At Timber Ridge Homes, the cottage is more than just a structure to house great times and get-togethers. They see the cottage as part of the family and construct resort properties with this in mind.
Over the last couple of decades, Jason and Gerrilyn Fehr have made Timber Ridge Homes the go-to company for the design and construction of homes and cottages that accentuate the family element.
“These are places where families make memories, gather and escape the stresses of daily life. Over the years, cottages take on a life of their own and become like one of the family. Our designs take this into mind and enhance and support a family’s need to be together and celebrate life,” says Jason Fehr.
Timber Ridge Home’s show home at Caddy Lake in the Whiteshell is a perfect case in point. Located on the Northwest corner of Caddy Lake, the low profile property offers 1600 square feet on the main level with another 250 square feet of loft space. Altogether there are three bedrooms, two baths, and a spacious screen room amid a post and beam timber design reminiscent of mountain chalets.
The Fehr’s design utilized wood and natural elements throughout both interior and exterior aspects. For example, while the exterior utilizes PVC windows for their maintenance-free good looks, the interior has wood jamb extensions that accentuate the open timber design. The design looked to a Swiss-sourced solid granite rock sink carved from a single stone in the ensuite bathroom off the master bedroom area and in the main bathroom. The exterior is a mix of Hardie Board siding and cedar shake to create a timeless lakefront curb appeal that works effortlessly with the natural landscape.
“We placed a lot of windows to help bring the outside in,” says Jason, adding that views from every room are a masterpiece. “In the screen room, we turned to Weather Master for the full-sized screens that offer priceless views of the lake and forest.”
According to Jason, they were fortunate to acquire the very private site that features a southeast view over the lake. This position means prevailing winds blow out to the bay and leave waters calm close to the shore. The low-profile lot also provides easy access to a stunning beach that’s ideal for children to splash and play, or for kayak and canoe fun. The massive wood deck at the shore’s edge is a perfect relaxation destination to soak up the summer sun or for stargazing.
“In the kitchen, the design has a farm-house feel. We went with an unusual millwork style that uses a mixed rough sawn pine in combination with the cabinetry to enhance the cabin feel in both the kitchen and on bathroom vanities.”
The flooring is another key element that adds to the overall design. Jason reports that they utilized Chateauneuf oak hardwood throughout. “It’s rustic and durable, and the butterfly joints really make this floor a thing of beauty. We picked it because we have kids, and we know how easily sand and dirt can get tracked into a home, especially at the lake. Clean-up is a breeze with this floor.”
The fireplace is another important design aspect that adds to the cozy attributes of this lakeside home. Manufactured by Astria Fireplaces, the unit itself offers great design and performance with its Montecito Estate model. The firebox is housed inside a full wall chimney made with Eldorado Stone, an element that blends and heightens the mountain chalet design.
According to Jason, the Caddy Lake property is an example of how they marry great design with family needs. “Each family has their unique requirements. Our goal is to have each new home we build achieve its full potential, and when clients input and ask questions, this helps us get to a place of total satisfaction for our customers.”
It all starts with an initial meeting to establish the big picture. “Then we get together at the design stage and invite interaction as we move forward. All along the way, we encourage clients to be on-site as often as they can. This visibility helps to ensure we are meeting all expectations.”
Relationships are an important aspect of Timber Ridge’s success. For example, the company undertakes 8-10 new builds each year in cottage country. To do this, they have established strong associations with organizations such as Manitoba Parks and Recreation.
“We understand the regulations and the mission of the agency. Together we work as a team to make the build as seamless as possible, given the pristine nature of the environment in this beautiful area,” he says, concluding that building a property that captures the essence of family is one that is all about relationships.
