable, quality, new homebuilder and innovative renovator, Gemwood Construction spends the time to ascertain all your wants and needs for true dream home results. “Ultimately, we provided a country lifestyle with town amenities five minutes away from this home,” cites Judy. “From the covered deck you can enjoy the views and watch nature pass by your back door.”

A hickory bar features a smoked finish with a live-edge acacia wood countertop for rustic appeal. Black Cosmic granite surfaces perimeter cabinetry with hickory cabinets hosting a Cappuccino stain with smoked glass inserts in the wet bar with full amenities.

A cedar ceiling houses motorized blinds for wind and sun protection above a Duradeck surface for low maintenance. Beyond, a miniature man cave and tool storage unit hosts a side ramp for easy access. The lofted interior provides extra ceiling and wall storage.

Wood beams add beauty and contrast in the great room where European wide-plank, white oak hardwoods boast a natural stain. Large-format porcelain tile clads the gas fireplace and is bookmarked in a veined marble aesthetic that extends to the floating hearth. Viewscale windows overlook the covered deck that host outdoor comforts.

Hickory cabinets and Italian porcelain tile are displayed in the master ensuite where quartz countertops engage a marble and glass tile backsplash. The large shower hosts dual showerheads.

A handsome exterior of natural ledge stone blends with solid fir beams, honouring its tranquil setting. An architectural rubber shingle roof and insulated steel garage doors add durability with smooth style.

Hardie Plank cement board siding resists the elements with dual covered decks enjoyed from the master suite and dining room. The lateral slope of the property affords unique outdoor living spaces augmented by hard landscaping features. An Aluminum railing with smoked tempered glass eliminates glare.

The engineered, white oak staircase features tempered glass with LED stringer lighting. Italian porcelain tile adds stylish contrast on the lower level as well.