Live your dream in beautiful Brighton – the perfect place to retire

By NextHome Staff
May 5, 2025

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, Brighton, Ont. offers more than just stunning landscapes – it’s a town that embodies tranquility, community spirit, and the promise of a fulfilling retirement. At the heart of this charming destination is an award-winning homebuilder who has helped countless retirees create their dream homes: Gordon Tobey Developments Ltd.

Gordon Tobey Developments, a family-owned company established in 1976, has set the standard for excellence in homebuilding. Known for its energy-certified homes and forward-thinking designs, this builder has won accolades for is commitment to quality, efficiency and sustainability. In fact, the company’s outstanding craftsmanship and dedication to design innovation have recently earned them recognition as finalists in two categories at the 2025 Canadian Home Builders’ Association National Awards for Housing Excellence. Their Serviceberry model has been nominated for Best Detached Production Home 1,800-2,100 sq. ft., while its Serviceberry Kitchen is contending for the Best Production Kitchen award.

Thoughtful design and practical elegance

The Serviceberry home, spanning an expansive 2,060 sq. ft., embodies a perfect fusion of thoughtful design and practical elegance. Its exterior boasts exceptional curb appeal with a variety of materials, including stone, board and batten siding, dramatic black accent beams, steel roof dormers and sleek black metal light fixtures. Inside, the welcoming contemporary farmhouse style is achieved through warm neutral wall colors, light and medium-tone hickory floors, and rift-cut oak cabinets, complemented by elegant trim details. Matte-finish Cambria countertops and an elevated textured kitchen ceiling with open beams further enhance the design’s sophistication, while a board-and-batten accent wall adds charm to the primary bedroom. The centrepiece of the Great Room is a striking fireplace surrounded floor-to-ceiling by a single sheet of engineered sintered stone, providing seamless visual interest.

The home is bathed in natural light, thanks to large windows, creating an airy sense of space. Its living areas extend outdoors to a patio accessible from both the great room and the primary bedroom. This space is enriched by a cosy fireplace and retractable screens that keep insects at bay, making it ideal for enjoying Brighton’s serene surroundings. Designed with retirees in mind, the slab-on-grade construction ensures all living areas remain on one level, providing both comfort and accessibility – perfect for aging in place or accommodating mobility challenges.

Prospective homeowners have the opportunity to view the exceptional design of the Serviceberry firsthand. This model home is open for viewing Monday through Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., providing a chance to see why it stands out as a benchmark of quality and style.

Vibrant community

The Serviceberry model home is located in the Hamilton Woods development, which distinguishes itself as a vibrant community offering a variety of housing styles to suit retirees’ diverse needs and preferences. The options include detached homes with and without basements, semi-detached homes featuring accessory dwelling units, and townhomes that are available with either a full basement or no basement. This range of choices ensures that every homeowner can find a home that aligns perfectly with their lifestyle and vision for retirement.

So, why retire in Brighton? For starters, it’s a town where natural beauty meets modern convenience. Surrounded by conservation areas, parks and the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario, the town provides a serene backdrop for a slower, more rewarding pace of life. Presqu’ile Provincial Park, a haven for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts, is just minutes away, making every day an adventure. Golf courses, local shops and healthcare facilities are readily accessible, ensuring retirees have everything they need within arm’s reach.

But Brighton isn’t just about amenities; it’s about lifestyle. The community’s active cultural scene, highlighted by events such as AppleFest, fosters a vibrant, close-knit atmosphere that’s perfect for retirees looking to make connections and embrace new experiences. Whether it’s boating along the lake or enjoying a quiet moment in one of Brighton’s charming cafes, life here is a beautiful blend of relaxation and engagement.

Homes built by Gordon Tobey Developments aren’t just residences – they’re thoughtfully designed spaces that embrace comfort, efficiency and beauty. Built with energy-saving features and high-quality materials, these homes are perfect for retirees seeking a place where functionality meets elegance. Customers have the opportunity to personalize their homes through a variety of custom options, ensuring that each residence is as unique as its owner. To make the process even more engaging, Gordon Tobey Developments employs advanced 3D computer design technology, allowing customers to visualize their spaces with stunning clarity. This collaborative and innovative approach transforms the homebuilding journey into an inspiring and enjoyable experience.

Detail and innovation

The recent recognition for the Serviceberry model and its kitchen showcases the level of detail and innovation Gordon Tobey Developments brings to every project. Whether it’s creating inviting living spaces or award-worthy designs, this homebuilder continues to raise the bar for excellence, making Brighton an even more appealing destination for retirement.

The combination of Brighton’s welcoming community, breathtaking natural surroundings and the craftsmanship of Gordon Tobey Developments creates an unparalleled destination for retirement. Here, dreams of a peaceful, fulfilling retirement become reality.

In Brighton, retiring doesn’t mean slowing down – it means starting fresh in a place that feels like home from the moment you arrive.

For more information, visit tobeydevelopments.com.

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