Unique is a common descriptor in real estate, but how many homes truly are?
This 4,500 square foot country log home in Puslinch is built entirely of white pine brought in from Quebec. It sits on the cardinal point, so you can watch the sun rise from the front of the house and set from the back. Even the land the home sits on is one of a kind—an impressive 8 acres that teems with wildlife.
7520 Hammersley Road is a seven-bedroom, 5-bathroom, light-filled home that is perfect to raise a family in. There is room enough for everyone here, with lots of space to entertain, spread out and enjoy.
The interior is filled with thoughtful touches. Slate floors keep you cool in the summer and radiant heat keeps you warm in the winter. The main living space has a commanding three-storey fireplace and a wall of geometric windows; on nights with a beautiful sunset the light streams in. On the upper floors, every bedroom comes with, or shares, an ensuite bathroom. There are views from every room in the house.
Outside, there are comforts aplenty as well, including a gorgeous cedar deck, the perfect spot to take in the sunset. There’s also a hardscaped hot tub, outdoor fireplace and fire pit.
Michael and Linda Foley have lived here 16 years and are the home’s second owners. The original homeowner, from Quebec, was inspired by a style he admired back home. He bought the empty lot and began construction.
“All of the lumber came out of Quebec—it’s all Quebec white pine—and a French crew came down and built the house,” says Michael. “When they were trying to get their occupancy permit to complete the house, the township had no three-storey log homes on file, so they had nothing to compare it to. It’s totally unique in the area.”
When the Foleys bought it, the house wasn’t fully done. Finishing it was a labour of love. They decorated, did the landscaping and added the hot tub.
The neighbourhood has changed significantly since the Foleys started calling 7520 Hammersley home. Originally, a trip to town was a big deal; there was nothing in the south end of Guelph. Now the city is three to five minutes away and has everything you can think of: fine dining, fast food, cinemas, grocery stores, specialty shops, hair salons and banks.
“You drive back home and you’re in your own little paradise,” says Linda. “On a nice sunny day, you can sit out and sometimes you’ll see deer, birds and rabbits, or hear the frogs croaking from the pond. You feel like you’re back in the country.”
In the summer there is complete privacy in the backyard. “It’s probably one of the rarest private lots,” she says.
No herbicides or pesticides have been used on the property in the last 16 years. The house is also on the Guelph aquifer, so the water quality is excellent.
The place abounds with turtles, reptiles and frogs. Bird watchers will love the nesting bluebirds, which are very rare, the starlings, cardinals, blue jays, blackbirds and cowbirds. You may even spot the occasional turkey!
Michael’s advice for the new homeowners? “Enjoy the solitude. You’ve got all the space and the acreage to walk around on. We hope somebody gets the opportunity to enjoy the property and the home.”
For more information on 7520 Hammersley, including the complete listing, an extensive photo gallery and virtual tour, click here.