When Roger Bouthillier and Gerald Hashey began
searching for a place to call home, they wanted to create a space that would nurture and support their new
life together. “At the time we were renting and really sensed the importance of investing. It made good
financial sense, and it also represented the leap we were taking in committing to each other,” Bouthillier
recalls.
It was also imperative to consider Hashey’s sons Luc, 12, and Sam, 8. The home they chose would have to
be spacious, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and other amenities for the boys. It was important to
Bouthillier that the boys’ mother, Deborah, be included in the equation. In fact, the couple even invited her
to view the condo before purchasing so she could endorse the space her sons would inhabit semi-regularly.
Bouthillier had previously lived in a condo at Bishop’s Landing on the Halifax waterfront, and enjoyed the
convenience condo living offered. Plus, the couple share in the upkeep of Deborah’s home, and maintaining two
houses was not an appealing option. So they went condo shopping. The penthouse suite at Gladstone Ridge
they found offered panoramic views of Halifax, the harbour, the bridges and beyond, plus an outdoor pool (a
major selling feature) and a bright sunny gym on the first floor. Not only that, it was within walking
distance of work and other amenities. They also liked the development’s location on the cusp of two
neighbourhoods: the west end with its tree-lined streets and shops, and the more urban areas of central-north
Halifax. The whole family also loves the grassy “backyard” covering much of the underground parking.
Bouthillier calls it “the biggest yard the boys have ever had.”
The decision to put family first also had a strong influence over the design and renovation process.
Part of the condo’s appeal was that it was only partially finished, leaving plenty of opportunity to
create a customized living environment. But for two busy professionals, it quickly became clear the
added responsibility of managing the design and renovation process would become all-consuming. For example,
when a half-hour visit to a local flooring supplier left Bouthillier and Hashey with a car full of samples
and two heads full of confusion, they decided to call in the professionals.
Bouthillier approached a friend at a local design firm with their needs and vision for the space. A
somewhat limited budget — and an unlimited wish list — put the designers through their paces, balancing
aesthetic concerns with practical and financial ones. “We soon realized our original budget was unrealistic
given the finishes we wanted,” Bouthillier admits. “But our design consultants gently convinced us of the
value of investing more in certain areas and helped us make the most effective choices.”
The design team also encouraged the homeowners to take a few chances. “When they came to us with the sample
for our floor I was shocked,” says Bouthillier. “I told them it looked like barn board, but now that it’s
installed, we really love it. In fact, the building manager came in to drop off some paperwork, and she
actually got down on her hands and knees, running her hands over the floor, she loved it so much.”
Other favourite aspects of the design include the space’s sense of unity. “While each room has its own
character, there is this sense of cohesiveness,” Hashey says. “You feel that the space has been
professionally conceived, but it still reflects who we are as individuals.” The design was then rounded
out by classic-modern furniture pieces. When it comes to Bouthillier’s favourite aspect of the condo, it’s
difficult for him to choose between the kitchen and the master bathroom. “The kitchen is stunning, sexy and
masculine, the glass tile backsplash simply glows at night. And the master bath has a real hotel chic
sensibility. I love them both.” •
