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Redesigning a room or two is one thing. But an entire five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house? It could have been a daunting task, especially for someone with no training or background in design. But Justin Bock had a clear vision and “a love of doing it” when he upgraded and customized his new home top to bottom. That vision was inspired by views of the Blue Mountains from his living room and primary bedroom, where oversized windows frame the natural world outside. The panorama is the “star of the show,” according to Bock, who prioritized paying homage to the landscape. He also wanted to bring nature indoors with complementary design elements. The homeowner imbued his builder-grade house just west of Collingwood with a “very comfortable and lived-in esthetic … not a curated feel.” The result, from the finished lower level to the second floor, is a warm, inviting space filled with nature-inspired materials and textures, neutral colour palettes and other touches that “make the home our own.” Bock, an agent with Bosley Real Estate, shares the bright, airy abode with his partner and three dogs. Pieces of art, including a cherished painting by Bock’s grandfather and others inspired by Georgian Bay, add colour. He calls his design theme “coastal mid-century modern” that’s influenced by the greenery and water beyond. The upgrades and structural changes, which range from lighting and layout to features and finishes, were done during and after construction. The house was built by Georgian Communities in an architectural style that fuses farmhouse and cottage. It was completed last spring. Bock moved from the GTA to the heartland of Ontario’s popular four-season playground more than five years ago, lured by a slower, quieter lifestyle with a vacation vibe. (According to a recent StatCan report, Collingwood is the happiest place to live in Ontario.) While the town of 27,000, less than two-and-a-half hours north of Toronto, is famous for year-round recreation, fall is considered the most beautiful time of year. Bock calls it “pure magic … pretty spectacular” when the trees change colour with the cooler temperatures. There’s a plethora of things to do with hiking and cycling trails for miles and endless attractions, from wineries and restaurants to children’s activities and the many-splendoured Blue Mountain Village.
