When Stephan Weishaupt embarked on his search for a weekend getaway near Toronto, he never imagined purchasing a 19th-century log cabin. As the founder of Weishaupt Design Group and the president of Avenue Road, both known for their modern aesthetic, Weishaupt had always been focused on contemporary designs. However, when a friend introduced him to a 100-acre property in Caledon East, Ontario, featuring rolling hills, forests, and ravines, he was captivated by the land’s beauty.
“I explored some of the trails and instantly fell in love,” said Weishaupt, 45.
The property’s previous owner had demolished old farm buildings and started new construction, but the project remained unfinished. The only habitable structure was a caretaker’s cottage with deteriorating clapboard siding. Despite its poor condition, Weishaupt saw the potential of the property and decided to purchase it for around $3.3 million in July 2018. He then assembled a team of designers to help bring his vision to life.
During a closer examination of the cottage, Weishaupt made an exciting discovery. Between the later additions and hidden beneath the siding, hand-hewn hemlock logs were waiting to be unveiled. Intrigued by this find, Weishaupt hired ERA Architects to investigate further. The architects removed the siding and additions, revealing a charming, centuries-old cabin.
“It was an incredible find,” said David Winterton, a senior associate at ERA Architects, estimating the cabin’s age to be over 150 years. “However, it was in dire condition.”
Surprised by the unexpected discovery, Weishaupt decided to abandon his initial plan of demolishing the cottage and opted to transform it into his new home instead. Although the existing structure was compact, spanning only 600 square feet on two floors, Weishaupt believed it would be sufficient for his needs. “It’s just me and my dog,” he explained.
However, the stripped-down cottage required extensive renovations. It was merely a wooden shell, susceptible to the elements, and some logs had begun to rot. Collaborating with Mel Shakespeare, a historic home specialist at Tradition Home, the architects meticulously dismantled the structure, treating and repairing the logs in Shakespeare’s workshop. They then poured a new foundation, allowing Weishaupt to have a full basement, and reconstructed the house, filling the spaces between the logs with new chinking.
Contrary to creating a time capsule, Weishaupt desired an interior that felt modern and chic. To achieve this, he enlisted the help of Mazen El-Abdallah, the creative director of Mazen Studio, an interior design firm based in Toronto. “In my mind, the design became about the tension between wreckage and refinement,” explained El-Abdallah. He skillfully combined the rustic aesthetic of the cabin with sleek contemporary pieces from Weishaupt’s furniture company. Working together, they maintained an open interior layout. The ground floor encompasses a living and dining area, along with a compact kitchen, while the upper floor serves as a single bedroom with a desk. The newly constructed basement functions as a spa-like bathroom, with added storage space and a laundry room.
Upon entering the front door, visitors are greeted by local granite flagstone flooring with radiant heating and a new granite fireplace. To maximize space, the stairwell was positioned to the side, with kitchen cabinetry by French designer Christophe Delcourt located at the base of the stairs. Adjacent to it, a custom banquette designed by Delcourt defines the dining space and acts as a balustrade for the stairs leading to the basement. Upstairs, the architects milled Douglas fir flooring from a log found on the property and exposed the original beams while vaulting the ceiling. For the basement bathroom, Weishaupt sourced a walnut Shell bathtub from Nina Mair and utilized custom Nymphenburg porcelain wall tiles depicting various animals, including an owl, hare, and fox. El-Abdallah also incorporated custom millwork with integrated lighting.
Outside, Weishaupt employed the services of Coivic, a landscaping company, to create a picturesque setting. They planted fruit trees, established a flower-cutting garden and a vegetable garden, and constructed terraces for lounging and dining. The outdoor amenities include an outdoor shower and a cedar hot tub.
Construction for the renovation began in February 2021 and lasted approximately 18 months, with total costs of around $1.8 million for the renovation and $375,000 for landscaping. Throughout this period, Weishaupt resided on the property in his Airstream trailer. Reflecting on the project, Weishaupt acknowledged that building something new and larger would have been quicker and cheaper. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that the effort and investment were worthwhile, as this unique home cannot be easily replicated.
Weishaupt has named his property Yellow Wood and has plans for additional buildings, envisioning the property as a cultural destination centered around design, art, and nature.
“I’m incredibly content here,” he exclaimed. “It truly embodies who I am.”
(Word count: 769)
[Byline: Smart Creative Writers]
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
