Cumberland
This understated new build blends heritage style with contemporary comfort: stone, timber, board and batten, wide verandas, and formal symmetry. Elegant peaks and a weathervane over the garage complete the nod to a simpler era—all in a private, treed setting.
Client Testimonial
Building my dream home was a true labour of love. I had a vision—a modern-day farmhouse nestled in the countryside—and I was committed to being hands-on every step of the way. To get a head start, I even purchased a set of plans online. While they captured many of the elements I loved, I quickly realized I was struggling to bring all my ideas together into a cohesive design that made me say: “That’s it!”
That’s when my general contractor suggested I reach out to Design Valley. One quick call to Peter Valiquet in the fall of 2021, and things began to move. We had a lot of decisions to make before breaking ground in the spring, and their guidance came at just the right time.
Once Peter and Brian were on board, everything began to click. I’ve always had a strong sense of the types of spaces I enjoy—but working with Design Valley challenged and expanded my thinking. They introduced ideas around spatial flow, sightlines, and passive solar design that made me pause and reconsider nearly every choice I was making. One major breakthrough was how to divide the home’s layout between active and passive zones—and how sunlight would interact with those spaces throughout the day. I hadn’t thought about any of that.
In the end, we landed on a stunning U-shaped layout with two sleeping wings flanking a breathtaking common area. The central living space—with its vaulted, beamed ceilings, grand arches, stone columns, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows—became the heart of the home. The east wing captures the morning sun in both bathrooms, making for a serene start to the day, while the west wing is set back just enough for the principal bedroom to bask in that same morning light.
The result is a home that feels palatial when entertaining, yet intimate. From major finish selections to the tiniest details, the team at Design Valley delivered. They navigated my hectic travel and work schedule with ease, keeping everything moving forward and on time for both the general contractor and sub-trades.
Working with the Gents from Design Valley has been an absolute pleasure. Their professionalism, creativity, and dedication are why I’ve invited them back for two more projects. I’m excited to see what we dream up next.
