A Passion for Building the Ultimate Custom Home
As exciting as it is to build your dream home, the process can be overwhelming. Consequently, you want the builder to be as invested in the process as you are — and be by your side during every step of the home-building journey. That’s what Huntington Homes has been doing for decades, says Jillian Swan, who recently succeeded her father, Rob, as company owner.
“We know that the process of building a home can be stressful. We strive to make it as enjoyable as possible for our clients.”
It’s all about communication and attention to detail, notes Swan.
“Without fail, we are forth coming about timelines and the process. When we give a time line to a client, it’s ironclad. We don’t change possession dates. Your home will be ready when it’s supposed to be.”
At the same time, customer service is just a quick text or phone call away. “We’re always available. Our clients can always feel free to ask questions and to contact us at any time. As is always the case, we’ll provide important information and updates as we go along.”
There’s another reason why Huntington is so committed to keeping clients in the loop.
“Constantly sharing knowledge enables clients to make the best decisions for their lifestyles and needs. We spend a lot of time with clients, asking lots of questions to get a good picture of their lifestyle. That allows us to make suggestions, guide and advise them, so they get exactly what they want.”
Then there’s quality control; Huntington does two things to ensure impeccable craftsman ship. First, they build just 10 to 12 homes a year so that their team has time to inspect each home as it’s built to ensure no important details are missed or overlooked. Second, the same tradespeople work on each home Huntington builds.
“Most of our tradespeople have been with us for around 20 years,” she says. “That makes for the highest possible quality control because they know our standards and understand our expectations.” Clients, too, have expectations, and Huntington always meets them by doing two things.
“Because we listen carefully to our clients, we get a real sense of what design features will make sense for their lifestyle. We also have an awesome design team that does an amazing job of interpreting what clients say and tailoring design features directly to their wants and needs. It’s a very collaborative process,” Swan says. “It ensures we get all the little details just right.”
``We also have an awesome design team that does an amazing job of interpreting what clients say and tailoring design features directly to their wants and needs.`` – JILLIAN SWAN, OWNER, HUNTINGTON HOMES
The commitment to getting all the little details right is on display at Huntington’s show home at 32 Ash Cove in Headingley’s Forest Grove Estates. A magnificent pillared, covered entrance leads into a generous foyer with a stunning raised ceiling. Meanwhile, the main living area — set beneath an 11-foot-high ceiling — is a functional work of art. Fronted by a four-sided fireplace clad elegantly with Tyndall stone, it deftly defines the main living area from the foyer. Natural light cascades in from a bank of huge windows on its rear wall, the windows perfectly framing the dining area, which is subtly demarcated by a mod LED light fixture.
Just steps from the spacious dining area, the kitchen is a sight to behold. A stunning grey-honed quartz island, white and burgundy cabinets, stainless appliances and a grey-honed quartz backsplash that matches the island mesh together in perfect harmony. Then there’s the great room, which exudes understated elegance with an entertainment unit that seamlessly complements the modern-classic Tyndall stone fireplace.
“It comes with cool features; two speakers mounted inside the wall,” Swan says. “We add neat little touches like that, along with powder rooms that can be equipped with a motion-activated faucet. If you’re into technology, we deliver on that front, too.”
Add in a lavish primary bedroom — its highlight is an opulent spa-inspired ensuite with a freestanding air jet tub and walk-in shower with ceiling-mounted rain shower head and gorgeous marble tile surround — and you have a main floor that’s equal parts elegance and efficiency.
“A garden door in the primary bedroom connects to the backyard deck, which can also be accessed from the dining area,” she adds. “You can get up in the morning and walk outside to enjoy the country view and a cup of coffee.”
The same could be said for the lower level, which has a wood structural floor, a home gym, two bedrooms, a full bath — and a rec room divided into separate media and games areas by an ultra-functional dividing wall.
“To us, the functional aspect of a home’s design always takes top priority. We then build the style into the design once functionality is assured.”
Rest assured, when Huntington delivers a home, it’s a timeless, fully customized design that delivers individualized style, function and livability from the ground up.
“Every home we design is thought out right down to the smallest detail, and this home shows that. Most importantly, our homes are a product of love. We love doing what we do, and I think that shows.”
Originally published in the Spring 2025 Parade of Homes Magazine,
Written by Todd Lewys
Photography by Todd Lewys