Family is important to Ron and Helene Scagnetti. The couple’s blended family consists of seven children and 10 grandchildren. Family pictures, including those of the couple’s parents and siblings, have a prominent place on the walls in their two-level home that was designed by Sudbury architect Andy Frick and built by Toffoli Construction 20 years ago.
The terra cottta brick home on the shores of sparkling Lake Wahnapitae with its tiered gardens and patios, outdoor swimming pool and inviting living spaces is the ideal setting for family gatherings.
“My father bought the adjacent property 80 years ago for $50,” says Ron Scagnetti Sr., who grew up in Garson, and as a young man helped out in the family grocery store.
The family enjoyed summers by the lake for many decades, and eventually Scagnetti, the president of Mid-North Motors, decided to tear down his camp and build a permanent residence.
He jokes some neighbours still refer to the dignified residence as “Scag’s Camp.”
The five bedroom, five bathroom home has been tastefully decorated in earth tones such as sand, sea shell, bone, wheat and linen. There is no need to be fussy or over-decorated when every room has a spectacular view of the blue grey waters of Lake Wahnapitae.
Large floor-to-ceiling windows create a strong outdoor-to-indoor connection. The open concept on the lower and main levels add to the sense of wide open spaces.
The one-acre wilderness property was tamed and landscaped by horticulturists at Hollandia Nursery. The grounds are maintained by Northern Fertilizer and Landscapes.
There’s a bocce court by the dock, and every summer the Scagnettis host a tournament for family and friends.
The couple enjoy outdoor entertaining, and can accommodate about 50 people comfortably for an alfresco dinner.
The pool and patio deck area is a popular spot on a warm day for those who aren’t brave enough for a swim in Greater Sudbury’s largest (and coldest) lake.
The pool area leads to the lower level of the home where there’s a hot tub, sauna, and areas for guests to change and shower.
A summer kitchen and bar area makes it convenient for entertaining guests as they sit around the natural wood-burning fireplace or admire the view. The family area opens to the screened patio or Flordia room.
Buckingham Custom Woodcraft built a “family-size” round picnic table, coffee and end tables, and the kitchen cupboards and bar. Made from oak, their rustic look is in keeping with the natural beauty of the home’s setting.
The leather couches and accent pieces were selected from Spencer Furniture to complement the room’s kick-back comfort.
The lower level of the home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Both are tastefully decorated and used by guests.
A staircase leads to the main level of the home and the formal living room and dining room.
Wall-to-wall carpeting on the main level has been replaced in recent years with beautiful birchwood flooring by Remi Gosselin Flooring. The floors and the marble fireplace light up the room.
The cream-coloured sofa and chairs, and complementary tables and end tables were purchased at Spencer Furniture.
Off the living area, double French doors open to the master and mistress’s bedroom and ensuite, which is painted pale pink…the colour of the sands of Bermuda.
Their private bathroom has a shower and a jacuzzi. The huge walk-in closet is enviable.
There are two bedrooms on the main floor, as well as a three-piece bathroom, and a powder room. One of the bedrooms has been converted into an exercise room.
The Scagnettis eat many of their informal meals in a breakfast nook off the main floor kitchen, which was recently given a stylish new look with the addition of ebony appliances. The appliances complement and contrast nicely with the maple cupboards that were made and installed by Buckingham Custom Woodcraft when the house was built. The flooring, ceramic tile, also installed by Remi Gosselin Flooring, and the granite counter tops by Centis Tile and Terrazzo Ltd., add texture and warmth to the room. And both are very easy to keep clean.
As corny as it sounds, for Ron and Helene Scagnetti, who have travelled extensively, there is no place like their home by the lake.
