If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving city life behind to build a farmhouse in the country, designer Allison Willson’s journey proves it’s possible.
After years of searching, she and her husband found 50 untouched acres just outside Toronto, where they lived in an Airstream while planning their dream home. Collaborating with architect James Pearson, they designed a cozy U-shaped farmhouse that embraces the land’s beauty.
Inside, features like oak beams, vintage lanterns, and limestone walls create a storybook kitchen that feels timeless, blending new construction with the charm of a centuries-old country retreat.
1. Mudroom
Willson loves how the space invites you to truly unwind, explaining that the tumbled, chipped surfaces make it feel instantly comfortable and lived-in.
She carefully sourced the reclaimed cobblestones for the floor from Eco Outdoor, adding rich character underfoot. Overhead, a vintage ceiling light from Victorian Revival casts a warm glow, setting the perfect mood.
The table from Schwung anchors the room beautifully, while knobs by Ashley Norton add the finishing touch, blending rustic charm with thoughtful details that make the entire space feel welcoming and effortlessly cozy.
2. Hallway
This serene hallway exudes rustic elegance with its warm wood ceiling beams and oversized cream-colored floor tiles that ground the space beautifully.
Soft, neutral drapery frames tall black-framed windows, letting in ample natural light and offering a view of the golden treetops outside. A round wooden table topped with a dramatic clamshell planter filled with lush greenery serves as a stunning focal point.
Vintage-inspired armchairs and sculptural stone stools add character, while a row of distinctive pendant lights draws the eye through the hallway toward a cozy dining nook at the far end.
3. Family Room
Willson envisioned a space that embodied laid-back living with a nod to the beauty of the great outdoors. She chose Shaded White by Farrow & Ball for the walls, creating a warm backdrop that feels inviting.
Custom drapery in linen from Tonic Living softens the windows, while a Montauk Sofa covered in Studio Four NYC fabric and custom armchairs from Silva Custom Furniture add layers of comfort.
Wanting the room to feel cozy rather than sprawling, Willson’s brother crafted a fireplace with antique brick from François & Co., anchored by a chandelier from Wish Designs and a plush shearling armchair from Crate & Barrel.
4. Kitchen
Willson added a unique touch to the kitchen by giving the island’s countertop a distinctive double bullnose profile that instantly catches the eye. The ceiling is dressed in a beautiful wall covering from Kravet, adding unexpected texture and pattern overhead.
Shoppe Amber Interiors counter stools tuck perfectly along the island, while hardware from Upper Canada Specialty Hardware brings subtle elegance.
Honed Arabescato marble counters soften the entire space with their rich texture, which Willson loves for its visual interest. Faucets and a pot filler from Waterworks complete the look with timeless sophistication.
5. Marble Countertops
This stunning kitchen blends rustic warmth with refined details, featuring textured stone walls and exposed wooden beams that bring a cozy, old-world charm.
Dramatic marble countertops with striking veining rest on a mix of light oak and black cabinetry, accented by brass hardware for a touch of sophistication. A grand black range and matching vent hood create a bold focal point, while a vintage-inspired lantern adds character overhead.
The narrow runner rug softens the wooden floor, and large windows invite natural light, completing a space that feels both timeless and beautifully livable.
6. Rustic Charm
This corner feels timeless and earthy with its rustic stone walls framing open wooden shelves stacked with artisanal ceramics in creamy whites and splattered greens.
A striking marble countertop with bold gray veining adds a touch of luxury, perfectly paired with warm wood cabinetry below. The brass faucets over the sleek black sink lend an elegant vintage vibe, while a small potted plant and a cozy table lamp bring softness and warmth.
Sunlight filters in through black-framed windows, highlighting every texture and making the space feel both welcoming and beautifully layered.
7. Scullery
With a generous south-facing window flooding the room with natural light, Willson felt free to take a bold step and paint the walls in the moody, dramatic shade of Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball.
The rich color adds depth and sophistication that’s beautifully complemented by custom cabinetry from Against the Grain, which brings warmth and character to the space.
Overhead, a vintage pendant sourced from Big Ship Salvage hangs like a piece of history, adding a touch of nautical charm and making the room feel both cozy and distinctive.
8. Dining Room
Willson loves how the deep arch instantly gives the room the character of an old stone building, adding a sense of timeless charm that makes the space feel special.
Overhead, vintage pendants from Victorian Revival cast a warm, inviting glow that brings coziness to every meal. The sconces from Obsolete provide a gentle light that highlights the arch beautifully.
A vintage dining table and chairs complete the setting, creating an atmosphere that feels both elegant and welcoming, perfect for gathering friends and family in a space that feels rich with history.
9. Primary Bedroom
From the comfort of the bed, there’s nothing quite like gazing through the doors by the fireplace and soaking up the stunning view of Georgian Bay.
The warm glow of sconces from Obsolete casts a relaxing light, while a coffee table from Prize Home + Garden sits perfectly within reach for your morning coffee.
Plush armchairs from Montauk Sofa invite you to curl up and unwind, and a soft rug by Allan Rug ties everything together, making this space feel like the ultimate cozy retreat with a breathtaking backdrop.
10. Dressing Room
This inviting dressing room exudes rustic charm with a weathered wooden cabinet featuring diamond-patterned doors and a marble top that adds a touch of elegance.
A pair of classic table lamps and a vase of fresh greenery sit atop the cabinet, creating a warm, welcoming vignette. A tall mirror behind the cabinet reflects the soft light streaming through black-framed glass doors, which open to a stone patio outside.
Natural textures, muted colors, and cozy details combine to make this space feel both timeless and comfortably lived-in.
11. Children’s Room
Willson dreamed of creating a space that felt both lively and soothing for her one-year-old, balancing playful energy with a sense of calm.
She added a personal touch by transforming the ottoman herself, dressing it up with charming bullion fringe trim she found at Len’s Mill Stores.
A classic crib from Stokke anchors the room, while a vibrant vintage suzani discovered at the Round Top Antiques Fair brings in layers of pattern and history. Overhead, a unique ceiling light from Pinch completes the nursery with a soft, whimsical glow.
12. Bathroom
Willson can’t get enough of the Barry Dixon mural that welcomes everyone into the entryway. She lights up when she talks about the tiny farm animals hidden in the scene, saying it brings a playful charm that feels perfectly at home in the space.
The ceiling light from Residential Lighting adds a warm, inviting glow that makes the whole room feel cozy. And the Drummonds tub nearby completes the look, creating a beautiful blend of whimsy and comfort that makes this entryway truly unforgettable.