Stephanie’s 1914 Venue Adventure on Ventress Road, Brighton. CW
Stephanie Foster grew up on a farm appreciating nature and horses. Whatever her childhood dreams were, she certainly did not expect to take over running a car dealership, but that’s where her life lead. One day during a meeting about the family farm’s future direction, her brother proposed the idea of turning one of the old barns into a wedding venue. Though the family thought the idea had merit, it was felt the time was not right. However, her brother’s suggestion implanted itself in Stephanie’s mind. “The idea never left me, it was always there in the background.”
Following the birth of their second child, fate made a most timely intervention in Stephanie’s life. She had been feeling less committed to her career as the owner of a local car dealership. She contemplated the prospect of staying in a business that no longer “lit her up” or of taking the decision to follow the dream. Reassessing her priorities, she also wanted to spend more time raising her children. Stephanie set herself a target: she would either pursue the dream or it would be forever abandoned. “I told myself it was time to put up or shut up.” Putting pen to paper, Stephanie and her husband, Alex, mapped the possibilities, they did research, had serious conversations about what this project might look like and what costs would be involved. Finally, they decided to move forward, fully realizing that it would mean saying goodbye to one predictable income steam. This venture would not be without risk, but all ventures have attendant risks and hopefully, rewards.
Looking around for a suitable property, they discovered an old farm on Ventress Road, a little way outside of Brighton, which came with the added bonus of a house. Purchasing the property on July 4 felt like a good omen. Built in 1914 by local farmer, Ezra Ventress, the house remains plumb and square to this day. A small structure is still to be found on site, in which it is said the Ventress family lived during the period of its construction. Older neighbours remember Ezra’s grandson George as being very inventive, maybe even eccentric: apparently in one of his escapades he combined a circular saw with a motorbike which he then used to cut out blocks of ice whilst riding across Little Lake. Alex and Stephanie find these intriguing historical details meaningful.
It is a husband’s primary responsibility to ensure the happiness of his wife…we all know the old mantra, happy wife happy life. Stephanie was very fortunate that her husband not only fully supported her vision and ambition, but as the owner of Glengarry construction, had the practical skills and construction experience to bring the project to fruition. Alex originally trained in landscape architecture and design, but had expanded into building renovation and then to full on construction. He really had all the bases covered and had a trusted team with the drive and determination to finish the job. Now, when asked the question, how did you manage all this, Stephanie responds, “Well I have an Alex!” However, she is quick to reassure me that she married him because she loved him and not just for his abilities as a contractor.
The property having once been a farm, came with a generous parcel of land, most of which was totally overgrown, having been neglected for many years. Its landscape of mature trees and wild flower meadows was not immediately appreciated. Clearing the brush revealed a big surprise as bit by bit vestiges of the foundation of an old barn were revealed. History records a barn built in 1907 which had burned down, was rebuilt, and then fell into disrepair, finally collapsing in the seventies. No wonder there was no trace of it when the couple walked the grounds some fifty years later.
This discovery propelled Stephanie’s latent ambition straight from the back to the front burner…the process of transforming a ruin into a rustic oasis began in earnest: the foundation was repaired and the house renovated whilst waiting for permits and plans to redesign and redevelop the barn. As much material as possible was repurposed and the primary trusses and beams were sourced from a sustainable producer in Bancroft. Racing to raise the roof before winter, they put the project in abeyance till spring of this year and it has been proceeding at a great pace ever since. Indeed by the time this article appears the project should be very close to completion, if not completed. In the midst of this feverish activity Stephanie managed to host three weddings, holding the receptions in a beautiful tent on the lawn.
Now, having recently had a third child, she is even more convinced she made the correct decision in following her intuition. Stephanie is a firm advocate of following your heart and your passions, but she councils, “first do your homework, do your research.”
So what does the future hold? Stephanie is looking forward to organizing lots of very special weddings, that’s a given, and she is not ashamed to admit that “she enjoys a good cry.” She also hopes to host unique events relating to her farming background…events where the harvest tables made from left over wood salvaged from the barn can take a central role…farm to table dinners are clearly on the menu. Stephanie talks of “concerts, maybe theatre, and definitely fundraisers, and events that will bring our community together!” A sense of history is important to Stephanie and Alex, who sees themselves more as stewards of the building and land, than owners, navigating this resurrected barn into a successful future.
Stephanie is undoubtedly a strong woman focused on the objective of realizing her dream and creating a new and different future for her family, however she wishes to acknowledge the help of family and friends, most particularly her mom. “Taking on a venture this big is only possible with help and we have the best help and support imaginable.”
If you are looking for a unique space with a rustic vibe to get married or to host a special event, please contact Stephanie at the1914venue.com tel 613 885 2722
A couple of tasters…In time for Christmas there will be wreath making workshops, dates will be announced shortly, and it might just be time to book your Christmas party!
