Braeside
After a fire, the homeowner seized the chance to reimagine the entire home—without changing the footprint. The result? A layout that maximizes Ottawa River views, with improved flow, new bathrooms, better bedroom access, and a striking staircase in a redefined foyer. Vaulted ceilings and a bright solarium now welcome both quiet mornings and lively summer gatherings.
A true Design Valley turnkey solution—from inspired concept to full execution.
Finalist at the GOHBA 41st Annual Housing DesignAwards Gala in 2 categories:
- Custom Kitchen (175 sq. ft. or less) –Traditional
- Custom Bathroom (101 sq. ft. or more) –Traditional
Client Testimonial
In 2023, a fire destroyed my summer home on the Ottawa River. It caught me completely by surprise and displaced my family for the entire season. But the loss was far more than structural—it was deeply emotional. The house held decades of memories, sentimental keepsakes, family treasures, and the kind of personal belongings that simply cannot be replaced.
If you’ve ever experienced a fire, you know that walking through the ashes searching for something—anything—worth salvaging is heartbreaking. It’s exhausting, surreal, and not a task I would wish on anyone.
I currently live in Denver, Colorado, though I’m originally from the Ottawa Valley, which is why this place meant so much to me. Returning here every summer was how I stayed connected to family, memories, and a part of myself that never really left the Valley.
When it came time to decide what to do next, I was genuinely torn. Do I sell the property as-is and move on? Or do I invest the time, energy, and money into rebuilding? In the end, I realized I simply wasn’t ready to give up those spectacular Ottawa River sunsets.
That’s where Peter and Brian at Design Valley stepped in and made all the difference.
Taking on a construction project from another country felt a bit like being tossed into the deep end of the pool without swimming lessons. Thankfully, they never let me sink. They guided me through every stage of the process with patience, honesty, and good humour.
As we moved through the design phase, I became increasingly excited about the possibilities. Together, we created a space that not only maximizes the incredible waterfront views but also works beautifully for the way my family actually lives—perfect for large, informal gatherings while still feeling warm and intimate for quieter moments.
Now, anyone who knows me knows I am not the kind of woman who gets excited about paint chips, tile samples, or lighting fixtures. Frankly, after about the third flooring discussion, my eyes glazed over. Brian recognized this early on and graciously took the reins—even selecting the furnishings himself. By the time I moved back in during the spring of 2025, the entire process felt almost effortless on my end.
Design Valley truly provided a turnkey experience: design, permits, engineering, project management, materials selection, and quality control. More importantly, they became my trusted eyes and feet on the ground, making sure every detail was handled and every promise delivered.
What began as a devastating loss has become a beautiful new chapter for my family, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role Peter and Brian played in helping make that happen.
I would absolutely recommend the Design Valley boys—and they get a very enthusiastic thumbs up from me.
