For over 20 years, Gilbert + Burke has built some of the most luxurious homes and cottages throughout Ontario’s cottage country. Looking to the future, the luxury design firm looks to expand its geographical coverage to become the builder of choice for anyone looking to create a truly unique property.
Their team consists of gifted designers and construction experts who have completed stunning projects on some of the most difficult terrains. Gilbert + Burke remains committed to developing lasting relationships and exceeding expectations through quality craftsmanship, proactive communication, and efficient processes. This dedication to excellence is why so many of their clients come back to build something new or remodel an existing property.
Bring Your Vision to Life
When building a custom luxury home or cottage, every design element must be carefully considered to ensure it matches perfectly with your vision. Gilbert + Burke’s signature approach ensures the finished product is visually stunning, highly functional, and uniquely you. When you walk through it for the first time, you just feel the originality. Here’s how they do it.
Personalized approach: Their team will have many conversations with you to understand your needs, style, and preferences. What sets Gilbert + Burke apart from other luxury design firms is their ability to match design concepts with your vision. You’re only bound by the limits of your creativity and the practical constraints of materials, technology, and building processes. This gives you a level of customization that will make your custom home a true singularity.
Proactive problem-solving: There will always be challenges in the building process. Gilbert + Burke is proactive in identifying these problems quickly, communicating them to you, and providing efficient solutions.
Exceptional communication: At Gilbert + Burke, clear communication and transparency are the cornerstones of their successful design-build process. They take pride in being a builder you can depend on and trust.
Proven systems: Gilbert + Burke has refined their processes over the past 20+ years. Their strong relationships with local subcontractors and efficient coordination of all the moving parts provide you with a seamless building process from start to finish.
Sustainable building practices: Gilbert + Burke makes it a priority to stay on the leading edge of sustainable construction practices. These practices can reduce the environmental impact of your project and provide the opportunity to increase energy efficiency in your home.
Custom Builds Unique to You
A custom luxury home allows you to reflect your personal style with selected finishes, unique design options, and features to align with your lifestyle. This can include home theatres, wine cellars, waterfall bathroom fixtures, saunas, outdoor sports courts, custom boathouses, and much more.
Custom homes and cottages also allow you to implement more energy-efficient and eco-friendly features than standard homes. These features can have a higher upfront cost but may result in cost savings over time.
With a custom build from Gilbert + Burke, you can experience a level of comfort and luxury that simply can’t be found in a pre-built home. The result is a space where you are proud to bring family, friends, or business associates to create timeless memories.
With a custom build from Gilbert + Burke, you can experience a level of comfort and luxury that simply can't be found in a pre-built home.
Signature Projects
Muskoka Cottage in the Pines: Nestled in the lush pine forest of Muskoka, this bespoke cottage by Gilbert + Burke is a true work of art. The design showcases the breathtaking views of the rockscape and landscaped surroundings, blending contemporary finishes with natural rustic touches.
The western red cedar ceilings and Douglas Fir timber-frame structure complement the exterior, while the stone and wood interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The custom-made wine fridge and the barrel-ceiling entry add a touch of luxury and elegance.
The centrepiece of the great room is a four-sided fireplace, and each octagon porch features its own fireplace. With functional timber frames, custom-made furniture, and a movie room, this cottage offers a next-level experience that truly reflects a signature Peter Groza original design.
Haliburton Lake House Rebuild: Gilbert + Burke was tasked with building a lakeside family cottage on a tiny lot with a rich family history. The project aimed to create a spacious retreat that could accommodate multiple families and aging parents while also telling a new story. The new build was constructed on the site of a family-owned cottage from the 1950s and featured large, lake-level windows and natural touches.
One of the most important aspects of the build was to continue the family legacy and create a multi-generational home. An interesting challenge was the location of the property. It required measures to direct melting snow and rainwater to the lake, including the implementation of a french drain and additional measures in the crawl space.
Muskoka Boathouse Retreat: Gilbert + Burke designed and built a unique, eco-friendly boathouse off of Lake Muskoka, which complements the natural environment and maximizes space for entertainment. The structure was built on steel posts over the water and tied back to the rocky shoreline to ensure stability without damaging the surroundings.
Gilbert + Burke used thermally treated ash lumber for the boathouse decking, steps, and lower deck for a natural, weather-resistant material. The boathouse features enthralling design choices, such as underwater LED lighting, clear-view glass railings, and glass garage doors that open up to the lake.
Despite the challenges presented by the rocky landscape, the result is a sleek architectural marvel highlighting the beauty of Muskoka’s lakeshore and providing executive-level space for relaxation, dining, and entertaining.
Turn your vision into a reality.
Build Your Legacy
With a focus on customized utility and quality craftsmanship, Gilbert + Burke builds homes designed to match the lifestyle of sophisticated clientele. From cutting-edge design concepts to using premium materials to sustainable building practices, their luxury design firm can construct a generational masterpiece for you and your family.
Anyone building a custom luxury home deserves a builder whose process and experience deliver a rock-solid foundation on which to build their legacy. Get in touch with them today to learn more about how they can turn your vision into a reality.
