MARCH/APRIL 2021
HOME RENOS
INTERIORS
NEW HOMES
BEAUTY
FASHION
FOOD
TRAVEL
SHOWING OFF
HEALTH
AUTO
SHOPPING
Celebrating
• MODEL HOMES • SPRING CARS
21
years
REAL RENOS
• ST. THOMAS HERITAGE HOME • MAIN FLOOR UPDATE
STAYCATIONS • REMAKING SPACES • FINISHING TOUCHES
IT’S ALL ABOUT EVE
HOUSING FOR THE FUTURE
ageless style CLASSICS ALWAYS FIT
BY GCW
www.lifestylemagazineonline.com
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EDITOR’S note BUILDING ORIGINAL HOMES FOR ORIGINAL PEOPLE We’ll make your next home as original as you are Why settle for a run-of-the-mill custom home when you can have an entirely original one? With a planning process that starts with nothing more than your dreams and a blank sheet of paper, you can be sure your Riverstone Original Home will be every bit as unique and remarkable as you are. We’ve been building original homes for well over 20 years now, and each one has been entirely different than the one before it. And that’s exactly how it should be.
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Celebrating
21
years
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery: air, mountains, trees, people, and I thought, this is what it is to be happy.” SYLVIA PLATH
W
e’ve all become a bunch of hot house tomatoes. Or at least that’s how it feels to me. We walk, oh by George are we ever walking, but to go where and to experience what? After a long, locked-down winter spent (mostly) indoors, I’m bursting to get out and explore a bit more. Aren’t you? We don’t quite know yet what spring and summer will look like under pandemic protocols, but I’m a planner. I was talking to a friend about the beauty of what she’s learning through this time – how not to be a planner; how to better live in the moment. I admire those kinds of people, but I’m just not one of them. I will do spontaneous; I’m not compulsive about planning every moment to the exclusion of being able to jump into something on a whim. But I do really like having a plan. I think it’s a trait many editors, accountants and project managers share; we’re all people on whom others depend, and we’re responsible for how things flow in the workplace.
Like Sylvia Plath, we can breathe new air, try different places and see other people – all on a limited basis, of course. But being able to take in some rural air in a nearby village; experience new places, like a provincial park or conservation area not yet visited; or chat with porch sitters from the sidewalk, while strolling through a previously-unexplored, architecturallyinteresting neighbourhood, on your next walk – this is what it is to be happy. Now that the weather is getting better and the end of cold, blustery weather is in sight – spring fever is ready to kick into high gear, and the itch to explore can be indulged within safe bounds. What are you planning this summer to feel your lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery?
Right now, I’m planning a camping vacation instead of the European holiday we wanted to take. I know, we’re all in the same boat. We must deal with reality and learn to be more flexible. The upcoming camping trip is being planned with three contingencies: in Ontario, in Canada, in North Ameri-
8 Lifestyle March/April 2021
ca – depending on the level of ‘opening up’ that is permitted as we move through the warmer months. The pandemic is demanding we remember to breathe and be. We must ‘take our patience pills’ while we find out how far we can go. Maybe that’s my step toward being more Zen.
Jill Ellis-Worthington lifestyle.editor@writedoton.com
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March/April 2021 Lifestyle 9
contents M A RC H | A P R I L 202 1
HOMESTYLE 12 Garden of Eden Mixes tech with tranquility
17 Scores for the outdoors
46
Enjoy your yard
24 Deluxe redo Plush reno in St. Thomas
34 All in the family Expanded entertainment space
46 Puerto backyardo Staycation in style
55 Model madness Check out these new homes
12
BESTLIFE 22 Dining delight In Grand Bend
45 Taste trip Cook-in takeout
YOURSTYLE
30
30 Ageing gracefully Styles that always suit
50 Take responsibility No more blame game
AUTOSTYLE 39 Spring models Luxury auto forecast
BIZLIFE
24 10 Lifestyle March/April 2021
28 Vranic Homes
LIFESTYLE
magazine
E A S E - A Way of Life
PUBLISHER Lana L. Breier EDITOR Jill Ellis-Worthington WRITERS Ellen Ashton-Haiste Clare Dear Jill Ellis-Worthington Kathy Mueller Wayne Newton Kathy Rumleski Janis Wallace ACCOUNT MANAGERS Annette Gent 519-200-0283 annettegent537@gmail.com Lorraine Lukings 519-520-7676 lorrainelukings@hotmail.com Jan McGrath 519-243-2932 jm@lambtonshores.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN Wendy Reid AD DESIGN Nancy Greenfield Bill McGrath
Comfort, Style, Sophistication In a Whole New Way
Jennings
Furniture & Design Since 1885
432 Talbot St., Downtown St. Thomas • 519-631-0410 Open 7 days a week • www.jenningsfurniture.com
PRODUCTION Nancy Greenfield PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Bain WEB ARCHITECTURE Redding Design Inc. www.reddingdesigns.com
Lifestyle is published six times a year by 2251632 Ontario Inc. c.o.b. Lifestyle Magazine 108 Tuyll Street, Bayfield N0M 1G0 519-873-0989 lifestylemagazinepublishing@gmail.com Copies are distributed to selected homes, magazine stands and local businesses in London and area.
Canada Post Agreement #41277015 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 11
homestyle
think forward SUSTAINABLE LIVING
MADE STYLISH AND COMFORTABLE By Jill Ellis-Worthington 12 Lifestyle March/April 2021
“
There are beautiful green aspects that encourage people to enjoy nature.”
T
he Jetsons, one of the most iconic cartoons capturing life in the future, was set in 2062 and though we are four decades from reaching that point in history, some of its features are in play thanks to a forward-thinking developer. A Canadian technology firm, s2e Technologies, has conceptualized a complex of 84 condominiums with futuristic features. Construction is scheduled to start this spring. Though s2e is the type of company you’d associate with Silicon Valley, its head office is in St. Jacobs, Ontario, with satellite offices in California and Mexico. Touted in the media for
making Canada’s first near net-zero grocery store possible in Stouffville, Ontario, in 2018, s2e worked with Sifton Properties as its technology partner bringing the sustainable community of West 5 to life; this where EVE Park, s2e’s project, is located, as well. EVE stands for electric vehicle enclave – because sustainability in housing and transportation is its goal – but, according to Ashley Hammerbacher, the idea of it being a housing development set in a beautiful garden-like setting is also one reason for the name. “There are beautiful green aspects that encourage people to enjoy nature,” she says. Lush green space isn’t the only thing you notice right away about
EVE Park. The buildings will look quite different, too. Slated for completion by the end of 2021 (barring pandemic-related delays), the project will feature round buildings. “We wondered what a community would look like if you didn’t have to have parking lots, driveways and roads going to them,” explains Hammerbacher, who is project lead. She describes the concept as “community facing” and “allowing people to interact with neighbours more easily by having more points of intersection.” In light of how restricted our interactions with others currently are, Hammerbacher is also quick to point out that the units will have separate HVAC systems, as well as
OPPOSITE PAGE Circular building design allows the one-, two- and three-storey condominiums to have oversized windows enhancing brightness and allowing homeowners to enjoy views of the lush grounds at EVE Park.
INSET Carousel parking, instead of traditional paved lots, provides more space for green space and enhances the eco-friendly vibe of this development.
ABOVE With high-tech aspects and environmental initiatives, these condos are cutting edge, while providing a comfortable inviting dwelling for homeowners.
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 13
LEFT Though originally conceived to promote community spirit among homeowners who share a sustainable living consciousness, the homes also work well to stay apart, with separate entrances and HVAC systems. BOTTOM LEFT All building products meet sustainability thresholds and buyers pick their fittings and finishes from an array of eco-friendly products. OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Phase one breaks ground this spring, with the completion of the 84 units expected by the end of 2021, barring pandemicrelated issues arising. • EVE Park is centered on living sustainably, yet comfortably now and in the future. • Some three-bedroom, threestory condos feature a separate entrance and living spaces, providing a granny or student suite within the home.
separate entrances, with no shared elevators or hallways. “It works both ways, you can be completely private at home, but in better times we are building a feeling of community,” she adds. Because of the buildings’ unique configurations, the one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos have distinctive floor plans, with lots of large windows. The one-bedroom units, with 743 square feet of living space, are all on one floor; the two- and three-bedrooms, with living space ranging from 1,486 to 2,229 square feet, are on two and three floors, respectively. Keeping with the green
14 Lifestyle March/April 2021
theme, all of the models are named after varieties of vegetation. The Ironwood is a three-bedroom unit that may appeal to families with a university student living at home or those that need a ‘granny suite’ arrangement, as it has a second floor with its own entrance, living area, bathroom and bedroom – almost creating a separate apartment within the home. The buildings will offer homeowners a much smaller carbon footprint, says Hammerbacher, with a net zero energy consumption because of the solar panels on top of the buildings. In addition, “the homes will be built using materials that meet sustainability thresholds. Nothing
has been chosen that would be environmentally harmful,” says Hammerbacher. Heating/cooling and water usage will also be done in an environmentally friendly fashion. Since s2e is a technology company with one of its offerings as carousel parking, this is a feature that they have included at EVE Park. Hammerbacher says that this type of structure saves 85 per cent of the land occupied by a traditional parking lot, saving money on land and “just makes good sense.” They were partners in constructing a stacked parking structure in Hamilton, Ontario. In future, because the parking may be
a bit further from one’s home than usual, s2e plans to have “utility robots to follow you from the parking towers to your unit to carry groceries,” explains Hammerbacher. Now that does sound a bit like the Jetson’s helper, Rosey the Robot. As another longer-term goal, the developers plan to have autonomous valet parking. “You’ll summon your vehicle to your doorstep and then it drives you to the edge of the property,” she adds. “From there you take over.” With sustainable transportation being a major focus for s2e at EVE Park, featuring autonomous vehicles as part of the rideshare program is another goal. When the
project is completed at the end of the year, the ride-share program will start with Tesla cars and will be exclusively available to homeowners there. Homeowners will also be encouraged to purchase electric vehicles because the parking structure will be equipped with plug-in ports for them. Though this development offers out-ofthe-box living options, some tried-andtrue aspects are built into the homebuying process. For instance, new homeowners will be able to pick their own fittings and finishes as they usually do – but from an array of sustainable offerings. Prices for these luxury condos range from the $400s to the $800s and several
have already been sold. Hammerbacher says the demographic of people buying at EVE Park is centred more around a mindset – that of wanting to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle – rather than an age group. “Our buyers range from millennials to downsizers,” Hammerbacher says. That’s probably because s2e’s company philosophy is that their projects must have a positive effect on the environment and climate change. EVE Park’s catchphrase is ‘live in a park, not a parking lot,’ so it is capturing the imaginations of future-thinking homebuyers of all ages. n
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • EVE PARK • 519-433-4331 • www.evepark.ca March/April 2021 Lifestyle 15
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March/April 2021 Lifestyle 21
FINE FOOD
GRACIOUS DINING IN GRAND BEND
bestlife
By Janis Wallace
Owner/chef Erryn Shephard calls her place “the little restaurant that could.” It is an apt description of F.I.N.E. A Restaurant, which is tucked back from Highway 21 in Grand Bend in a building that previously was a home, a veterinary clinic, real estate office and car shop. The name comes from that varied past – making sure it is known now as A Restaurant. Fine was Shephard’s most common response to questions as they were setting up. The periods in F.I.N.E. connect to the style and square plates. Asked frequently what it stands for, they decided Fabulous Interesting New Experience, a fine way to describe how it exudes charm, local flavour and food that garners rave reviews. All three chefs – Shephard, Ben Sandwith and Hamish McCall – are local, classically trained and of Scottish heritage. Those qualities are reflected in the choice of menu, use of local ingredients, simple décor (with nods to Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh) and community-minded activities. A can-do, let’s-try-it attitude has enabled them to prove longevity in the business, even during the pandemic. Shephard gained experience at other area establishments before heading to the United States for training. Sandwith also trained in the U.S. and Shephard says the three of them are a perfect triangle. “I’m classically trained – it’s very strict,” she says. “We do it with a
22 Lifestyle March/April 2021
twist, but not too crazy.” The menu includes prime cuts of meat, fresh greens and vegetables as well desserts that are made on the premises. Sandwith constantly updates it, while keeping favourites such as gnocchi. From the start of the pandemic, the little restaurant showed it could adapt quickly. Shephard says that the demand for their take-out grew “by leaps and bounds.” They tweaked dishes to travel better, and showed customers how to assemble or finish at home. “Some food
doesn’t travel well,” says Shephard. “Ben’s trying new things. We use many little containers customers can put things together at home. I think finishing dishes at home is a way of preserving quality. It’s interactive.” During the summer, tables were added outside, including a tent to protect diners from sun and rain. It was so popular that Shephard intends to continue the tent. “It’s private, there’s a fountain, music, you can sit safely with a glass of wine,” she says. When indoor dining was allowed, F.I.N.E. sped up the menu so the kitchen could keep on top of the 75-minute seating changes. They promoted desserts-to-go. While Shephard looks forward to diners being able to linger by the fireplace, cozy in the board-and-batten interior decorated for the seasons, she thinks some adaptations will endure. More tables outside, the tent, and making videos for take-out finishing at home are part of her future plans. She hopes her Ladies Night fundraiser for breast and colon cancer will happen outdoors in the summer. “This whole year has been an adventure. We’re lucky – we still love doing it,” says Shephard. “That’s what we’ve got going for us.” n ● FOR MORE INFORMATION F.I.N.E. A Restaurant 42 Ontario Street South, Grand Bend 519-238-6224 www.finearestaurant.com
D E S I G N • B U I L D • LOV E
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ST. THOMAS RENO DELIGHTS HOMEOWNERS By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
When Dan Reith and Brian Helmer set out to renovate the kitchen and ensuite bathroom in their historic Rosebery Place home, they did not have a specific vision in mind. But, says Reith, they knew they wanted the changes to create “a timeless ambiance and one that would be in keeping with the age and era of the house, built circa 1939, while still offering a modern flair.” 24 Lifestyle March/April 2021
ONE OF 10 RENOS ON THE LHBA PARADE OF RENOVATIONS. TO VIEW: WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/LONDONHOMEBUILDERSASSOCIATION
LEFT A wall of walnut cabinetry provides storage and hides the refrigerator and freezer.
before OPPOSITE PAGE The homeowners asked the renovation team for a makeover to their home, built in 1939, that would suit their modern lifestyle while paying homage to the residence’s roots. ABOVE Dark and dated, the original kitchen badly needed an update.
ABOVE A La Cornue range, custom range hood and wall of Brazilian quartzite add functional beauty to this room devoted to the preparation of food in a luxurious environment.
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 25
Now that we spend more time an ever at home, the homeowners are dazzled by the natural vista before them through the myriad large windows that were made possible by the renovation.
“
To be able to watch the seasons change out the window is absolutely stunning.”
They expressed that wish to their renovation team - interior designer Suzanne Steele, Braam’s Custom Cabinetry and DUO Building Limited – with instructions to get creative. The results more than met their expectations. Says Reith: “They made it happen.” One of the major kitchen innovations involved replacing two windows with a wall of glass panes overlooking the backyard. “We opened the back wall right up with a huge window,” says DUO project manager John Relouw. “It’s a beautiful backyard, landscaped with a pool, and this gives a beautiful view of it.” It is a favourite feature for the homeowners. “To be able to watch 26 Lifestyle March/April 2021
the seasons change out the window is absolutely stunning,” Reith says. Another highlight is the La Cornue range with a five-burner gas cooktop and two individual ovens, one traditional electric and the other convection. Reith says they first saw one in Braam’s London showroom and they exclaimed: “That’s it!” Black metal with brass fittings, it melds seamlessly with the home’s heritage character. Metal designer Mark Deren, of London, fashioned a matching custom range hood. The wall behind the range is a focal point, a solid slab of Brazilian quartzite. The natural stone product, in Arctic Ocean pattern and leathered finish, matches the perimeter and
island countertops. The black-veined white stone complements Braam’s cabinetry – walnut with brass inlay. Along one wall, floor-to-ceiling cabinets with a central pantry hutch are bracketed by the fridge and freezer, both tucked behind walnut doors. Braam’s designer Rawda Al-Henedy calls the room “a glamorous and graceful space” that was “fun and unique” to work on. The finished result complements the homeowners’ personalities, she says. “The customframed wood hutch gives the space a charming traditional feel.” Modern touches, hidden inside the perimeter and island cabinets, include dual dishwashers on either side of an oversize sink, as well as a wine fridge
The renovation team turned the previous bathroom (RIGHT) into “something in the Ritz-Carlton,” the homeowners say. The old tub was replaced with an oversized shower, with dual showerheads. Walls of marble-look Italian porcelain and the heated marble floor complete this hedonistic space.
before
and a built-in ice maker. The latter ensures a constant supply of cubes for summer afternoons around the pool The drop ceiling was raised in the centre to create a tray, allowing for the pendant light fixtures above the island, Relouw says. Engineered black walnut hardwood flooring, laid on a 45-degree angle, was extended into the adjacent great room.
Upstairs, the master ensuite has been described by visitors as “like something in the Ritz-Carlton,” Reith says. “The overall aesthetic is luxury and comfort.” In the ensuite, an original tub was replaced with an oversize walk-in/rollin shower with dual showerheads and walls of Italian porcelain made to resemble marble. A highlight, Reith
says, is the heated marble floor, “a must for any ensuite.” He also appreciates the tankless wall-mounted toilet that provides “additional drying off space.” Other features include a floating vanity, with under lighting, and brushed copper Brizo faucets, manufactured in St. Thomas by Emco. n
● FOR MORE INFORMATION BRAAM’S CUSTOM CABINETRY • 10 Ontario Road, St. Thomas • 519-631-8138 • www.braamscustomcabinets.com DUO BUILDING LIMITED • 663 Central Avenue • 519-434-0960 • www.duobuilding.com SUZANNE STEELE • Steele Design Co. • 519-872-6668 • www.facebook.com/steeledesigncompany March/April 2021 Lifestyle 27
bizlife
Success with a personal touch Vranic Homes builds relationships
ABOVE AND INSET Vranic Homes entrant in the 2020 Dream Lottery.
By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
W
hen John Vranic says he is a “hands-on” builder, he means it in the truest sense of the words. In the nearly two decades since launching Vranic Homes, he has been a one-man operation, overseeing the construction of every home on-site. Vranic says clients often express surprise at seeing the company owner personally supervising the building of their home. “But I can’t sit in an office constantly,” he says. “I want to be in the trenches. I love being outdoors and on the site and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” He also loves the interaction with clients, who appreciate the ability to connect with him whenever necessary, and cites the slogan on his van: “We don’t just build homes. We build relationships.”
That hands-on approach and the resulting communication is key to his success, Vranic says. And that also extends to his relationships with a long-standing and trusted team of tradespeople, many who have worked with him since Day One. “I make them feel like they’re part of the business. Without them I wouldn’t have Vranic Homes.” He recently added a new member to that team, hiring Aaron Szampias and grooming him as his “right-hand man.” Vranic is well-equipped for the business he has chosen, growing up in a family of tradesmen and working from a young age in his father’s electrical business. After completing Fanshawe’s construction management program and an
electrical apprenticeship, he built his first home in 2002 and incorporated his business the following year. He went on to the second and third house and hasn’t stopped since, now building on average 20 homes a year. He early on developed a relationship with Sifton Properties, building in their Deer Ridge neighbourhood in west London, then Riverbend and most recently its Clear Skies community in Ilderton, where he’s set to follow up on his work in Phase 1 with 19 new homes when Phase 2 opens later this summer. He’s a featured builder in several communities west of London, including Mount Brydges, Komoka and Kilworth, where his model home in Edgewater Estates was chosen as one of two prize homes in the Fall 2020 Dream Lottery. n
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • VRANIC HOMES INC. • PO Box 221, Komoka • www.vranichomes.com 28 Lifestyle March/April 2021
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STYLES TO WEAR AT ANY AGE By Jill Ellis-Worthington After a ‘certain age,’ most women want to look put together and trendy but not like they are trying too hard. Others don’t want to be thought of as dressing ‘too young’ or to look ‘matronly.’ That’s why you can never go wrong with classic pieces, according to Victoria Baird, who is a wardrobe consultant and coach. “They look good on most figures because of the simplicity of the way they are cut. More importantly, they can be worn with so many pieces, forming the backbone of a wardrobe. And they can be paired with trendier pieces when you want to look up to
1
date,” she explains.
2
3
4
5
tailored timelessly 1&2 “Diamond studs can be worn every single day to add a little bling to any outfit. Don’t save them just for dressy occasions,” says Baird. (Core Signature
30 Lifestyle March/April 2021
diamond studs by Dean Davison, Hangar9) 3. Channel Katharine Hepburn when you wear trousers with authority; a perfect pairing with flats or
loafers. (Checked pant by Peserico, Hangar9) 4. Baird calls the A-line skirt “the most adaptable skirt for most figures. It creates curves if you have
none and if you do, it complements them.” (Nussa skirt by Birgitte Herskind, Hangar9) 5. If the years have caught up with your joints and
heels are no longer your friends, dressy flats can be worn with skirts and dresses, as well as trousers and jeans. (Casadei’s Multicane silver brocade flat, Hangar9)
timeless
11
DENIM
12. Margo Morrison’s grey and white baroque pearl necklace, Hangar9.
12
6
“It is said that every Parisian woman has at least one striped top in her closet,” says Baird. “I think this is because stripes are so versatile.”
9
6. Striped top by Brax for Women, Magari Fashions. 7. Short sleeved striped crew by Patrick Assaraf, Hangar9.
7 8
According to Baird, “After the age of 60, some women feel they can no longer wear jeans.” But she solidly refutes this notion. “Anyone – no matter what age – needs a well-fitting pair of jeans in her arsenal.” She adds that the good news is that all styles of are jeans are ‘in’ right now and available to complement all body shapes and sizes. 13. RIGHT Frame Denim’s Le One Skinny Jean Caspio, Hangar9. BELOW Marc Aurel’s cropped jeans, Magari Fashions.
13
The classic white blouse is the “chameleon” of your wardrobe, according to Baird. “It shifts with your mood, the environment or event,” she adds. Wear an oversized white shirt tied at the waist with slim jeans; wear a tailored version with a pencil skirt for work; pair with a camisole and wear with dress pants for a meet-up with friends.
10
8. Brax for Women’s summer casual top, Magari Fashions. 9. White blouse,by Brax for Women, Magari Fashions. 10. Playful Stripes Blouse by Dorothee Schumacher, Hangar9. 11. Rethink loafers as the footwear of choice with a longer skirt, cropped pants or long dress shorts. (Beya loafer by Nicholas Kirkwood, Hangar9)
timeless
TOPS & BOTTOMS
From Queen Elizabeth I’s waist-length pearl strands to the 1920s Flappers jauntily swinging their pearl ropes as they did the Charleston to Jackie O’s demure strands, pearl necklaces have always been signature pieces.
continued on page 33 March/April 2021 Lifestyle 31
32 Lifestyle March/April 2021
TIMELESSLY TAILORED
SINCE 1988
~ Continued from page 31
14
We have hundreds of beautiful designs to choose from for engagements, anniversaries, and general expressions of love. Canadian Diamonds Quality Craftsmanship • Superior Service • •
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14. Worn with an A-line or pencil skirt, trousers or jeans – the Chanel-inspired cardigan or jacket “adds interest to any outfit,” says Baird. “It takes your look up a notch without really trying and makes it look chic and interesting.” (Leopard print cardigan by Marc Aurel, Margari Fashions)
● FOR MORE INFORMATION HANGAR9 620 Richmond Street 519-672-0073 www.hangar9.ca MAGARI FASHIONS 1070 Gainsborough Road 519-471-6772 www.magarifashions.ca VICTORIA BAIRD Wardrobe Consultant and Coach www.victoriabaird.com
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm 519-782-7467 215 Main Street, Port Stanley www.studiostyle.ca March/April 2021 Lifestyle 33
homestyle
a gathering place By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
RENOVATION OPENS UP PARTY POSSIBILITIES
E During the renovation, the laundry was relocated to an adjacent walk-in utility closet. The stacked washer/dryer and cupboard and counter space make it an efficient area. 34 Lifestyle March/April 2021
ntertaining at the Killinger family home is more relaxed and enjoyable these days thanks to a main floor revamp by Riverside Construction. Featured in the 2020 London Home Builders’ Association Parade of Renovations, the project opened space and created an updated kitchen. “We love the open concept,” says Lynne Killinger. “Our house is a gathering place and now people can be in the kitchen, living room or dining room and still be part of everything – and it’s not crowded.” Opening the space involved removing several walls that enclosed the dining
room, kitchen and a stairway to the basement. This can be challenging in a large area, says Riverside owner Greg Hassall. “You need to define the spaces in different ways when you don’t have the walls, while maintaining a natural flow.” To assist with the project, Hassall enlisted the services of London designer Myra Tuer. “She was great,” Killinger says. “She immediately had the same vision as we had for the space.” Her ideas were instrumental in solving layout issues, including dealing with the basement stairway when the wall encasing it was removed. The initial idea was to install new railing, but Tuer suggested
ONE OF 10 RENOS ON THE LHBA PARADE OF RENOVATIONS. TO VIEW: WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/LONDONHOMEBUILDERSASSOCIATION
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP The Killingers wanted their home to be a more welcoming space for gathering with friends and family. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The clean, bright open-concept kitchen and adjoining rooms provide space so “people can be in
the kitchen, living room or dining room and still be part of everything,” says Lynne Killinger.
In the living room, the fireplace was updated with a contemporary mantle made of crushed marble.
The kitchen features ample storage in the pantry, in the large island and under the banquette seating built along the windows in the dinette area.
Engineered hardwood was used throughout the main floor renovation, including the dining room.
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 35
A GATHERING PLACE ~ Continued from page 35
• Whole Home • Additions • Exterior • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements www.rsclondon.com • 519.614.9044
Make Your Renovation Dream a Reality. Call us today! • Additions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Custom Homes • Custom Millwork • Porches • Heritage Restoration
boxing it in on three sides with a waist-high enclosure that would not attract the eye away from the adjoining living room in the way that a rail might. “We love it,” Killinger says. “We don’t even notice it’s there.” Another challenge was replacing storage space previously offered by wall cabinets. Here, the renovation team came up with a solution that is a highlight of the project for Hassall. A laundry/mudroom off the kitchen was converted to a butler’s pantry with the addition of a sink and cabinetry as well as a stand-up freezer. Meanwhile the laundry was relocated to an adjacent walk-in utility closet, which is populated by a stacked washer/dryer and a built-in counter and cupboard. The butler’s pantry is becoming a growing trend, Hassall says. “We’re seeing more of it in the last couple of years as people try to create an extension of their kitchen.” Killinger is thrilled with the amount of storage capacity her new kitchen offers. In addition to the pantry, she cites space in the extra deep island and beneath the banquette seating built along the windows in the dinette area. “They really made use of every square inch.” Hassall says the complete main-floor update included new appliances and light fixtures, cabinetry and quartz countertops and engineered hardwood flooring. A working island with seating replaced the former peninsula. The living room fireplace also got a facelift, which is one of Killinger’s favourite elements. The traditional wood frame was replaced with a more contemporary surround, incorporating crushed marble. “It’s really unique,” she says. “For me, the finished result is fantastic,” Hassall says. “I think we achieved what they were going for.” “It’s even better than we expected,” Killinger agrees. n
● FOR MORE INFORMATION Best of
RIVERSIDE CONSTRUCTION 440 Victoria Street 519-614-9044 • www.rsclondon.com
2019
SERVICE
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AUTOS
SPRING 2021 BY CLARE DEAR
LUXURY HITS THE HIGHWAY March/April 2021 Lifestyle 39
New electric heart. Same Porsche soul. The all-electric Taycan. Now at Porsche of London.
Porsche of London | 1265 Wharncliffe Road South, London, Ontario N6L 1G9 | (519) 601-1322 | porschelondon.com
40 Lifestyle March/April 2021
autostyle
2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback Muscular performance belies RS 5’s practical features Do not be deceived by the Audi RS 5 Sportback’s muscular look and aggressive styling features. The flowing exterior lines and wider stance are a reminder of Audi’s racing heritage and the performance capabilities it has built into the new Sportback, but this vehicle also offers plenty of practicality, with four doors, a wide-opening rear hatch and folding 40/20/40-split rear seats. The Sportback’s impressive performance credentials are rooted in its 2.9-litre TFSI bi-turbocharged V-6 and eight-speed tiptronic transmission, coupled with the brand’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system. With a power output of 444 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, the Sportback can launch to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Slip into the Sportback’s cabin and you will find an interior that comple-
ments its sporty exterior. It wraps the driver and passengers in luxury and comfort, while features such as optional carbon fibre inlays reflect its pedigree as an Audi Sport thoroughbred. The Audi virtual cockpit features a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen, three display modes and the ability to show your location in Google Earth or via a 3D map. There is also a 10.1-inch
touch screen for the MMI infotainment control centre. If you would like to give your Sportback a truly distinctive look, there is an optional Bronze Package ($11,200) offered. It includes 20-inch mill-cut wheels, finished in bronze, and an interior trimmed with black Nappa leather with bronze stitching. To complete the unmistakable look, the exterior is finished in a eye-catching bronze colour.
AT GLANCE PRICE: Starting at $87,400 POWERTRAIN: 2.9L TFSI bi-turbo V-6; eightspeed tiptronic transmission with Sport mode and paddle shifters; quattro all-wheel drive POWER/TORQUE: 444 hp/442 lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION L/100 KM: 13.1 city, 9.3 highway, 11.4 combined
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • AUDI LONDON • 481 Wharncliffe Road South • 519-963-282 • www.audilondon.com/en
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 41
autostyle
2022 Acura MDX New MDX sets new benchmark for Acura brand Acura presents this fourth generation MDX as the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in the brand’s history. Its improved levels of craftsmanship, performance and technology are so significant Acura has designated the MDX its flagship vehicle. A more rigid platform helps this SUV deliver the driving dynamics of a sport sedan. The MDX has been fitted with a new double wishbone front suspension that creates a larger tire contact patch through corners that helps to increase grip, while the new rear suspension also improves stability and response. For 2022, the MDX is powered by a new 3.5-litre V-6 engine that incorporates advanced friction-reducing technologies, helping boost fuel efficiency and power output. For the first time, it is paired with Acura’s 10-speed automatic trans-
heating and three-position memory – all standard. In the second row, there is a unique removable centre seat that can be configured three ways: a traditional bench for three; a captain’s chair style with a wide centre armrest; or removed for improved access to the third row An expanded suite of AcuraWatch advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on all trim levels. mission. Engine output is distributed to the road through a new fourthgeneration iteration of Acura’s torquevectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard on all models. The cabin has a sophisticated feel, with premium materials such as openpore wood, brushed aluminum and soft Milano leather. The front seats feature 12-way adjustment, three-way
AT A GLANCE PRICE: Starting at $56,405 POWERTRAIN: 3.5-litre, direct injected, i-VTEC V-6; 10-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and paddle shifters; Super Handling All-Wheel Drive POWER/TORQUE: 290 hp/267 lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION L/100 KM: 12.3 city, 9.4 highway, 10.8 combined
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • ACURA WEST • 59 Wonderland Road North • 519-657-1557 • www.acurawest.ca
2021 Porsche Taycan 4S New Taycan’s performance electrifying Porsche’s all-electric Taycan delivers jaw-dropping power and performance, with 429 horsepower and 472 lb.-ft. of torque awaiting your command. Even in the base Taycan 4S model, its acceleration capabilities are stunning, ripping to 100 kilometres an hour in just 4.0 seconds using the car’s launch control system. Not that you would ever want to attain its top speed of 250 km/h on our highways, but it is a fact worth bragging about to the neighbours. If the capabilities of the base model do not satisfy you, shifting up to the Performance Battery Plus edition – a $7,500 upgrade – may do the trick. The more powerful battery adds another 53 horsepower and boosts torque by 50 lb.-ft. The battery upgrade also ensures the
the Taycan not only pays homage to its lineage but sets a dynamic design theme for the future. Of course, the interior is typical Porsche, with premium materials, precise fit and finish, deep, sporty seating and controls positioned perfectly.
AT A GLANCE Taycan, with its 800-volt architecture, can easily reach distant destinations. If a recharge is necessary, it can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. With a 270-kilowatt direct-current source the Performance Battery Plus can be rebooted to 80 percent capacity in less than 23 minutes. The performance data is only part of the Taycan’s story. With its fluid lines
PRICE: Starting at $120,500 ($128,000 with Performance Plus battery) POWERTRAIN: Dual permanent magnet synchronous motors; single-speed transmission on front axle, two-speed transmission on rear axle; all-wheel drive POWER/TORQUE: 429 hp (up to 522 hp with launch control over boost power); 472 lb.-ft. (up to 522 lb.-ft. with over boost power)
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • PORSCHE OF LONDON • 1 265 Wharncliffe Road South • 519-601-1322 • www.porschelondon.com March/April 2021 Lifestyle 43
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bestlife
Make your own takeout ADD NEW DIMENSIONS TO MOVIE NIGHT
Story by Jill Ellis-Worthington Photography by Abi Collins
I
t has been a long winter and we’ve supported our local restaurants with weekly (or admit it, more often) takeaway dinners. An evening of sipping a glass of Chianti or Barolo and quickly grabbing a piece of the bread you just pulled out of the oven to sop up some sauce are the perfect accompaniments to a delicious ordered-in pasta, while watching an old favourite like Under the Tuscan Sun. Or, ordering savoury moussaka and crispy calamari, to enjoy with the diminutive bottle of Retsina that you picked up on a whim at the liquor store, is a great way to travel to Greece while watching a newer offering – A Trip to Greece (a hilarious and poignant mockumentary with luscious scenery). But sometimes our tastebuds need a bit of a fresh tickle to remind us of what lovely flavours exist in the greater world, and we desire to create something new and different for movie night at home. Until we’re able to travel, the fresh flavours of foreign lands will have to comfort us and assure us that our tongues have great journeys to make. And for our comedic pleasure, this dish will perfectly accompany your movie night choice of Crazy, Rich Asians.
GRILLED THAI BEEF SATAYS
METHOD
(Serves four)
Cut beef striploin into 1 /2-inch wide, 1/8-inch thick, six-inch long strips.
INGREDIENTS 16 oz. Beef striploin, trimmed (fat and silver skin removed) MARINADE 1/4 cup Light soy sauce 2 tbsp. Canola oil 2 tbsp. Thai fish sauce 1 tbsp. Fresh lime juice 1 tbsp. Brown sugar 1 tbsp. Fresh garlic chopped 1 tbsp. Fresh ginger chopped 1 tsp. Ground coriander 1 tsp. Ground cumin THAI LEMON GRASS AIOLI 2 tbsp. Mayo 1 tsp. Curry powder 1 tbsp. Lemon grass paste 1 tbsp. Thai fish sauce 1 tsp. Brown sugar or honey
Pound strips very lightly with a meat hammer. Marinate strips for about two to three hours in large zip lock bag. Thread marinated strips onto bamboo or metal skewer. Place on a hot grill pan or barbecue grill and cook for two to three minutes per side. Remove satays from the heat, brush lightly with a sweet soy glaze (oyster flavoured sauce). Place on a serving platter. Serve with flash fried lotus root slices, fresh cilantro and Thai lemon grass aioli. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to garnish. RECIPE BY CHEF VOLKER JENDHOFF
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • STEEL GRILL CATERING • 1674 Dundas Street • 519-453-8222 • www.steelgrill.com March/April 2021 Lifestyle 45
homestyle
CREATE AN OUTDOOR OASIS
EXPAND your living space By Ellen Ashton Haiste
A growing trend to increase a home’s living space by creating a backyard garden oasis has taken a quantum leap as pandemic travel restrictions force people to isolate at home. “We’re finding more people buying into the staycation concept and investing money in their own outdoor spaces,” says landscape designer Jay McKinnon, owner of Jay McKinnon Company. “Many are selling vacation properties and revamping their home to bring the cottage to them,” agrees Matt Edwards, owner at Edwards & Sons Complete Property Maintenance. Both landscapers say water features, from cascading falls
46 Lifestyle March/April 2021
to bubbling rocks, are usually key elements. To make the outdoor areas more livable and useful, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, pools and saunas are also being added. Clients, they say, are increasingly opting for covered and enclosed areas on decks and patios. “People are finding they get more out of their landscape and are able to use it longer with a few different options,” Edwards says, adding a covered area with a heat source and lighting can extend usage to almost all seasons.
OPPOSITE PAGE This waterfall by Edwards & Sons, with two cascades merging into one across a 20-foot limestone expanse, offers a welcome space to relax at the end of a busy day.
ABOVE Night lighting, as seen in this stone stairway by Jay McKinnon Company, extends outdoor living into evening hours, providing both a pleasant aesthetic and functionality in terms of safety and home security.
TOP RIGHT A Permacon stacked-stone fireplace, with a seven-foot tower, is a focal point in an Edwards & Son backyard entertainment project. The completed space included a deck, pool, hot tub and outdoor sound system.
urban noise, Jay McKinnon Company designed this waterfall, which does so by cascading over river stone and splashing into a natural-looking pond. BOTTOM RIGHT To create an outdoor entertainment area, Jay McKinnon Company designed the project to be anchored by a barbecue cooking area and built with natural stone and cedar posts to tie-in with neighbouring conservation lands.
INSET For a client who wanted the sound of water to drown out surrounding
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 47
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48 Lifestyle March/April 2021
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EXPAND YOUR LIVING SPACE ~ Continued from page 47
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TOP A popular swimming pool feature is a sheer descent waterfall from an eight-foot wall. BOTTOM Stones recycled from the original patio were used in the lower extension of a large deck build that was part of a whole home renovation. The deck features an upper flagstone sitting area. Both by Jay McKinnon Company.
● FOR MORE INFORMATION EDWARDS & SONS COMPLETE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 1875 Wharncliffe Road South, Unit 4A 519-652-0826 http://edwardsandsons.ca/ JAY MCKINNON COMPANY 215 Deruiter Drive, Strathroy 519-854-3368 https://landscapeontario.com/member/ jay-mckinnon-company
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March/April 2021 Lifestyle 49
yourstyle
PLAYING DIRTY
WHY THE BLAME GAME HURTS By Janis Wallace
F
rom childhood, some of us are good at pointing to the kid beside us and saying, “He/she did it.” It sometimes becomes a life-long habit. Why do we play the blame game, and are there wins and losses? “We’ve been doing it as human beings for a very long time,” says Richard Lyke, registered psychotherapist. “You can find examples of blame going back to ancient Greek times. It’s part of who we are as humans. We’ve been blaming others as long as we’ve been telling stories. We’re inclined to believe what we think. What we think arises from a number of sources.” Lyke says his comments were based on what he’s learned from others and years of being in practice, rather than being evidence-based. Is it more prevalent in the 21st century? No definitive research yet either way, but it is very common today, and probably amplified by social media. Lyke thinks electronic communication creates fewer boundaries and fewer opportunities for people to take responsibility for what they think.
WHY PLAY THE GAME
Sometimes blaming others can be traced to an early childhood traumatic experience, not necessarily a violent one, Lyke says. “It’s a direct response that comes with a storyline. We make up the storyline and what it means.” For example, when we are hurt, we will recall that storyline and expect someone else to fix it. “So, it’s their fault. It becomes a real problem. It’s complex.” Robert Sapolsky, American neuroendocrinology researcher at Stanford
50 Lifestyle March/April 2021
“Blame has a lot of negativity and emotional tone. Blame damages relationships.” University, linked the stories we tell ourselves to our stress responses. His book Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst starts with a look at factors that influence the brain when a behaviour happens and broadens
the lens to the neurobiological impact. Blaming leads to stress responses and more cortisol and stress hormones. Those stress responses also trigger storytelling. “We remember for 50 years and tell stories,” says
Dr Moore.pdf
10/30/11
12:52:07 PM
Lyke. “But those experiences are laid down incompletely. We make up a story about what happened. We blame people as part of the threat response. We’re on automatic. It’s not based on a rational assessment of the present.”
GAINS OF THE GAME
It is easy. If someone else is accountable, they must do the work; they must fix it. Being accountable, by taking the blame, also makes you vulnerable. Blaming others can be a self-defence mechanism. It helps people deal with shame, or not accept shame, for something they did. Shame leads to loss of control. Some blamers do so to take control of the story, and not listen to the other side. Several current examples of famous blamers spring to mind. Which leads to another reason: protecting one’s ego. Blaming someone else makes you think you’re superior, more important. The mirror of this is blaming someone else to make yourself the victim as a means to be the centre of attention. Some people use blame to release repressed emotions. It’s a great relief to unload those feelings on someone else.
LOSSES OF PLAYING
“When we give up responsibility for an experience in life, we also give up agency, our ability to choose and take action,” says Lyke. “If I don’t have agency, I am susceptible to being afraid and that enhances the likelihood of having a threat response.” “Blame has a lot of negativity,” says Lyke. “I blame you; you blame me. It goes round and round and is destructive.” One of the biggest losses from blaming others is the impact on relationships – with family, partners, friends, colleagues. American psychologist John Gottman’s research on marital stability and relationship analyses used a mathematical model for negative and positive patterns of intentions and impact of interactions. “He found couples who do well have five times more positive than negative interactions,” says Lyke. “Blame has a lot of negativity and emotional tone. Blame damages relationships.” Stress responses to threat add to negativity. “We damage ourselves by our stress response,” says Lyke.
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PLAYING DIRTY ~ Continued from page 51 “We damage others by passing it along. And that damages relationships.” He says blaming another is often part of domestic abuse; the reactive partner blames the other for how they feel. “It’s an avoidance of responsibility, avoidance of our own reactions and behaviour.” He gives an example of a driver hitting a pedestrian crossing the street in the middle of a block. The pedestrian blames the driver for not seeing, not being in control of their vehicle. The driver blames the pedestrian for crossing where he or she shouldn’t. “They both have responsibility.”
HOW TO CHANGE THE GAME
If you recognize yourself as a player and want to stop, where do you start? According to Lyke, “I first recommend taking up mindfulness practice. Good mindfulness work helps you see how feelings and thoughts arise and to see them for what they are – not take them so seriously. It slows down the process. When we ground and centre ourselves, we have a better response.” He suggests starting with a simple approach. “Breathe into your spine, pelvis and down to your feet. Feel your physical centre and practise daily so it becomes a piece of your skill set. We need to have skills to catch our reactive stuff and hold it. We need to ask ourselves what is true about this? When was this true the first time, and what is true about it now? How can we get ourselves back into the present, otherwise we are skating on old ice. “To stop really requires saying, ‘I want to be in the present. I do not want to pass on old damage. I want to bring balance and loving kindness back into the world.’ It’s important to have intention that allows us to take responsibility for how we work with our experiences.” Stop telling the stories or tell them to a professional therapist who can identify things you don’t know or see about your reactive behaviour. They can also help you see where to take responsibility, repair relationships and learn new ways of behaving. C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying: “Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others.” Taking responsibility is empowering, can take you out of that hell. n
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March/April 2021 Lifestyle 53
WAREHOUSE 74 1737 Richmond St - London - (519)660-0074
warehouse74.com
MODEL HOME TOUR
MARCH | APRIL
MAD ABOUT
MODELS By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
2021
We’ve never appreciated our homes as much as we do now. Spending so much time in the house may have pointed out some of its failings, however, and it’s time to move up to something larger, newer and more functional for your family. With single family homes and condominiums available in London and the adjacent communities, area residential builders are offering a dazzling array of options on the following pages.
March/April 2021 Lifestyle 55
2021 MODEL HOME TOUR
Vranic Homes SMALL TOWN LIVING For home buyers seeking affordable small town living with easy access to city amenities, Vranic Homes has an option. The builder is opening its second phase of 19 new lots later this summer in Sifton Properties’ Clear Skies neighbourhood in the town of Ilderton. The location is ideal for growing families or for retirees, says John Vranic. “Ilderton is less expensive, for (building) lots and for taxes, and it’s just seven minutes north of London,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity for downsizing in retirement or for raising young families.” In addition to its proximity to London, the Ilderton community offers a variety of businesses, services, and recreational opportunities. Vranic says he will have 20 plans from which buyers can choose. The
Vranic is committed to providing superior quality that exceeds building code standards. bungalow and two-storey homes, on 40- to 50-foot lots, will feature open-concept layouts with hard surface countertops and high-end finishes, as well as brick exteriors and double-car garages. As a custom builder, who had one of his homes in the Edgewater Estates development in Kilworth featured in London’s Dream Home lottery last fall, Vranic is committed to providing superior quality that exceeds building code standards. “I’m hands on with the construction, on site every day,” he says. n
Outstanding
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WE DON’T JUST BUILD HOMES, WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS!
56 Lifestyle March/April 2021
www.vranichomes.com, vranichomes@sympatico.ca
2021 MODEL HOME TOUR
Hayhoe Homes TRENTWOOD One of Hayhoe Homes’ popular bungalows is showcased as a presentation centre in southeast St. Thomas’s Harvest Run neighbourhood. The 2,196-square-foot Trentwood exhibits a “light and airy coastal vibe,” says designer Shale Holden. That ambiance starts at the front entrance from the covered porch to a spacious foyer with bench seat. It extends to the rear open concept kitchen, eating area and great room, anchored by a working island with breakfast bar. The great room includes a natural gas fireplace and the eating area opens to a covered wood backyard deck. The adjacent master suite continues the airy atmosphere, featuring a cathedral ceiling, along with a generous walk-in closet and ensuite
The 2,196-square-foot Trentwood exhibits a light and airy coastal vibe. bathroom with double basins and an oversize custom shower. An open staircase leads from the great room to a finished lower level with a large recreation room, two bedrooms – one featuring a walk-in closet. – and a full bathroom. There is also an abundant utility and storage space. The main level includes a frontfacing bedroom, which might also function as an office or den, as well as a three-piece bathroom and a laundry room, accessed from the double garage. The home’s exterior is brick and stone. n
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2021 MODEL HOME TOUR
Domus Developments LANDINGS PORT STANLEY Landings Port Stanley, a new community from Domus Developments, is taking shape in this lakeside village. It is nestled in a natural setting on East Street south of Dexter Line in the village’s northeast sector, surrounded by existing subdivisions and wooded areas. The neighbourhood, which includes a range of housing styles from detached single-family homes to condo bungalows, has already sold out its allotment of semi-detached homes. As well 50 per cent of the single-family ravine lots, priced from $619,900, have been sold. The diversity of styles, offered at attractive price points, are attracting empty nesters, downsizing homeowners and folks looking for a vacation getaway, says project developer Mike Mescia. He adds that one-floor condos, ranging from
The neighbourhood is designed to reflect the village’s heritage and lakeside character. 1,250-1,350 square feet priced from the upper $400s, are coming soon. Construction is set to start this year with closings in late 2021 or into next year. This phase will ultimately include a community pool. The neighbourhood is designed to reflect the village’s heritage and lakeside character. A point of entry for European travellers from the mid-17th century, it’s long been a drawing card for boaters and sun seekers, boasting a Blue Flag Main Beach and several marinas. Registration for the development is available online. n
- S TA R T I N G S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 -
L O T S
S I N G L E - FA M I LY
CONDOS
75% Sold
Coming Soon
519.870.1335 58 Lifestyle March/April 2021
S E M I - D E TA C H E D Sold Out
P R E M I U M
P R E M I U M
L O T S
NOW SELLING
2021 MODEL HOME TOUR
Domus Developments NORTH POINT 2 A selection of luxury rental suites are on offer in Domus Development’s North Point 2 boutique-style low-rise building in North London’s Masonville district. Building on the success of North Point Lofts, London’s first modern loft condominium project, the 43 North Point 2 units will carry over many of its popular design elements including full-height glass walls and large balconies, offering scenic vistas of the surrounding natural landscape, once part of the Labatt family estate. Upscale interior features include 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and full-size in-suite laundry. The units have independent climate-controlled HVAC and
10-12-inch concrete walls and floors. A variety of layout options are available with one- and twobedroom suites, some with dens, ranging from 925 to 1,600 square feet, with prices starting at $1,950 plus hydro and water. The building features a lounge, guest suite, underground parking and storage plus covered and uncovered above-ground parking. The Masonville district, a short walk away, offers major amenities, including dining, entertainment and retail plus some of the area’s best golf courses. Nearby Plane Tree Park offers expansive green space with a walking trail and recreational fields. Contact project developer Mike Mescia for a showing. n
MODEL BY APPOINTMENT
NOW RENTING IN NORTH LONDON Set Your Sights High. Set Your Expectations Higher. Following on the success of North Point 1, the new building will offer luxurious and spacious rental suites that feel more like home, nestled in a quiet setting with breathtaking views.
50%
Leased
ONLY 43 EXCLUSIVE SUITES • 1 AND 2 BEDROOM SUITES • QUARTZ COUNTERS • WOOD FINISH FLOORING • 10 FT CEILINGS • CUSTOM CABINETS • UNDERGROUND PARKING • REGISTER ONLINE NOW Private showings available
519-870-1335 | mmescia@domusdev.com
domusdev.com March/April 2021 Lifestyle 59
A HEALTHY
HOME to support your healthy life
Own a home that produces as much energy as it consumes DISCOVER THE PALMER All homes built by Doug Tarry Homes are ENERGY STAR ® and Net Zero Ready
At home or on your phone, go to www.dougtarryhomes.com Renderings are artist’s concept. Prices, specifications and information subject to change without notice. E.O.E.
2021 MODEL HOME TOUR
Doug Tarry Homes THE PALMER A lofted bungalow with a sleek modern black-and-white theme is one of the latest Doug Tarry Homes designs showcased in St. Thomas’ Harvest Run neighbourhood. At 1,307 square feet, The Palmer is a spacious three-bedroom home. Its large covered front porch leads into the open-concept main level kitchen, dining area and rear twostorey great room. The kitchen features black cabinets, with blackveined white quartz counters and a waterfall counter on the island. A focal point in the great room is the fireplace with a white matte finish on the surround and black trim. The adjacent master suite encompasses a full walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom with a tile shower featuring an opaque glass door with black adhesive creating grill look.
A focal point in the great room is the fireplace with a white matte finish on the surround and black trim. In the dining area, the staircase to the upper level is concealed behind a feature wall of wooden slats by GCW Custom Cabinetry. The loft level features a sitting area overlooking the great room as well as two bedrooms and a three-piece bathroom. This model showcases a finished basement with a recreation room, hobby room and three-piece bathroom plus an unfinished space for a home office. The main level includes a laundry, mudroom and two-piece bath, with access to the 1.5 car garage. n
welcome
HOME
to The Danbridge
» Open concept floorplan » Highly desired community » ENERGY STAR® & Net Zero Ready
At home or on your phone, go to www.dougtarryhomes.com Renderings are artist’s concept. Prices, specifications and information subject to change without notice. E.O.E.
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WAREHOUSE 74 1737 Richmond St - London - (519)660-0074
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