Villas of Maison Maitland

What was the challenge?

The clients embarked on the renovation of an 1820s stone house with the vision of transforming it into a multifunctional space that serves as their home, a culinary school, and an income-generating property. This ambitious project sought to breathe new life into the historic structure, honoring its past while adapting it to modern needs. The focus was to create a harmonious blend of residential comfort and commercial viability, all while preserving the unique character of the original architecture. The project was particularly significant given the rarity of income properties in the Brockville area and its surroundings, specifically Maitland, Ontario, where additional dwelling units are seldom developed. The carriage house, with its separate street access and address, provided an ideal opportunity to maintain the homeowners’ privacy while offering a distinct and appealing investment property.

What was delivered?

The renovation transformed the 1820s carriage house into an upscale investment property, comprising two meticulously designed units. To accommodate modern living without compromising historical integrity, the main floor—originally a garage—was enhanced with four dormers and a rear roof extension, creating a second story with period elements. A new covered porch and large doors were introduced to welcome natural light, while cleverly integrating a storage unit and garbage access into the new carport. Each unit mirrors the other, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, work areas, a chef’s kitchen, and private patios. The exterior was updated with new black windows and a steel roof, harmonizing with the original stonework, while interior designs embraced Parisian styling with warm creams, greys, and black accents. Despite the challenges of working within the constraints of the original structure and navigating by-law restrictions, the project successfully delivered a contemporary, luxurious space that complements the old-world charm of the historic carriage house.