W“What can I offer you?” asks the lovely woman leading the way into her welcoming kitchen. The table is set. Cookies are set out. The dog (a gentle Weimaraner-cross from Missouri) peeks in the window and you feel the urge to sit down, have a coffee and share confidences.

And so that’s what we do.An hour flies by, and before you realize it, you have

learned that the family will be hosting a wedding next summer. The homeowner’s daughter joins us at the table and we riffle through bridal magazines and hear the story of the mother/daughter trip to New York to pick out the bridal gown; of how they found the perfect dress and how the designer herself hand-picked the sash. There are photographs of the family’s first grandchild – wearing a parade of hand-knitted caps and beenies – on many surfaces. There is an abundance of fresh flowers.

Time meanders on. The cool air of the early morning softens, the sun makes an appearance, a second cup of coffee is poured, sandwiches are put out and morning becomes afternoon. Leaves drift down outside the window, golden specks filtering the pale autumn sun.

The phone rings – friends calling to say hello. We finally tour the house and reaffirm what was clear from the minute we walked in the front door. This is a home full of generous energy – a kind of Feng Shui specific to the love of family and friends.

Nestled in the heart of LaSalle, the two-story, 3,500 sq. ft. brick house was built in 2004. The current homeowners acquired the property in 2007 after selling their previous house to out-of-country buyers who negotiated a deal that saw the family parting with not only their home but its entire contents – right down to the sheets on the beds.

STORY NANCY BELGUE

PHOTOGRAPHY MAX WEDGE RICH MANCINI

vibrationsgood

LEFT: The weathered stones in the majestic fireplace surround were reclaimed from an old church in Michigan. This room is truly the heart of the home. TOP RIGHT: Mizzou peeks in the door to say hello. RIGHT: The den is the homeowner’s “quiet room.” The Caracole “social butterfly chairs” are named for their comfortable style, which is perfect for reading and relaxing.

Continued on page 38

36 | ourhomes F A L L 2 0 1 4 ourhomes F A L L 2 0 1 4 | 37

feature

“It was a great chance to start over,” laughs the homeowner. “I looked at it as a clean slate. I had shopped at Lionheart Home Collection for years and when we purchased this home my mother, daughter and I kept dropping in to pick out things to furnish it. We soon discovered that Lionheart Home Collection is one of Windsor’s best sources for home décor. I love every one of the staff members and was so inspired by their showroom displays that I knew Lionheart would be my source for everything for our new home – from furniture to art, lamps and accessories.”

“We look at things very differently than other showrooms,” confirms Richard Pursel, Lionheart’s owner and lead design professional. “It’s a point of pride that our displays are not only beautiful but highlight trends and provide inspiration. We try to depict finished rooms in our vignettes so that retail customers can visualize how beautiful their finished space can be.”

Pursel and his wife and business partner Lorree “connected instantly” with the family. “We knew right away we were going to have more than a client/designer relationship,” recalls Richard of their early meetings. “The homeowner has such great taste that in the beginning we were mainly their go-to source for furnishings and accessories. But over time, we’ve created a true collaboration. Because the homeowner loves her home and likes to keep things fresh and interesting, her décor

ABOVE: Richard Pursel from Lionheart is a family friend as well as the homeowner’s go-to designer. RIGHT: The hand-made chandelier in the kitchen eating area is crafted from iron and embellished with crystal accents.

BELOW LEFT: The treasured objects on the coffee table are collected and rearranged with the seasons. The botanical print reflects the natural world just outside the 12-foot window. BELOW RIGHT: This mirrored-front, art deco-inspired chest is one of the homeowner’s favourite pieces. BOTTOM: The dining room has a fantastic view of the spectacular stone fireplace.

Continued on page 40

38 | ourhomes F A L L 2 0 1 4 ourhomes F A L L 2 0 1 4 | 39

feature

is always evolving and accessories change seasonally. Now that we have such a good sense of her taste, during more recent projects she has relied on the Lionheart team to put together a room design and present it to her.”

Indeed, the Lionheart touch is everywhere. The study directly off the entryway is classically opulent. Fringed damask draperies highlight the windows and the view onto the beautifully landscaped front garden. Treasured books add warmth and style. “We spend a lot of time in here reading,” says the homeowner. “Someday I would love to add a baby grand piano.”

A sweeping staircase invites you to the second floor. Opulent floral arrangements, artwork and furniture are strategically placed at the top of the stairs and along the hallway so that everywhere the eye falls, there is beauty and grace.

Downstairs, the home flows from the dining room into a dramatic great room that is dominated by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that truly is the home’s anchor. It’s the perfect place to curl up on a cold fall evening, while leaves patter against the window and darkness closes in.

But the home’s secret weapon is the octagonal-shaped sunroom off the kitchen. This is where the homeowners spend “a huge amount of

The master bedroom is a romantic retreat. It is furnished with soft fabrics and colours and a touch of glitter on the grass cloth wall covering. BELOW: The en suite underscores the restful atmosphere of the bedroom. A crystal chandelier dresses up the room with flashes of sparkle.

Continued on page 42

The only hottub with removable seats!

Member of

2950 Jefferson Blvd. Windsor

519.945.1179poolsbyangelo.com

We do spas!

2959-61 Howard Ave. 519-966-7003 patiopalace.com

40 | ourhomes F A L L 2 0 1 4

feature

time.” With the view of the stately trees, the charming pool house and the stone in-ground pool, the sunroom is “an oasis.” It has an old fashioned gas stove to extend the room’s use during the colder weather. “It’s fantastic to sit out here during a storm,” comments the homeowner. “We love it when rain or snow is falling on the glass overhead and the fireplace is on.”

Another oasis is the recently re-decorated main-floor master bedroom. French doors open onto a covered patio and hot tub. The en suite glitters with gold-flecked wallpaper

and a chandelier that drips with crystal illuminates the soaker tub.

It’s time for one last cup of coffee. Wine is offered but real life calls. It is with reluctance that we take our leave.

But as we walk down the sun-dappled driveway and turn to take one last look, it’s clear. For all its glamour, opulence and style – this is a real home – one where long-standing relationships are formed and where family and friends gather and feel welcome.

It is a place of good vibrations.Good vibrations, indeed. OH

BELOW: The exterior of the home showcases its dramatic windows and soaring angles. BOTTOM: The backyard is an oasis of calm and mature trees. It is especially beautiful on a fall day. RIGHT: The sunroom overlooks the back pool and patio. “It allows us to enjoy our back yard all year round,” says the homeowner.

4072 Walker Rd., Windsor 519.969.0152

theapplianceshoppeofwindsor.com

LOGO DEVELOPMENT V3

THETHE

your home starts here

your home starts here

THE THE

your home starts hereyour home starts here

THE

your home starts here

THE

Don’t forgetto checkout the

Now on display at

220 Edinborough Street519.258.2954

lionheartcollection.com

WE ARE AT IT AGAIN...

25% OFFSTOREWIDE

ENDS OCTOBER 31st

42 | ourhomes F A L L 2 0 1 4

feature