Build Stratford Blog

Ashhurst Estate Summerhouse - Roof skeleton

8/26/2015

Lone photo of the Summerhouse was taken for the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1937.

Our recreation of the Summerhouse from the Ashhurst Estate in Mount Holly, NJ is taking form. The bell curve, six foot tall, wooden roof skeleton will be covered in copper by a local metalsmith. With only one black and white photo in existence, we can only estimate the surface material originally used. But we do think the natural patina of a weathered copper roof will suit this building beautifully.

We will continue to post progress reports on our blog as we move forward. If you are interested in obtaining this historic piece for your own garden, let us know!

The roof is taking form in our shop.

Rory McDonnell is a Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build in Stratford, Ontario.

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We Love Your House - Hibernia St.

8/24/2015

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This refined Stratford home on Hibernia St. is a two bay, red brick cottage with pleasing, symmetrical proportions. The textural cedar roof and contrasting Georgian style transomed door are details that add understated elegance to an otherwise simple facade. The subtle quoined corners create a whisper of detail which only adds to the charm.

A fine example of the less is more philosophy of home design which we at Build choose to follow.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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Outbuilding Bliss

8/20/2015

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At one time, not so long ago, it was very common to adorn our secondary or outbuildings with the same sensible proportions, style and occasionally even a bit of architectural whimsy or folly of our principal residences. Here are a few notable local examples:

A garage in London Ontario, from a time when carriage houses were handing over the reins to the horseless carriage - nice proportions, interesting gable end detailing over the garage door - and obviously well built as its stood the test of time.

A barn just down the road from my own house sports a pair of interesting ventilators that also double as lightening protection. The form and visual appeal seem almost as important as their function - good design at it's very best.

This unique carriage house is tucked away behind an equally impressive house in the village of Ayr. There's a good bit of whimsy here, the turret and the large arched brick opening being definite "form not following function" details. I always wonder who commissioned such wonderful little buildings, and imagine they enjoyed looking at them every day.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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Ashhurst Estate Summerhouse

8/19/2015

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Original perspective drawing for the Summerhouse.

When Dr. Chris Cooper of Vintage Home Charm magazine posted to his blog, "is there anybody out there up to the challenge to build such an amazing folly?" in regards to plans he had found for the long lost Summerhouse from the Ashhurst Estate in Mount Holly, NJ, we knew that it needed to be built. This late 19th century gazebo would have been the centerpiece of an elegant garden, and when it is complete it may be the perfect respite from modern toils in your own backyard... no cell phones allowed! let us know if you are interested in giving it a home.

Summerhouse details: cornice, caps and roof finial.

Summerhouse details: seat legs, lattice and mouldings.

Summerhouse elevations from all sides.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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We Love Your House - Sanderson Eedy House

8/18/2015

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This beautiful St. Mary's limestone cottage, known as the Sanderson Eedy House, was built for John Sanderson, a pioneer lumberman in the area in 1849. The two storey addition was added in 1869. The outstanding stonework has been attributed to James Elliott, the Opera House's master mason. The Italianate style entrance porch was added later; however, the integration is seamless and stunning.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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We Love Your House!

8/17/2015

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Stone farmhouse inspiration from the past.

At Build, we spend an inordinate amount of time observing houses. The transformation of styles from generations past is our living reference library. These details allow us to develop thoughtful solutions to your old house concerns and to also create a nostalgic look and feel to your new build house. Hence our tagline, Traditional & Modern Heritage Builders.

Why does Build care so much about getting these details correct? Because we love your house as much as you do. Maintaining its unique authenticity, restoring or retaining its character, the same details that drew you to it the day you first saw it, is what we love to do.

We often see lovely houses, obviously owned by people who care as much as we do. We will celebrate these houses on our blog each week. These houses aren't the biggest on the block, and are not shrines to the garage, but they have unique character and stand true to their history.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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Build Summer 15 Newsletter

8/5/2015

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A perfect summer read for a perfect summer! Our Summer 2015 newsletter is ready to enjoy. Some summer sippers include a Canadian Farmer home renovation in Ayr, a cottage-y addition to an Ontario Cottage, and progress on our historic Summerhouse build. Grab a cocktail, a hammock and a moment of relaxation while you peruse.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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Rory McDonnell

I am a licensed carpenter,
an experienced general contractor, and a qualified architectural designer. My expertise is in building, restoring, and renovating new custom homes and heritage homes with respect for their inherent details.

I want to share with you my impressions of the good, the bad and the ugly in the construction and renovation industry.

Ashhurst Estate Summerhouse - Roof skeleton

We Love Your House - Hibernia St.

Outbuilding Bliss

Ashhurst Estate Summerhouse

We Love Your House - Sanderson Eedy House

We Love Your House!

Build Summer 15 Newsletter

Rory McDonnell

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