--- title: "Tradition Home Designs — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/tradition-home-designs-pfvwus-pf~1737967452 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1737967452.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Tradition Home Designs" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/46e3a0cc0660b67b_8017-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1324 Lakeshore Road, RR #3, Port Hope, Ontario L1A 3V7, Canada" latitude: 43.957 longitude: -78.3246 phone: "(905) 786-2619" website: http://www.traditionhome.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 27 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Tradition Home Designs Original Houzz profile: [Tradition Home Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/tradition-home-designs-pfvwus-pf~1737967452) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Port Hope, ON - **Serves:** Ajax, Campbellcroft, Millbrook, Newcastle, North America Wide, Oshawa, Port Hope, Whitby - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 100 Ideabook Saves One of a Kind.Homes - 19th Century Nantucket Masterpiece Since 1969 Mel Shakespeare has been designing award-winning homes in the tradition of early 19th century Ontario. The company name Tradition Homes is now synonymous with period homes of distinction. One of his stone homes, built from scratch in 1980 even fooled a local society who appeared on site, insisting it become a local designated home of 1840. Mel understands the sensitivity and respect our forefathers had for the materials at hand and their careful management in creating pleasing spaces. His careful study of the early homes he and his crew dismantled and saved for clients of like mind was a fair schooling ground for his developing craft. Of course Mel’s background in art that led him to become an Art Director in well-known advertising agencies may have helped too. But his free time was usually taken in outdoor excursions to early buildings that he liked to sketch. Needless to say, the switch to architectural drafting came easily. There were occasions when architects gathered around to admire his hand-drawn elevations. Yes, self-taught, but it seemed to work for him and his clients who insisted on the beautiful clean lines of real heritage homes. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Ajax - Campbellcroft - Millbrook - Newcastle - North America Wide - Oshawa - Port Hope - Whitby ### Typical Job Cost CAD $100K - 400K Our fee is for the historic building structure and the re-designed plans delivered to your building site. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Tradition Home Designs | | Address | 1324 Lakeshore Road, RR \#3, Port Hope, Ontario L1A 3V7, Canada | | Phone | (905) 786-2619 | | Website | http://www.traditionhome.com | | Followers on Houzz | 27 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Tradition Home Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/tradition-home-designs-pfvwus-pf~1737967452) - **Website:** http://www.traditionhome.com - **Phone:** (905) 786-2619 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — John Fenzel, Sept. 2016** > Truly one of the masters of his craft in the arena of log home building. None better. Honest, efficient, trustworthy, exceptionally competent, and genuinely a nice guy, Mel Shakespeare has become a friend who always delivers the very best results, consistently on time and on target. If we could rate him on a 10 star scale, we'd give him a 20. He's that good. **★★★★★ — cindy\_lynam, Sept. 2016** > We purchased 2 log cabins from Mel Shakespeare. He is a delight to work with and a wealth of knowledge. He designed our cabins making suggestions along the way to improve what we wanted. He also custom made the window and french doors to flow through the cabins. > > I would definately recommend Mel for all your needs. **★★★ — Dennis Billard, Sept. 2016** > I have worked on Mel Shakespeare's crew in the past for both dismantling and the frame re-assembly of log cabins, as well as, post and beam houses and barns. The projects were located in Vineland (2) and Shelbourne, Ontario. **★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2016** > Master at historic renovation -- or better i should say historic restoration. Knows his historic periods well -- not only from a design standpoint but also from a furnishings standpoint. Has materials, supplies and furnishings -- or can find all of the above -- that are right for the period home he designs for you. Actually, hired him twice in 12 years. **★★★★★ — d\_\_k, June 2016** > I hired Tradition Home to build windows for a heritage home in Oakville. The Town of Oakville has strict requirements regarding the style of window and materials that can be used with these types of homes. Mel Shakespeare ( a gentleman in every sense of the word) owner of Tradition Home, was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. He has expert knowledge and knew exactly what was required. I believe he is a bit of a legend in the field. Mel went above and beyond, even hand-painting the windows himself (did not charge for his extra time) to ensure the job was done right, on time and on budget! The windows turned out beautifully. They are solidly built and of superior craftmanship and quality. I have no hesitation in recommending Tradition Home and Mel Shakespeare in the future. **★★★★★ — Rick Breau, Feb. 2016** > I was involved with a crew of restoration and builders for Tradition Home Designs. I enjoyed working for Mel Shakespeare. He is a one of a kind and genuine experienced traditional home designer. The historic homes I worked was fascinating and fun. I did complete restoration work and fine detail of removing the old paint in a very precise manner not to harm the details. Mel Shakespeare is certainly the nicest and imaginative person. He is a calm and well centered man and knows how to treat his crew with up-most pride. **★★★★★ — janiceq1, Jan. 2016** > I had the pleasure of working with Mel on the High Park Zoo Log Cabins conservation project. The scope of work included the preparation of a conservation/replacement strategy report to describe the condition of the structures, recommended scope of repairs/rehabilitation and replacement, and associated costing for six structures. Due to the specialized nature of the work, we consulted with Mel Shakespeare, a log cabin conservation specialist who was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the scope of work. He also provided a costing allowance for the log cabins. I would definitely work with Mel again. **★★★★★ — Christopher Wallace Architect, Jan. 2016** > I have known Mel Shakespeare for about 12 years since I moved to Port Hope, and have come to greatly respect Mel and his professionalism. We have consulted on a number of projects together, and I have experienced Mel’s incredible knowledge, not just of heritage architectural form, but of heritage construction technique. His personal building skills and his craftsmanship are outstanding. > > As well as projects that I have been personally involved with, I am quite familiar with a number of Mel’s other projects, both in Port Hope and in other heritage communities. They are, without exception, exquisite examples of heritage construction. Whether they are reconstructed original buildings, sensitive new construction, or a combination of both, I’m quite sure their owners are proud to have worked with Mel Shakespeare. **★★★★★ — csmarsh, Jan. 2016** > I bought an old painted pine floor from Mel to use on our addition to our cottage in the Laurentians. His price was good and the planks were 7-10" wide which we love. The floor was dry, but we let it dry for a couple of months in the basement before installation. We sanded off the old green paint. We removed some nails. Because the cottage is far from Tradition Home Designs, our contractor installed it. > The floor is spectacular! Nothing new could compare to the rich deep colour. Worth the effort! **★★★★★ — odawson32, Dec. 2015** > With the purchase of some areage in the bucholic Trent Hills region east of Toronto some seven years ago, my wife and I were eager to put shovels in the ground to create the weekend painting/music studio retreat of our dreams. Our interest in converted barns and reconstructed log homes led us to Mel and his long established Tradition Home Designs. His excellent reputation in Ontario came to us by word of mouth. > I would like to say here that we did not hire Tradition Home Designs, nor have we as yet put shovels in the ground. Some things just seem to take more time than expected. > > That all said, we have remained in contact with Mel who for seven years has remained in touch to suggest vintage barns and log homes new on the market, bounce around design ideas and even take us to projects he was justifiably proud of. Never any pressure and always a comittment to our interests and dreams. Besides all that, he is a very interesting person whose experience, passion and skill should place him very high on the list of candidates for partnership in a traditional home building project. **★★★★ — Robin Thibodeau, Dec. 2015** > Mel is a very creative designer. The plans he drew up for us were even better than expected. His attention to detail is admirable. Our house was in Century Home, the local paper and a book on Architectural Design. Would definitely recommend highly. ## Selected projects - [Fockler Log House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fockler-log-house-pj-vj~1465927) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Two hardwood houses from Lanark County Ontario have been married on a 25 acre property near Caledon East. - [Morley Stone House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morley-stone-house-pj-vj~1466053) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Roseville Log House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roseville-log-house-pj-vj~1465910) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This is the house that started it all in 1985. I finally found that dream house near Uxbridge, ON and added it to our eight acre property. - [The Grobb House circa 1810](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-grobb-house-circa-1810-pj-vj~1463010) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This incredible structure, built by the family Grobb who immigrated to Canada from Pennsylvania in the year 1800, is believed to be among the oldest homes in Ontario, having been erected in the first few years of the nineteenth century near Beamsville. After having been disassembled, with each piece carefully cataloged and numbered, it is now offered for reconstruction on your site. Our expert period home artisans are available now, allowing this wonderful vintage home to live again. - [Chant Post & Beam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chant-post-and-beam-pj-vj~1465996) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: From Gothic to Country Georgian in one move to a property near Madoc Ontario. - [Sebert Stone House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sebert-stone-house-pj-vj~1466076) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: A total restoration of a classic Ontario stone house near Port Perry Ontario. - [Brandon Manor Post & Beam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brandon-manor-post-and-beam-pj-vj~1461256) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: Brandon Manor, circa 1840, on four acres near Port Hope, Ontario, is the home of Mel Shakespeare, principal of Tradition Home Designs Inc. Originally the "Halfway House Inn and Tavern" on the Toronto to Kingston Road. The house was completely restored in 2001 and currently for sale. - [Cavan House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cavan-house-pj-vj~1466009) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: An 18th century reproduction gambrel on a gorgeous 20 acre lot near Cavan Ontario. - [The Atelier](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-atelier-pj-vj~1447060) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: The designer's own art studio... a reproduction of an 18th century Quebec atelier situated on the edge of a pond near Uxbridge Ontario. - [Katz Log House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/katz-log-house-pj-vj~1465988) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Moss Stone House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moss-stone-house-pj-vj~1466082) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Extensive restoration to one of Peterborough's finest stone houses. - [Darrach Log House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/darrach-log-house-pj-vj~1465947) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A log house from Rimouski Quebec relocated near Uxbridge Ontario for a retiring landscape artist. - [Thibideau Georgian Stone House circa 1820](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thibideau-georgian-stone-house-circa-1820-pj-vj~1466041) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: A classic Georgian stone found near Forfar Ontario and reconstructed overlooking Rice Lake. - [Montana Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montana-ranch-pj-vj~1465934) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This ranch house is composed of three log houses and a barn reconstructed near Big Timber Montana. - [Kuebler Log House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kuebler-log-house-pj-vj~1465957) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Two mid 19th Century log houses connect near Stirling Ontario. - [Meadowvale Post & Beam House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meadowvale-post-and-beam-house-pj-vj~1466005) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: A reconstructed post & beam classic moved from near Stouffville Ontario to Meadowvale Village. - [Calladine Log and Frame House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calladine-log-and-frame-house-pj-vj~1466195) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Log church from Rye Ontario moved to a 200 acre property near Uxbridge Ontario. A large two-story frame addition was added. - [Tin House to Town House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tin-house-to-town-house-pj-vj~1466172) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: A tin-sided house from Keene Ontario was moved and reconstructed with an addition in the centre of Port Hope. - [Munkley Post and Beam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/munkley-post-and-beam-pj-vj~1472901) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Campbell Cape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/campbell-cape-pj-vj~1466355) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: A classic cape moved from the east coast to a west coast island. [See all 25 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/tradition-home-designs-pfvwus-pf~1737967452) ## Ideabooks - [Log Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46334344/list/log-homes) — 9 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/brandonmanor) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*