Country Homes
Keri MacLellan Designs a Modern Farmhouse Inspired by the English Countryside
Published on January 13, 2026
Georgina Mitropoulos and Fraser Macfarlane first met while working together at Toronto’s Scaramouche. After spending time at top restaurant kitchens in London, U.K., they returned to Canada, opened their own restaurant, Quatrefoil, in Dundas, Ont., in 2010 and later welcomed their boys Charlie and James.
Eventually, they bought land with a modest home, open fields and barns for horses. Their vision? To build a 3,000-square foot modern farmhouse that reflected their deep appreciation for food and nature, with subtle nods to British design.
The couple had met Toronto designer Keri MacLellan through a mutual friend and thought she would be the perfect person to help bring their vision to life: Keri had also spent time in London designing restaurant and hotel interiors and was equally inspired by the U.K. “They wanted something you’d see in the English countryside, and I understood what they meant,” says Keri.
Homeowners Georgina Mitropoulos and Fraser Macfarlane.
“We loved the property and the location, but the existing house wasn’t ideal for our family,” says Fraser. “The boys’ bedrooms were tiny, and it only had one bathroom.”
The newly built farmhouse is located on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment, a setting reminiscent of the English countryside.
She worked with Fraser, Georgina and builder Onelife Design & Build to create an open floor plan and interiors that had a modern outlook yet rustic charm, indoor-outdoor appeal, and a place for horses to roam, all with the Niagara Escarpment as a beautiful backdrop.
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Westgrove founder and principal designer Keri MacLellan.
“They wanted their house to feel open and lived-in, to have space where they could cook and entertain, and they hoped for a sense of communal living for their family of four,” adds Keri.
One of the family’s horses, a Clydesdale named Maude, never misses a chance for a closeup. Pendant, Pinch.
“The paddock is right outside the house, and there are views from every room,” says Keri.
The pendant in the living room makes a statement. “It’s made of little coco beads,” says Keri. “We wanted to bring in texture and fill the huge void in the ceiling, so the light comes down quite far into the space.”
The four-bedroom bungalow boasts a V shape and has a warm, modern vibe. One side is made up of the family’s bedrooms and ensuites, and the other has the common spaces, often used for entertaining.
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A tall, elegant archway in the living room leads to the airy dining area.
“Fraser and Georgina are consummate hosts,” says Keri. “It was key for the design to be super functional, especially in the places where people gather.”
Keri wanted to keep the double-sided fireplace simple, so she opted for a microcement finish on the chimney breast and a limestone mantelpiece.
Modern architectural elements — sleek archways, black-framed windows and doors, a two-sided limestone fireplace and shiplap-clad ceilings — add laid-back sophistication.
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A modern farmhouse wouldn’t be complete without a mudroom. The raised dog shower — their vizsla, Hannah, is enjoying it here — comes in handy. Storage cabinets, wall hooks and bench seating make up the rest of the space.
A tranquil, earthy palette carries throughout the house — even in the more utilitarian spaces including the mudroom, complete with dog shower, and the butler’s pantry.
Designed to look like furniture, the L-shaped island is where the chefs prep. The pendants have a minimalist vibe.
The lofty, expansive kitchen is fit for two chefs and ideal for dinner parties. “Most of our gatherings end up here, and all the windows and the high ceilings make it feel inviting and comfortable,” says Fraser. “Being chefs, we went big on appliances and chose a large side-by-side fridge-freezer, a half-gas half- induction Fisher & Paykel range and a steam oven for the pantry.”
Open shelves in the pantry show off dishware and some of the pieces the couple has collected over the years.
Keri also brought in rustic vintage finds to create a lived-in feel and nod to their shared love of British style. Striking the right balance between this warm, collected look and the modern architectural elements in such an open plan was a challenge, as was making sure storage was plentiful.
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The curve of the pantry archway adds softness in the hardworking space.
“We worked hard in the pantry, laundry room and mudroom to ensure there was built-in storage that would feel complementary to the overall design,” she says. She loved that the project was a collaborative experience — working with local contractors and tradespeople was a highlight. “The local team, especially millworker Hamilton Holmes, was pivotal in making sure the job was on track and being built just as we had envisioned.”
Having three places to sit in the kitchen–dining area perfectly fits the way this family operates. “They use the banquette for eating with the kids and as a place to work and read,” says Keri.
Fraser’s favourite room in the house is the kitchen — of course — and Georgina agrees, adding that she also loves the banquette area, where the boys eat breakfast every morning. “Creating a home experience for them was exciting — our visions really gelled,” says Keri. “It’s so nice knowing this is their forever place.”
Large windows flood the principal bedroom with natural light. The casual coverlet and flowy drapes contribute to the tranquil feeling. A replica of the Mona Lisa in needlepoint is a quirky, personal touch.
Their new home is a quick drive from now Michelin-recommended Quatrefoil, where Fraser remains head chef and Georgina helps manage the restaurant while taking care of the boys and her horses.
The principal bathroom was designed to have a spa vibe; the floor tile has a pebble-like texture that feels great underfoot. “We used the same stone in the kitchen, but we did a polished finish here,” says Keri.
“I love being surrounded by nature here; it feels calm and relaxing,” says Fraser.
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Antique-look brass faucets add heritage charm in the ensuite.
Checkered floor tile brings visual interest in one of the boy’s bathrooms. “They’re just pool tiles, but we did an interesting pattern with them,” says Keri.
The modern farmhouse has one wing for bedrooms and bathrooms and one wing for the kitchen, living and dining areas.
From start to finish, the project took two and a half years to complete but, for Fraser and Georgina, it was well worth it.
Lauren Miller, Nick Ciaglia (exterior)
Kaela Shaw