Architectural artistryPublished on October 15, 2014

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  • Sparkling white and sliced brick carrera marble from Centura Tile

  • French doors from family room lead to patio and pool

  • Kitchen by River Woodworks

  • Family heirlooms in dining room

  • Entry arches influenced from original detail

Fans of the renowned Ottawa architect W.E. Noffke are going to enjoy visiting one of his grand houses during this year's Homes for the Holidays tour. The Noffke house was built in Rockcliffe Park in the late 1920s, but a recently completed year-long redevelopment has not only restored the distinctive character of the home, it has enhanced the original design and improved its structural function for family living.

Working from early architectural drawings of the house, the proud new homeowners enlisted the professional help of Robertson Martin Architects to ensure their ideas respected Noffke's vision. The husband and wife team planned the exterior and interior design themselves in collaboration with Laurin General Contractor and landscape architect John Szczepaniak. It was a meticulous rebuild with considerable care to preserve the beautiful village heritage of the residence and property.

SPLENDID SYMMETRY

To maintain the Tudor-style exterior of the house, the stucco was finished in a grey-white tone to blend authentically with the stonework and older beams. The restoration process also removed unsightly renovations that conflicted with the architectural character. An underground garage that was added to the front was taken out and relocated around the corner of the property to form a sizable, but discreet, double garage and driveway. The out-dated solarium and deck on the back of the home were replaced by the new addition and landscaped patio. In a seamless link between old and new, an original dormer window was also moved from one side of the house to another for perfect symmetry of exterior features.

INNER BEAUTY

From the entrance, the warmth of cognac-stained maple flooring flows up the central staircase and down to the basement.

The original dining room and living room are connected to the new areas of the home through a series of pointed Tudor arches that copy an original architectural detail and provide a unifying feature.

 The high, coffered-ceiling family room with a fireplace and patio doors is open to a stunning kitchen that features a distinctive slab of polished granite on the island and shaker-style cabinetry in white linen. An eating area with bay windows overlooking the patio and backyard is a favourite gathering place.

DREAMY SPACES

Upstairs, numerous rooms include the former master bedroom which is now the domain of their teenage daughter, while the third-floor loft provides privacy for her older brother. The upper level of the new addition is devoted to a luxurious master suite. Elevated by a few steps to accommodate the higher ceiling in the family room below, double doors provide a sense of drama to the bedroom to complete the luxury restoration.

Mill Street Florists will work their magic during the Homes for the Holidays tour.




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