Designer Ashley Montgomery‘s lower-level reno of a 1970s ranch bungalow for restaurateurs Caitlin and Drew Alford proves that there are basements, and then there are basements. In 2018, when the couple moved in to the Barrie, Ont., house (Buckwheat, their Saint Berdoodle arrived soon after), they were keen on the basement’s pool access and proximity to the ravine setting but disliked the dated interior. The ask was for an inviting lower level with guest rooms for visiting family, a bar for entertaining and a lounge-worthy living area, “or rumpus room that felt like the lakehouse scenes in The Godfather Part II,” says Drew, referring to the movie’s Lake Tahoe lounge pad interiors, replete with stone and wood finishes.
The couple started with a main-floor renovation, which was infused with a dark, rich palette, then they brought in designer Ashley Montgomery to tackle the basement. “We like a warm, laid-back aesthetic, and we love Ashley’s work,” says Caitlin. “There are a lot of antiques in her projects and a depth that feels cozy and beautiful.” Caitlin and Drew are gung ho for old treasures, too; they often hit up antique shows in the U.S. “For the upstairs reno, we filled a box truck with goods from the Round Top Antiques Show in Texas and brought it home,” says Drew. “Collecting is how we decorate.”
Scroll down to see inside this fabulous space!
Much of the basement is painted in Pure & Original’s Old Linen. Here, it provides a warm backdrop for a vintage iron hook rail and bench. Last renovated in the early aughts, the 1,500-square-foot space had three redeeming features: good windows and a garden-grade walkout (which meant natural light flooded the space), and the home was close to the lake. “We have a view of Kempenfelt Bay that you can see when the trees lose their leaves in the fall,” says Caitlin.
The lower-level transformation took only seven months, but Ashley had her work cut out for her. “Let’s be honest: a basement is not the most glamorous area to renovate,” says Ashley (pictured). “But if you can work within its restrictions, you can give the space a unique personality.” The existing footprint had four bedrooms, a bathroom, a poky laundry area and storage space with cinder block walls. The revived scheme sports two guest bedrooms and a full bathroom, an office, a laundry room accessed by pocket doors, Drew’s must-have rumpus room, a powder room and a bar area that services the pool outside.
Walnut paneling in the living area makes a huge impact that’s integral to the overall feel — and the rich wood tone is a perfect companion for the zhuzhed fireplace. Though the fireplace now has a gas insert, logs in the nook on the right add rustic charm. . “It’s been overgrouted in a German schmear–style treatment,” says Ashley. “Old stone fireplaces can look dated; this finish softens it so it’s not straight-edged and cold.”
The bar area is kitchenesque and especially moody. “I find darkness adds soul and character to a space,” says Ashley. “And we didn’t just want a throwaway bar in a basement, so we brought in brass bar detailing, a white vintage-inspired fridge and slate counters.” Mahogany-brown micro Shaker–style cabinets complement walnut-stained V-groove paneling and the open shelving holds a charming collection of vessels, baskets and art pieces.
With the transformation now complete, nostalgic elements shine bright: there’s raw brass plumbing and pulls, shiplap ceilings, café curtains, quaint floral wallpaper and so many vintage vessels that Buckwheat’s wagging tail is deemed a hazard. Character-packed rooms are doused in rich colors, punchy wall treatments and cool antiques — a fabulous mix of English country style and rustic Lake Tahoe vibes.
“We did an integrated nightstand because we were tight on space,” says Ashley of this guest bedroom. “It achieves a complete bedroom look.”
Cement paint above the paneling gives the main bathroom walls and ceiling an enchanting, tonal look.
Pretty fabrics and a vintage-look tub layer in character. Caitlin added skirting to the shower curtain and sewed the café curtain; both textiles bring authenticity to the space.
“I love doing laundry now,” says Caitlin of the vintage-inspired laundry room. Botanical prints from Germany are lovely along the shelf. Subway tile, a peg rail and the brass faucet reinforce the retro vibe.
Checkerboard-style tile and shiplap are the perfect old-timey combo.
A sliding door to the pool was installed in this guest bedroom. The shiplap ceiling and simple bed linens have country style.
The bedroom dresser has the look of an antique.
Caitlin and Drew are delighted with the space: the plush plum sectional has already seen many movie hangs, and overnighters have been welcomed. “Guests tell us it’s like spending a night in a hotel,” says Caitlin. And there’s no better endorsement than that.
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