View Brochures
This is a select group of people, all of whom share the vision for Braestone with all of them now bringing Braestone’s story to life. From a celebrity chef to an organic farmer, a storyteller to a beekeeper, these Friends contribute their time and expertise to make Braestone a remarkable place to live.
As horticulturalist and nurseryman, Kristin and Gary carry on a family tradition of growing beautiful plants for gardens and producing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at Ego’s Nurseries. Kristin’s family has farmed in the area for generations. Their greenhouse, nursery and seasonal farm market on Horseshoe Valley Road, opposite Braestone, was started by Kristin’s parents in 1975 and has been a supplier of plants, fruits and vegetables for Braestone Farm.
Ken McCutcheon, a Master Sugar Maker, is the Founder of McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup, a family-run farm located in picturesque Medonte Township. Founded in 1972, McCutcheon’s is now proudly in it’s 40th year of perfecting this uniquely Canadian tradition. His artful maple syrup and sugar concoctions continue to win provincial, national and global awards, including a World Championship trophy and his expertise is behind (and in) every bottle of Braestone Farm Maple Syrup.
Timbersmith was founded in British Columbia over 35 years ago by Cliff Walker, later joined by his son Max. The company is renowned for building the finest quality and energy efficient timber frame and log buildings in Canada and around the world. Timbersmith has recently opened their second location on Horseshoe Valley Road and are proud of their custom crafted work on Braestone’s Discovery Centre.
Tom’s Lavender Hills Farm located on 25-acres just outside of Orillia is a local producer of award-winning honeys, honeycomb, handcrafted cosmetics, candles and soaps. In addition to existing hardwood and softwood forests, Tom has also created a tall-grass, wildflower prairie as a valuable resource for the farm’s bees and other pollenators. More than five million bees populate Tom’s seven bee yards in central Ontario. Braestone is thrilled to have Tom set up our bee apiary and keep a fatherly eye on things.
A lifelong local resident of the area, Orland has farmed the Braestone land for many years. He is pleased to be our resident expert and will be kept busy farming 50 acres of Braestone Farm with a myriad of crops including soybeans and hay.
Stephanie began her horse career in show-jumping and has combined her love of the sport with her passion for architecture by planning, designing and overseeing the construction of equine facilities. Stephanie continues to advise Braestone on “horse culture” and how that translates into the design detailing of the paddocks, barns and distinctive fencing you see at Braestone.
Although Paul currently lives in Vancouver, he considers Orillia to be his hometown. Paul has researched and written the “future story” (vision) for many destination resorts and communities around the world including Blue Mountain and Tremblant as well as Braestone. Paul’s father was the long-time MLA for Simcoe East and the founder of CFOR, the call letters of Orillia’s original radio station.
Trish is a successful food entrepreneur, business owner, teacher, consultant chef, award winning cookbook author (Dish Entertains, In My Mother’s Kitchen), media personality and now app-creator (Trish’s Kitchen). She revolutionized the notion of a food experience through her creative service company, dish cooking studio. Trish also created and hosted party dish – (Food Network Canada, Slice, Fine Living US) an entertaining lifestyle television show sharing her passion for food and entertaining. Try out the delicious recipes Trish has selected here.