Homeward Bound
Family values and forward design align at the Lakeshore Residence from Easton Homes, part of a portfolio that’s been 30 years in the making.
By Eve Thomas | Photography by Younes Bounhar
When the Easton Homes team got an invitation to dinner, they took it as a seal of approval. It wasn’t a business dinner or for a fundraising event; it was a personal invite from a client, and it was at the home they helped bring to life: the Lakeshore Residence, in Port Credit, Mississauga.
It was also fitting that their return to the sprawling waterfront property was for dinner, as the home’s kitchen and dining area were a central focus of their work alongside architectural designer Nathan Buhler of BLDG Workshop and designer Dragana Maznic. “They’re a family of four and both parents love to cook, to have breakfast, lunch and dinner together,” says Jacob Cianciolo, director of Easton Homes and son of founder and president Leo Cianciolo.
The residence—and Easton Homes itself—is proof that family values and stunning design can go hand in hand, a philosophy that has kept Easton Homes going for over 30 years. The property’s exterior is a feat of artistry and skill, a mix of Shou Sugi Ban charred wood siding, Corten steel accents and smooth Indiana limestone, plus a triple-paned curved window.
“Anything but out-of-the box,” says Jacob Cianciolo. While his father’s background is in civil engineering, Cianciolo learned on the job, practically growing up on work sites. “You can find photos of me as a baby by a pile of lumber,” he says with a laugh. “Leo has so much experience, and Jacob brings a fresh perspective,” adds Becky Seath, Easton’s business manager.
Inside, Cianciolo tries to narrow down his list of standout elements, though it’s a tall order. The obvious choice for a top spot: the 15,000-pound crust-faced Indiana limestone floating wood-burning fireplace. The textured stone is an unconventional choice and helps to transform the fireplace from pure function to a towering sculptural focal point. Throughout, floors by Khayeri Flooring set an elegant stage for the home.
Then there is the 500-plus-bottle wine cellar. Rather than remaining tucked away, visible only to anyone who ventures down to the basement, it is lit up and on view from the kitchen’s wine display through a glass floor. Suddenly, a space that is often cold or isolated becomes part of the main event.
Yet another standout feature of the home, according to Cianciolo: the staircase. Departing from traditional white oak flooring, it features contrasting walnut treads and a handrail that was painstakingly welded over weeks to give the appearance of one unbroken piece, with an organic, rusted look. Like the rest of the home, it’s not just the result; it’s all the careful steps it took to bring it to life and the relationships with trusted partners.
“After 30 years, we’ve learned that the experience matters just as much as the home. That’s why being on site is simply part of how we take care of our clients.”
Upstairs, skylights bathe the walnut-clad hallway, which opens to the foyer below. Farther down the hall, a hidden door opens to the primary bedroom while floating stairs lead up to the rooftop patio. Downstairs is a world unto itself. There awaits a home office with ensuite (with a similar flush panel door), as well as a veritable at-home wellness retreat, with aesthetics inspired by destination spas. Facilities include a steam room with floating heated seating, a custom sauna and a gym with sections for weights and spinning, overlooked by a hand-painted custom cyclist-themed mural.
Outside, with unobstructed views of Lake Ontario, Easton Homes has a clear advantage—the company offers landscaping services with its custom builds. “A lot of time, the drawings aren’t done up until a month before move-in,” Cianciolo points out. “The beauty of doing it in-house is that it starts with the foundations, and the result is cohesive. Nothing is an afterthought.” Out-buildings include a cabana and pergola by the outdoor kitchen, all designed as natural offshoots of the house itself. Even the pizza oven, which had to be craned in, works with the environment.
In a property full of showstoppers, here lies yet another one vying for top spot: an enormous all-season swimming pool. “One of the kids is a huge swimmer and loves to race his dad, so they wanted half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool,” Cianciolo says. “Plus, space to lounge and heated areas. And the father told me, ‘I’d love to have this open all year.’” That means a lot of work behind the scenes, including the less glamorous task of water management, as well as accommodating the lot’s natural incline.
The result is awe-inspiring but not ostentatious. And this approach—mixing luxury with a personal touch—is why Easton Homes continues to excel after three decades.
“People are always impressed by how hands-on we are,” says Cianciolo. “After 30 years, we’ve learned that the experience matters just as much as the home. That’s why being on site is simply part of how we take care of our clients.”
The Lakeshore Residence is proof that this attention to detail continues to pay off. It turns out the project was the result of a referral, that the sister of one of the owners had been a client a few years earlier. “When they were looking, she told her, 'You have to work with them,’” Cianciolo says. It’s a vote of confidence that can’t be bought and proof positive of a job well done.