Located on a large lot, lushly landscaped and well treed, that backs onto the Ausable River (just south of Grand Bend) the Oke Woodsmith Building Systems’ (OWS) model home brings homeowners’ favourites to life and demonstrates how well they fit into the OWS aesthetic. 

“We learn a lot from our clients and use what they teach us to constantly get better at what we do,” says Randy Oke. “We’ve been building homes for 37 years, yet constant improvement and new ideas is what keeps it fresh and exciting.”

They’ve entitled this project Rustic Chic because it is ultimately a style that embraces the perfect imperfection of nature. It is a four bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom, three-storey home with 5,000 square feet of living space. Approaching its pleasing L-shaped exterior, the sweeping landscape – designed and installed by Cobble Design – sets the tone for this abode’s relaxed but elegant ambiance. With light taupe Hardie board siding and Arriscraft stone on the exterior, a cottage feeling is well entrenched. 

The classic OWS timber frame facade at the main entrance welcomes visitors with its familiarity. 

This theme is continued inside the living room where the soaring two-storey shiplap cathedral ceiling is crowned with timber beams. One of two gas fireplaces resides in this room; its twin is located on the backside of this wall outside to warm the elevated deck area. It overlooks the wooded lot that leads to the river. 

OWS is famous for giving homeowners amazing views with large windows, and the model’s great room area is graced with a series of oversized windows that bring the beauty of the lot (which is 80 feet wide and 700 feet deep) into full view for its future owners.

The side entrance, through the three-car garage, leads to the mudroom, which is a bit of a misnomer as this space has a handsome dark wood entrance hall organizer cupboard, custom-made by Woodecor, that matches the cabinetry in the adjacent kitchen. This style of cabinetry is echoed throughout the home, lending it the relaxed elegance for which OWS is known. 

This entrance hall leads to a spacious laundry room that features extra storage and an ample folding surface, as well as a powder room and closet.

The kitchen features a big island that separates it from the dining area, which is defined by its tray ceiling. This is a feature that the Okes often use to visually separate spaces in an open-concept design.

The primary bedroom resides on the first floor with its ensuite bath and a large, well organized closet space. A no-curb, walk-in shower in the ensuite runs the length of the interior wall. There is also a separate area for the toilet and a standalone bathtub. 

Two more bedrooms reside in the loft area above the garage. One is set up as an office space that has two skylight windows. In this technology-friendly house, these skylights have sensors that enable them to close automatically when it begins to rain. The custom-made triangular shaped window is another type of feature that the Okes find that homeowners favour. “Everyone appreciates having unique touches in their homes,” says Randy.

The second loft bedroom features a modified cathedral ceiling. The Juliette balcony allows for extra light and air in the room.

Realizing that their clients always appreciate extra storage, OWS has cannily added three large closets along the hallway of the loft area. There is also a luxuriously appointed full bathroom.

On the lower level, it is party time. This space is for entertaining with a custom bar next to a glass enclosed, stone-walled wine cellar. Uniquely, the custom cabinetry for storing vintages stretches through the glass, providing a storage space for games or glasses.

A stone-clad gas fireplace is the centrepiece for a seating area, adjacent to a space for a future pool, billiards or ping pong table. The glass doors lead out to the stone patio with a wood-burning fire pit to enjoy on cooler nights when entertaining al fresco. There is an exterior stairway to access the upper deck, as well.

A fourth bedroom – with a steam shower – has been placed in the basement, with a cheater bathroom and large closet.

Providing access to the ‘brains’ of the home is a large mechanical room.

“These are all features that we’ve been asked to do by homeowners repeatedly over the years,” explains Randy. 

The secret to Oke Woodsmith Building System’s success: doing what makes sense for relaxed, gracious living and doing it very, very well.