Spring 2015 at HOME Victoria by NICHE magazine

CHEF AT HOME DAN HAYES DESIGN & DÉCOR JENNY MARTIN THE WINE LIST STUART BROWN

at HOME VICTORIA

feature home

Cascadia

MODERN LIVING ON THE EDGE

CURB APPEAL

create your own english garden

SPRING D.I.Y PROJECTS LAUNDRY ROOM | BEACH DÉCOR | MEGA CLEANING

MAY|JUNE 2015

ATHOMEVICTORIA.COM

features

INTERIOR by: design

p.38

When a community came together to help tackle the problem of youth-at-risk homelessness in Victoria, no one expected the finished apartment complex to end up featured in a home magazine. But that’s exactly where it belongs, and for all the right reasons. AH

SPRING ISSUE Spring has sprung, which means homeowners are anxious to tackle interior design, décor, garden and custom home projects. This issue, AHV focuses on just that – from feature homes to DIY projects, we help you find inspiration, source local products, and get the job done.

COVER STORY

p.20

AHV FEATURE HOME: Clinging to Vancouver Island’s rocky coast and perched high above a spectacular cliff, Cascadia exemplifies the perfect West Coast home; eco-friendly, naturally beautiful and with just a touch of the wild.

Everything you need in one location.

Over 12,000 square feet of tile from around the world! Vancouver Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest selection.

4337 Boban Drive, Nanaimo | 250.729.9766 | citytile.ca

Travertine | Slate |

Limestone | Ceramic | Porcelain | Marble | Mosaics

contents CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR’S MESSAGE

6 8

RIGHT AT HOME

EDITOR’S PICKS

COLOUR YOUR WORLD

FEATURE HOME

HOME FASHION

THE WINE LIST

INTERIOR BY: DESIGN

LOCAL LOOKBOOK

CELEBRITY AT HOME

GADGETS & OTHER GOOD STUFF

CURB APPEAL

BORROWED TIME

COLIN & JUSTIN’S LAKESIDE RETREAT

ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY

CLOSE TO HOME TRAVEL

WEEKEND D.I.Y

DINE

ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS

BEACH DECOR

Coastal inspired interior design, whether modern or traditional, is one of Jenny’s favourite décor styles. In this issue, she’s showing you how to get this cozy classic look for your home . by: Jenny Martin

MUSSELS & CLAMS

Invite your friends, chill a great bottle of white wine and gather round the table for a delicious, one pan seaside shellfish dinner bursting with layers of the traditional flavours created by Parisian fishermen. by: Dan Hayes

POP SQUIRREALISM

Victoria artist Carollyne Yardley’s skill in mixing brushwork, humour, pop culture and imagination takes you to this fantastical place that you instantly want to be part of. by: Emily Dobby

MODERN HERITAGE

K I TC H E N BRUCE WILKIN BRUCEWILKIN.COM NICHEKITCHEN.COM 250 704 8984

contributors JENNY MARTIN DESIGN As one of Vancouver Island’s premier interior designers, Jenny Martin is a name synonymous for creating timeless interiors and functional spaces. She runs and manages her own firm, Jenny Martin Design.

DESIGN WITH JENNY MARTIN

p.16

STUART BROWN WINE Stuart is a Victoria based certified Sommelier. Formerly the Sommelier at Bear Mountain Resort, Stuart now spends his time educating others about wine around the world, and is an instructor for the International Sommelier Guild on Vancouver Island.

THE WINE LIST

p.36

EMILY DOBBY ART Emily is an art professional and librarian with experience working in museums and commercial galleries across the country. Hailing from Montreal, Emily first fell in love with Victoria while completing a History in Art Master’s degree at UVic, and is now a loyal transplant.

THE ARTFUL HOME

p.44

DOROTHY HAWES HOSTESS Dorothy grew up in a family of 12 and has been used to large gatherings since she took her first step. In addition to her busy life as a teacher at SMUS and a mother of three, Dorothy is passionate about entertaining in her home.

ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY

p.64

DAN HAYES CHEF Owner of Victoria’s popular The London Chef, Dan has taught cookery all over the UK. From fishing, hunting and gathering to final presentation, this London Chef combines his classical French training and love of rustic Mediterranean cuisine and seafood to create memorable and outstanding dishes, events and cooking lessons.

CHEF AT HOME

p.30

Complete Family Eye Care frames

lenses

yfair Optometric Logo files - Aug 2014

contacts

sunglasses

eye exams

Base font is Gotham

Your eyes are for life, and so should your eye care. We will take the time to get to know you, your eyes and your health. Then, the experienced team at Mayfair Optometric Clinic will create a custom eye care program, designed just for you, that assures you the best possible care, advice and options for all your vision needs.

3196 Douglas St. (Across from Mayfair Mall)

250.361.4444

mayfairoptometric.com

ELEGANCE is the balance between proportion, emotion and surprise.

- Valentino Garavani

’ve had my share of decor disasters. There was the time that I painted my entire bedroom in alternating stripes of blaring white and fire engine red; I didn’t sleep well for two months until I repainted. Another time, I insisted on a faux marble ceramic tile for my bathroom floor; it was so slippery I nearly broke my neck getting out of the shower. It took me several attempts and many years of living to realize how right Valentino was. The secret to an elegant home is striking the perfect balance between proportion, emotion and surprise. The AHV team have been busy seeking, scouting and sourcing the very best in Victoria, making sure that this elegant issue of atHOME Victoria magazine has all the elements of good design and balanced living.

Proportion

An element so important in all facets of life,

proportion is something learned; and each of the designers featured in this issue have mastered the skill of scale. Resident interior design columnist and Victoria industry veteran, Jenny Martin is teaching us how to get modern beach décor into our homes this season [Design with Jenny Martin, page 16]. Celebrity HGTV designers Colin & Justin show off their newest masterpiece; their very own waterfront cabin [Lakefront Retreat, page 58]. The AHV feature home is a true West Coast stunner. Don’t miss this 10page feature on a local home that perfectly illustrates the fact that you don’t need to compromise on space or style to achieve proportion [Feature Home Cascadia, page 20].

Emotion When we speak of emotion in design, we are talking about those carefully chosen elements that make a space so personal. I am thrilled to share with you Threshold, a unit design volunteer project by designer Nicole Scott, working in tandem with HeroWork and the Threshold Housing Society of Victoria. The story is moving, the diligence and hard work that went into the project is inspiring, and the finished unit is awesome [Interior by: Design, page 38].

Surprise

Oh I love surprises! Don’t you? If whimsical with a touch of dark humour is your thing, make sure you check out columnist Emily Dobby’s column on artist Carollyne Yardley [The Artful Home, page 44]. Also in this issue, as we look forward to Le Diner En Blanc, AHV has secured a few great deals for you, and have a step-by-step guide for what you need to bring to this exclusive white picnic [Colour Your World, page 18] and our always elegant hostess, Dorothy Hawes is serving afternoon tea at home, and we’re all invited into her kitchen [Entertain with Dorothy, page 64]. This is your local magazine, filled with relevant inspiration to help you find your perfect balance. As always, thank you for spending time with us. I love sharing our HOME with you. It’s good to be home,

Tracey Drake, EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@atHOMEvictoria.com

the art of

DON BASTIAN at HOME VICTORIA

PUBLISHER GLOSSY MEDIA EDITOR IN CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY DRAKE SALES & CIRCULATION DIRECTOR STEVE DRAKE MAGAZINE DESIGNER GREG SZABO PRODUCTION GRACIE ANDOQUE STEVE DRAKE JOSIE SALDAT EDITORIAL STUART BROWN JANE CROSS ELIZABETH DEAN EMILY DOBBY TRACEY DRAKE DOROTHY HAWES DAN HAYES STEPHANIE LEWIS ENDRA LUND JENNY MARTIN COLIN MCALLISTER JUSTIN RYAN CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE DRAKE TOM GORE ANTONIO LA FAUCI JOSHUA LAWRENCE BILL PERRY JO-ANN RICHARDS NICOLE SCOTT REBECCA WELLMAN ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 250.595.7870 | sales@atHOMEvictoria.com | atHOMEvictoria.com

Art is no longer just for the walls. donbastian.com

250.514.5030

Published by: Glossy Media All rights reserved. No part of atHOME Victoria magazine may be copied, reprinted or reproduced in any form without prior written consent. For permission requests, call Glossy Media at 250-595-7870 atHOME Victoria magazine is proudly produced in Canada Canada Post Publication Agreement #42520516 © COPYRIGHT atHOME VICTORIA MAGAZINE | GLOSSY MEDIA 2014-2015

FLOORING / MOULDINGS / WOOD DOORS MANTELS / CLOSETS / WINDOWS STAIRS / EXPERT ADVICE Not only will we match prices on identical name brand stock items of any local competitor, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll beat it by an additional 10%.

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VICTORIA 780 Topaz Ave 250.384.3003 NANAIMO 4128 Mostar Rd 250.756.1231

FINISHING STORE FINISH LIKE AN EXPERT

finishingstore.com

rightat HOME T

his fine art photograph, titled Summer Delight, was taken locally in Victoria on August 31, 2013 by American photographer Bill Perry.

CONGRATULATIONS Angie Neal was the winner of Robert Baganz print Keeping Watch from AHVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feb/Mar issue.

WHERE WAS THIS PHOTO TAKEN? Tell us where it is! Enter on our website, atHOMEvictoria.com, and one lucky winner will win a gallery wrapped print of this photograph.

SUMMER PRELUDE “Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” - Henry James

AHV WANTS TO FEATURE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY! Contact us via email at editor@atHOMEvictoria.com for details on how to submit your Victoria photography.

PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL PERRY

atHOME Victoria

editor’s PICKS OUTDOORS ON THE GO

100% PURE MOISTURIZER WITH SPF Argan Oil Hydration Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is organic skincare with SPF protection that offers true moisturizing properties with Argan oil while blocking skin damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Green Kiss, $34

ELECTRIC BICYCLE Pedego Comfort Cruiser electric bike is stylish and practical, and perfect for those who love to bike, but need a little help getting around on two wheels. 36V, available in many colours. Pedego Victoria, $2,945

PORTABLE BBQ The TravelQ portable barbecue by Napoleon features 285 square inches of cooking area, two burners and 12,000 BTU’s of grilling power. Sets up in 10 seconds! Trail Appliances, $249

3-PIECE THERMOS SET Made from 100% stainless steel, this good looking, eco-friendly ‘Save a Tree’ thermos set will keep drinks or soup hot or cold. Comes with two cups, perfect for impressing a first date. Sitka, $30

CHAIR TO GO Perfect for game day, the beach, or on the back of the boat; the Eureka Curvy chair features comfy sling style design and high back for even the tallest person. Side pocket holds water bottle and sunglasses. Canadian Tire, $90

WINE CARRIER Functional yet luxurious handmade leather Bidon au vin (wine carrier) by Oopsmark attaches easily to your bicycle and off to the picnic you go. Le Velo, $45

GET OUT THERE The nice weather is here – the sun’s shining, the water’s sparkling, and the great outdoors are calling. Here’s AHV editor’s favourite six local products; handpicked to keep up with your busy lifestyle.

DESIGN WITH JENNY MARTIN

BY: JENNY MARTIN | INTERIOR DESIGNER

COOL COASTAL DESIGN

Creating a West Coast beach inspired interior, whether on the contemporary side or the more classic, is one of my absolute favourites. Warm whites, subtle grays, hints of colour so soft that they look neutral on the chip are all integral to creating a relaxing, serene space.

WHERE TO START? Begin with the big stuff; items that make up the majority of the visual. Floors are a great place to start. I adore the European inspired wide-plank pickled floors that have recently made a huge splash. My favourite are the white oaks, both durable and textural. They’re naturally a more neutral colour, rather than harbouring a strong gold or red undertone, so they’re perfect for accepting a gray or white wash. Depending on how rustic you want your scheme, there are many options available with knots, distressing, and wire brushing. This style of floor is typically matte in finish, traditionally oiled, with many manufacturers now creating the look of an oiled product with more current factory finishes. Once your floors are selected…

IT’S ALL ABOUT LAYERING THE RIGHT WHITES AND THE SUBTLE GRAYS. Cloud White (Benjamin Moore CC-40) is a beautiful warm white that can be brought in on cabinetry, fireplaces, wainscots, coffered ceilings, trim and doors. When choosing wall colour, I like to work with light and airy neutral tones. Currently my favourite gray is Classic Gray (Benjamin Moore OC-23). I also love incorporating a hint of blue with colours like Gray Owl (Benjamin Moore OC-52), or when looking for a mid-tone gray that’s warm and sophisticated, Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore HC-172) is a great choice.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JOSHUA LAWRENCE

JENNY’S TOP PICKS • • • • • •

Beach floors: Hakwood – The Finishing Store and Beaulieu Classik Collection – Island Floor Centre Designer marble tiles – Decora Tile Samuel Heath or Perrin & Rowe polished nickel bath fixtures – Victoria Specialty Hardware Hudson Valley Lighting and Arteriors polished nickel lighting – Illuminations Modern and slipcovered furniture – InsideOut Homestore Unique beach house furniture – Monarch Furnishings

MARBLE, MARBLE EVERYWHERE! I love marble; white marble, Bianca Carrara, Calacutta, Statuario, the list goes on and on. Something about the soft lines, creamy grays and crisp whites couldn’t work more perfectly in a beach scheme. They also work great with subtle gray porcelains which tend to create a quieter contrast. Marble looks amazing against white subway tiles that bring reflectivity and all kinds of light to classic spaces. In the kitchen, white marble is often a touchy subject for countertops as it can stain and etch easier than many of its counterparts. Luckily for those of us who can’t get enough of it, many of the countertop companies (Cambria, Silestone and Pental to name a few) are making quartz slabs that mimic the feel of marble. Some of them are subtle and just give you the quiet movement of a natural marble, while other have stronger veining and higher contrast. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can always look at using more solid quartz on countertops and pair it with a natural marble backsplash. There are many breathtaking mosaics that create a more classic look, and on the flipside there are slab products that can be used to fill the entire backsplash is a single sweeping vein—much more contemporary.

SPARKLE AND SHINE The last element that is key in creating a coastal palette is polished nickel, the perfect warm metal to add just the right touch of sophistication. Introduce it with light fixtures, faucets, door hardware and cabinet pulls. Other textures I like to incorporate in the furniture and finishing details include brushed cottons (think slipcovers), sandy gray linens and linen lamp shades, and heavy textured wool area rugs. AH

MORE INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION added daily to the AHV website: atHOMEvictoria.com

atHOME Victoria

UN RÊVE EN BLANC

Thursday,

J U N E 2 5 TH

le Dîner en Blanc VICTORIA

VIC TOR IA.D INE REN

BLA NC .INF O

2015

WHAT IS DÎNER EN BLANC? An elegant annual picnic, where the location is secret until the very last minute, and hundreds of guests parade to the venue dressed elegantly in white, from head to toe. Le Dîner en Blanc recalls the glamour of court society, and diners engage one another knowing they are taking part in a truly magical event. For more information, visit victoria.dinerenblanc.info. If you have never attended and are unsure of what to bring, or you simply want to up your white game this year, AHV not only has your ‘must bring’ list, but we’ve secured some great deals for you…

DEB floral arrangement: $29.95 | Poppies Floral Art 250-383-0743 | poppiesfloralart.com A petite centrepiece, fresh cut and arranged in an elegant glass vase. White flowers include Phalaenopsis orchids, hydrangea, alstroemeria, a single rose, and finished off with baby’s breath and greenery. Must be pre-ordered.

WHAT TO BRING: white items only please

Rent a DEB dining package: $39.50 | Gala-Van Party Rentals | 250-383-5431 | gala-van.com Comes with one square table, two folding chairs, one white linen tablecloth, two white linen napkins, silver-plated dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork and teaspoon, two wine glasses, two water glasses, two London white scalloped place settings (dinner plate, salad plate, side plate). Must be pre-ordered.

still or sparkling bottled water (no plastic) glasses

square table

dishes

table decor

cutlery (no plastic)

Pre-Order Food and Wine:

picnic supper

table linens

(think baguette, salad, charcuterie, fruit and dessert)

chairs

Mother’s Day

Musical

Garden Tour May 9 & 10

10am - 4pm

Tickets

Now in its 33rd year, this unique two-day, self-guided tour features private gardens and musical performances by VCM students and faculty.

If you don’t want to prepare and transport your own picnic food, you can pre-order food (catered by The London Chef) when you purchase your DEB tickets, and pick it up at the venue. You can also preorder wine, which is the only way you are permitted alcohol at the event.

900 Johnson Street

250.386.5311

$30

vcm.bc.ca/victoria-garden-tour

Classical Roots • Contemporary Reach • Extraordinary Future

Saturday, May 30th • Concert 7:30pm

VCM Funding Partners:

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Featuring the world premiere of our new piano quintet, surprise guest musicians, and contemporary performances lead by Daniel Lapp.

Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Avenue

General Admission • $35 • Doors 6:45pm On Sale Jubilee Reception • $85 • 6:30pm

vcm.bc.ca/50th-anniversary

NOW!

atHOME Victoria

FEATURE home

CASCADIA material world of the perfect kind

HOME DESIGNER: DAN BOOT, STUDIO DB3 INTERIOR DESIGNER: INES HANL, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHER: JO-ANN RICHARDS, WORKS PHOTOGRAPHY

BY: TRACEY DRAKE

ven in the face of fast paced modernity, I am still in awe of the rugged beauty on Vancouver Island. I can only imagine then, that when your custom home appears to teeter on the edge of a 30-metre sandstone cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and you wake each day to witness the natural rawness of such stunning landscapes, it must seem surreal, every single day.

The homeowners commissioned a high-end residence that harmonized with its environment, and put a lot of trust in their design team to make it a reality. For home designer Dan Boot of Studio DB3, and interior designer Ines Hanl of The Sky is the Limit Design, it was the ultimate experiment in elegant restraint. Gorter Construction was the lead builder on the project and was also responsible for a lot of the millwork in the home. The end result? Cascadia - a well-orchestrated union of concrete, steel, glass, wood and water that comes together to create a residential work of art that is nothing short of coastal perfection.

atHOME Victoria

FEATURE home

rom the beginning, the land site was always going to be the biggest hurdle. A steep rock faced, north sloping lot that fell sharply to the ocean thirty metres below. Dan Boot designed the home in collaboration with the homeowners and the terrain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The initial plan was conceived using a bubble diagram and creating zones for living, privacy and entertainment. The result is a concrete structure nestled into the rock with two levels and an office above the garage.â&#x20AC;?

In all, the home is just less than 4,000 square feet. The main floor, totalling 1,730 square feet, is the where the homeowners do a lot of living. Master bedroom with wardrobe room and en-suite bathroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen are all on this level, and connect directly to the outdoor living spaces. The lower level includes two guest bedrooms, two full baths, a media room, wine cellar, exercise area, laundry room and terrace.

ABOUT THE HOME DESIGNER As a senior designer, Dan Boot is responsible for highly detailed designs and has worked on many complex residential projects. For more than thirty years, Dan has been helping people design, build or renovate homes in Victoria. Understanding that the process is challenging and rewarding, Dan works with clients every step of the way. Studio DB3 | 250-665-7585 | studioDB3.ca

ABOUT THE INTERIOR DESIGNER Ines Hanl is an award winning interior designer whose portfolio includes all aspects of interior design. Blessed with a high level of creativity and playfullness, Ines offers clients her expertise and analytical mind to create a wide range of styles from soft modern to organic West Coast. The Sky is the Limit Designs | 250.385.5156|

Rocky Mountain H

速

theskyisthelimitdesign.com

atHOME Victoria

FEATURE home

t always shows when a home designer and interior designer see eye-to-eye on a project. When looking for design elements that would work in this home, Ines Hanl took her cue from the home designer.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dan designed the house specifically for this particular location, and wanted to assure that the windows aligned with the vistas. I made sure that his contemporary West Coast design, with its usual shapes and balanced asymmetrical approach and its use of exposed concrete, cedar, glass and copper, translated into features on the inside.â&#x20AC;? - Ines Hanl

contemporary architectural design with a definitive sculptural approach

material world There is no question that this project demanded the use of strong elements, and that was left to the brilliant choices of materials by the design team, and how each were skillfully integrated into the property. Four hundred year old reclaimed wood that was harvested from the Great Lakes was initially earmarked by the homeowners for flooring. Hanl suggested that it be used for some of the main floor millwork including the kitchen cabinetry, powder room accents and the massive double doors that lead to the master suite. Good call.

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Light gray linear glass sticks were used in the master bedroom’s fire bowl – a reference to fire and water. From the bed, Mount Baker is visible from the moment one first opens their eyes on a beautiful day.

Concrete is a central material to this home, used not just on the outside of the structure, but quite predominately inside as well; exposed interior wall finish on partitions, as a base for the kitchen infinity island and the focal fireplace.

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FEATURE home

s Hanl stated so eloquently, â&#x20AC;&#x153;steel is the sleek brother of concrete insofar as it is seen as a neutral colour and product, but with soft sheen and reflection.â&#x20AC;? Stainless steel is a prominent material in the kitchen, not just with the appliances, but also the sculptural hood fan. The powder room features a stainless steel toilet. Raw steel was used expertly by Hanl in horizontal cladding, support beam for the reclaimed wood bar and as a structure for the powder room vanity; all to echo the exposed steel beams above.

Everywhere you look in this exceptional house, there is glass used in very unique ways. Never mind the copious amount of glass walled windows with exceptional views to the outdoors; display cabinets were designed for the kitchen that mirror the glass corner windows of the living room. In the custom bar cabinet, stacked raw edge glass was inserted into the concrete for impactful design, and the blue/green glass used in the kitchen is nothing short of sublime. Textured glass countertops and backsplash bring the kitchen to life, paying reverence to the ocean below.

heart of the home I would be remiss if I didn’t dedicate a section of this article to the kitchen, which was the brainchild of interior designer Ines Hanl. It truly is a heart stopping thing of beauty; the likes of which you just don’t see every day. It is not at all boisterous, and yet it exudes a confidence that is expressive and elegant. Of course, appliances are high-end (Sub-Zero fridge, Miele ovens, Fagor cooktop) and the entire space is complete with every modern convenience, including a builtin coffee maker in the appliance wall. The frameless corner windows were a must for this space to remain connected to its peripheral inspiration and the polished concrete floors are unspoiled and appropriate.

For me, the brilliance in this kitchen are those things you can’t quite put your finger on. For example, the entire room seems to move in subtle waves. This is due to the use of the ThinkGlass kitchen countertops, which are a weighty 1.5” thick, made of blue/green glass to mimic rippling water. The infinity pool inspired Hanl to rethink the design of the kitchen and the prep island. Water meets forest with the custom made cantilevered bar island, which balances out the room without ever intruding on the main cook space and yet perfectly mirrors the rich reclaimed wood used in the kitchen cabinetry.

With ocean views from every room in Cascadia, and the ingenious design of distinct living zones, this is a highly livable home, crafted from primarily non-manufactured materials, that utilizes the sun to maximize natural light, glass to bring the outside in, and is energy efficient via passive solar energy and geothermal heating.

“To me, the whole approach had something magical and almost sacred; strong yet restrained.” - Ines Hanl

L O C A L LY H A N D C R A F T E D D E S I G N E R K I T C H E N S

atHOME Victoria

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south elevation 10' 3M

Revised Nov.11/06

Outside, a twenty five metre infinity pool sits above the ocean. Adjacent to the living room, a five metre cantilevered bridge visually connects land to sea. Three distinct landscaped terraces each offer water, fire and cooking features. The exterior, comprised of Western cedar and exposed concrete, is extremely low maintenance. This is an indoor/outdoor home, with intentional seamless design flow from the indoors to the livable patios outside.

Without question, the epitome of a true West Coast home.

golden means

uilt to be visually stunning, and yet every square inch of Cascadia is functional. That is no easy feat. In modern home design, there is often a lot of dead space or awkward rooms; usually the result of one space suffering because of a design choice in another. Not so in this house. Home designer Dan Boot knew that success was finding middle ground. “I found insights using the golden means of proportion into the constants of my design. Taking into account the site constraints, it was imperative to use the northsouth and east-west axis to unify elements and invite light into the residence.”

The home was designed in three zones; three levels and three pavilion roofs driven by a fabulous central cantilevered staircase. Boot’s goal was to fuse the natural environment into the three structural zones. Curved roof pavilions with clerestories and reflected roof surfaces ensured that the house would have ample natural light, all year round.

The water in the infinity pool merges seamlessly with the Pacific Ocean, drawing the eyes out to the distant horizon.

Call Leslee Farrell at 250.388.5882 for assistance with your local and global real estate needs.

Spectacular Views! Spectacular Residence!

Ocean View!! Character in Uplands

Classic Contemporary Artful Design

This exciting and sophisticated contemporary residence is situated high on a quiet byway in South Oak Bay offering spectacular ocean views of Trial Island south to the Olympics. No expense has been spared in the upgrading of the residence to 2015 standards. The living room, dining room and kitchen open to a full south facing patio. Beautiful maple cabinets plus a generous island form the perfect center for the gourmet kitchen. A separate preparation center is tucked discretely away. The beautiful stone fireplace and feature columns lend elegance and strength, while high technology lighting and sound abounds! A custom elevator takes you to the 3 bedroom sleeping floor. Prepare to be impressed!

This grand 1939 6 bedroom Character residence is a perfectly positioned on a beautifully landscaped ½ acre garden. The home has been expanded to create a magnificent 42’ great room which enjoys views of Cadboro Bay, the Yacht Club and the Islands beyond. From the moment you step in to the spacious entry hall with feature staircase, leaded glass windows, inlaid wood floors and detailed mouldings, you will appreciate the best of a bygone era. Today the home is ready for a makeover with abundant room for an expanded kitchen and family room. This is a most distinctive residence in a premier location. Only a short stroll to the University of Victoria & Uplands Golf Course.

This elegant Contemporary residence was artfully transformed in 2009, to create an architectural statement! Positioned at the upper most point of King George Terrace, the home provides spectacular 270 degree views including Mt. Baker, the Olympics & simply unsurpassed sunsets! The feature 2 story glass wall (17’) in the living room with classic stone gas fireplace flood the home with light year round. The home is brilliantly designed for entertaining, with an artisan Jason Goode kitchen. The gourmet chef will enjoy the 20’ working bar, Ferrari red professional gas range, & built in buffet. The upper floor private master retreat has a lookout balcony. Do not miss Southern exposure at its finest!

$2,388,000

$1,595,000

$2,350,000

Macdonald Realty Ltd. 755 Humboldt St. Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1B1

MLS #343547

Toll Free: 1-877-388-5882 250.388.5882 leslee@lesleefarrell.com www.lesleefarrell.com

CHEF AT HOME

Provence Inspired PAN SEARED

WEST COAST SHELLFISH

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE LONDON CHEF EXCLUSIVELY FOR atHOME VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHER: REBECCA WELLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY: DAN HAYES | THE LONDON CHEF

rovencal food is delicious, hearty, rustic; prepared by French fisherman at the end of a long day. This dish can be prepared, start to finish, in less than 20 minutes and is a lovely coastal meal meant for serving without utensils and with a European stemless wine glass, filled to the brim with crisp, cold white wine. Roll up your sleeves and have plenty of napkins at the ready.

GARLIC CROSTINI INGREDIENTS: • • • •

1 whole baguette 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved 2 tablespoons coarse salt 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

TIP: Never cut crusty bread with a serrated knife. METHOD: • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

• Cut the baguette on the bias into 1-2 inch pieces, place onto a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Rub the crostini pieces with the fresh cut garlic.

ith you every step of your journey Engagement Rings Wedding Bands Anniversary Rings Eternity Bands

“When you buy fresh mussels, they must be alive. If some of your mussels are slightly open, give them a good tap on the countertop. If the shell begins to close on its own, they are alive and safe for cooking. If they don’t move, throw them away.” -Dan Hayes

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FINE CUSTOM JEWELLERS

MUSSELS AND CLAMS INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TIP:

Don’t eat any clams or mussels that do not open during cooking.

METHOD: • Heat olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. • Sweat onion, leek, fennel, pepper and garlic. Do NOT add any salt. Add saffron, fennel seeds, chilli and thyme. Sweat for a further five minutes. Add in fresh and crushed tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are soft. • Pour in brandy and wine, and reduce until almost dry. Incorporate water and bring everything to a simmer.

• Add the clams first. Once they start to slightly open, add the mussels. Once all the shellfish have opened, turn off the heat and fold in parsley. Taste to see if additional salt is required.

• Serve family style with garlic crostini.

2 cups Vancouver Island clams, washed well 2 cups mussels, washed well, beards removed ½ cup olive oil 1 white onion, sliced 1 leek, white only, washed well 1 fennel bulb, halved and core removed 1 red pepper, seeds removed, cut into strips 1 garlic clove, peeled, crushed and chopped 2 teaspoons fennel seeds 2 tablespoons dried chilli flakes 8 sprigs thyme 1 teaspoon saffron ½ cup curly parsley, roughly chopped 1 large over-ripe tomato, large diced 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes 1 cup water ¼ cup good quality brandy ½ cup white wine

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WATCH CHEF DAN COOK THIS DISH Go to atHOMEvictoria.com for the extended version of this article including AHV’s behind-the-scenes video.

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HOME fashion BASKET WEAVING IS BACK & FOR SO MANY GREAT REASONS

Wondrous weaves BY: STEPHANIE LEWIS

or several years now, following the modern minimalist way of thinking, homes have been missing something. Oh I know… colour! Luckily, there is a growing movement to bring vibrancy back into our homes. So, how do you achieve that? Well, you probably don’t want to rush out and splash bright coloured paint all over your wall; so maybe consider a gentler easing into the trend. I love to infuse a space with original pops of colour and unique points of visual interest in unexpected corners of the room. Ethnic artisanal weaving is a great place to start. Cheerful, useful and affordable, it’s a trend worth investing in.

“These beautiful baskets work so well with a larger theme happening in home décor. It’s a very well-travelled and artisan look that people are attracted to right now.” - Tamara Robbins Griffith, HomeSense

he interesting part of this décor story is that by purchasing these artisanal items from the Ugandan craft groups, HomeSense is helping to support long term social and economic improvement in Ugandan communities. For very little money, you can bring this collection into your home; items that tell a unique story and add personality to your personal space, knowing you are also contributing to a greater good.

ANCIENT PRACTICE MODERN TECHNIQUE Local Ugandan craft groups in Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Kasese employ the traditional skill of basket weaving and introduce natural dying techniques to give the baskets contemporary pattern and saturated colour. Each basket, platter, and pot is woven using millet and raffia straw which is finished with natural plantbased dyes. Traditionally baskets are made to store fruit and the Ugandan staple food, millet. In our homes, they make great catch-alls for bread, keys, fashion accessories, cosmetics and remote control devices.

We’ll teach you how to cook, or we’ll do it for you. Victoria’s premier cooking school, catering & events. AH

FROM UGANDA TO YOU All woven accessories shown are available at HomeSense Victoria, priced from $7 to $35

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THE WINE LIST Cowichan’s Crowning Jewel: Unsworth Vineyards

BY: STUART BROWN | WINE EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHER: SEAN FENZL

he wine trail on Vancouver Island led me up to the edge of the Cowichan Valley where I came across Unsworth Vineyards. In truth, I first discovered the wines of Unsworth about two and a half years ago at the Cornucopia Festival in Whistler, B.C. where a group of fellow sommeliers were gathered around a winery table discussing their fascination with the quality of the wines from Unsworth. I thought to myself that this must be an established winery from California or Australia, but to my surprise, they were referring to a little, family-owned-and-operated winery on Vancouver Island, settled in the foothills of Mill Bay.

The 32 acre property, including the 119-year old farm house, was purchased by Tim and Colleen Turyk in 2009, shortly after Tim had retired from the B.C. fish industry. The undulating farmland and the handful of grape varieties, which were selected by acclaimed winemaker Daniel Cosman, are coming into their own with each vintage. Along with the business support of General Manager Sarah Cosman, the project continues to grow and improve.

Unsworth was the maiden name of Tim Turyk’s mother, so in the tradition of family, the winery was named to honour her. The family tradition continues as Tim and Colleen’s son, Chris (also a renowned sommelier), has been helping with operations, which I was told includes everything from tending to the vineyards to assisting in the winery and keeping watch over the chickens!

When I arrived at Unsworth in February of this year, I started at the bright winery tasting bar that had magnificent views of the surrounding ponds and gardens. There, the talented Tasting Room Manager, Olivia Nowek, led the tasting of quite a fabulous array of wines that included several sparklings, whites, roses, reds, and sweets. The tasting experience was very comfortable, well organized and informative.

A LES

I then wandered over to the farmhouse, which has been beautifully renovated into the award-winning Unsworth Restaurant. Nurtured by Chef Steven Elskens and Manager Christle Pope, this casual and elegant bistro serves some delightful creations featuring natural, local products. The restaurant windows open onto the whole property so you can enjoy the vistas overlooking the vineyards, the free run chickens and the orchard that includes heritage apple and walnut trees. Tasting the Unsworth wines while they are accompanied by the fresh culinary creations that pair perfectly and compliment the flavours of the wines is just about as close to “Foodie Heaven” as anyone can get.

While visiting the winery, I would recommend the self-guided tour that includes a plethora of information on the region, the grapes planted, and some of the winemaking techniques used. On the tour, you will see the pressurized tank system where the Charme de L’îles is produced. This is a Charmat method wine (similar to Prosecco) where the secondary fermentation occurs in a pressurized tank. The result is a lovely, fresh sparkling wine that features bright and lively fruit flavours that compliment so many culinary seafood delights as well as just a fabulous day on the patio.

WIN ES

SPIR IT S

The winery also offers a food and wine package for a very reasonable $75.00, which includes a vineyard tour, winery tour with barrel tasting, wine tasting, and a gourmet lunch paired with Unsworth wines—great value!

Here are some of the wines I would suggest from Unsworth Vineyards

ALLEGRO: Petit Milo and Epicure grapes—light, fresh and aromatic CHARM DE L’ILE: Sparkling and fresh, bright fruit CUVÉE DE L’ÎLE: Tradition Method sparkling—more complex and generous ROSÉ: Bright, fresh and delightful PINOT GRIS: Elegant minerality supported by lovely fruit PINOT NOIR: Elegant and layered complexity SYMPHONY: Red blend of Cabernet Libre and Petit Milo

EXPERT ADVICE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE PERFECT CHOICE 919 douglas street 250.370.9463

lrs@strathconahotel.com atHOME Victoria

INTERIOR by: design

thresh·old /ˈTHreSHˌ(h)ōld/ Noun: the point or level at which something begins or changes.

BY: JANE CROSS PHOTOGRAPHERS: TOM GORE | NICOLE SCOTT

“The design vision was eventually part of

or designer Nicole Scott, this was anything but an ordinary design project. For starters, she would never meet her clients to discuss style or décor preferences, there was no money for the project, and oh yes—it needed to be completed in just three weekends. There may have been no clients, no budget and little time, but Nicole Scott was very excited about being part of this truly amazing community project for Threshold Housing Society; an admirable and ambitious undertaking by Paul Letour of HeroWork.

my process, but I could only see it once I had collected a garage full of free furniture that I could work with.” - Nicole Scott, Nicole Scott Designs Inc. The 4-plex residential complex, valued at $700K, was donated to Threshold Housing Society by an anonymous elderly donor who was sensitive to the issue of homelessness for at-risk youth in Victoria. Currently, Threshold Housing Society turn away 80% of referred youth and at any time there are more than 600 youth in need of housing. It is easy to see why this project was so important to so many people. However, the building needed substantial renovation to be safe, sustainable and livable, and they turned to Paul Letour and HeroWork for help. In turn, Paul enlisted the help of the community and with a grant in place from Bosa Properties Foundation, more than 300 volunteers, including designer Nicole Scott, got to work. Designer Nicole Scott shared her approach to the project. “Not knowing who you are designing a space for is a tricky prospect but I was up for the challenge, and the only real direction from Threshold Housing was that it needed to be gender neutral. I tried to channel a much younger version of myself to picture what the apartment needed and what would make young people comfortable and happy.”

100 companies, 300 volunteers & just 3 weekends to achieve an extensive $350K renovation

Nicole was assigned Unit 1506 to design. The other three units in the complex were designed by local interior designers Amy McGeachy (Unit 1502), Emily Stuart (Unit 1504) and Denise Hamalainen (Unit 1508), who also generously donated their time and talent to this important community project. Nicole’s unit project was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a large living/dining area and a separate kitchen, and Nicole was aware that without a budget, she was going to have to do some serious networking. So, this resourceful designer’s first task was to rally the troops via email, project blogging and conducting a social media blitz. The response was overwhelming with family, friends, clients, colleagues and community responding with offers of products, materials, services and assistance. “My focus was on the big furniture pieces and once I had secured a sofa, rug and bookshelves I started to develop a vision of an eclectic youthful space with a little edge.” atHOME Victoria

INTERIOR by: design

Absolutely every piece of furniture and every décor accessory in the apartment was donated, recycled or crafted

he apartment was truly designed with young people in mind. Everywhere you turn and in each room, there is stylish furniture, hip accessories and inspirational décor.

In the main living space, the sofa was reupholstered free of charge by Kory Larsen from KL Design Furniture. In the dining room area, the pendant lighting, a donation from Illuminations Lighting, was spray painted fire engine red, and the simple pine dining chairs were painted a cheerful peacock blue, using FAT paint. The awesome bicycle traffic sign came from Nicole’s personal décor stash that she picked up a few years ago at Trade Roots. The one-of-a-kind colour block art piece hanging over the foyer table has a wonderful story (read the Designer Q&A for details).

Both bedrooms were intentionally designed to be the same so tenants would feel like equals. The art on the bedroom walls are enlarged photographs of local graffiti on Discovery Street. The rooms are spacious which allowed for large beds, dressers, bedside tables and comfortable seating.

D.I.Y projects made this dining space fun, fresh and functional

Making a unique art project for the kitchen walls, Nicole and her sister Sandy each created and framed handwritten recipe cards, using their favourite recipes as inspiration. Keeping in mind that youth would be living in the space, Nicole chose to share her family recipe for easy and affordable pizza crust. Although this AHV design article focused just on one unit, there are so many who made this a success story. For more information on this project, including the full list of supporters, donors and partners, and to see the ‘before and after’ video tours conducted by the passionate Paul Letour, visit www.herowork.com.

Graffiti from Discovery Street becomes framed art in the bedrooms

“Two youths moved in November 1, 2014. I can only hope they love it as much as I enjoyed pulling it together. Proof that you don’t need a big budget to do something original and cool.” - Nicole Scott, Nicole Scott Designs Inc. A handcrafted fir table for the foyer

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INTERIOR by: design

QA &

with: NICOLE SCOTT ABOUT THE DESIGNER Nicole Scott, principal owner and designer for Nicole Scott Designs Inc. tells people that she is a professional decorator with a personal touch. From commercial to residential spaces, Nicole is drawn to classic design styles, and infuses both modern and vintage elements to create unique spaces for clients. Nicole Scott Designs Inc. is based in Victoria and serves Southern Vancouver Island. Nicole Scott Designs Inc. | Victoria, BC | 778.430.3600 | scottdesigns.ca

AHV: What aspects of this project are you particularly proud of?

NS: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not any single thing, but the overall result that makes me most happy when I think about it. I love that the finished space is cheerful and warm but also cool with a slight edge. It is an apartment for any kid; a college kid or a kid who is trying to get off the streetâ&#x20AC;Ś they all deserve to have a cool place to call home.

the three weeks. I wanted it to be light and fun and a reminder to whomever lives there now, or in the future, that people were here that cared and wish you well. The bright and happy feeling it emits fit well with my apartment design overall and I was really happy with how it turned out.

AHV: How did your design philosophy influence this project?

NS: My design business is highly personal; I work with just a few clients at a time so I can give them my full attention and I am committed to creative cost savings and re-use of vintage or used pieces that feel new again when re-upholstered or used in a different way. So, when I heard about this project I knew it was a good fit for me. AHV: What is the significance of the painted blocks art piece in the foyer?

NS: Paul from HeroWork asked each of the designers to come up with an art project that could be used in the apartment and that could involve the volunteers and it had to be practically free. I had some left over MDF at my place that my husband cut into 100 blocks for me (sweet guy). I brought craft paints and brushes to the site every day and asked people to take a break, sit down and paint something. It was amazing to see it develop over

The community artwork that hangs in Unit 1506

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THE ARTFUL

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CAROLLYNE YARDLEY: CONTEMPORARY POP “SQUIRREALISM” IF YOU LIVE IN VICTORIA, CHANCES ARE YOU’VE ENCOUNTERED CAROLLYNE YARDLEY’S SQUIRRELS. BY: EMILY DOBBY

ardley - who was the founder and co-owner of Star Global Advanced IT Corp. Ltd, a software application and web development company that helped businesses enhance their brand through visual engagement, web-based software solutions and customer interaction—explores visual cues, brand recognition and repetition of imagery in her art.

Yardley coined the term “Squirrealism” which describes her series of portraits of squirrel faces. “Squirrealism” exhibits meticulous brushwork and incorporates elements of surrealism, pop culture, absurdity and allegory, while exploring the psychological complexities of human life. Her work also conveys a brilliant and dark sense of humour.

We bring your image to life!

The squirrel head is inspired by the “Secret Squirrel” character from the Hanna Barbera cartoon show of the ‘60s that was a parody of the spy genre. The term “Secret Squirrel” refers to those who work or have worked in covert operations or intelligence. Squirrels have always had a furtive quality.

We make gorgeous prints. Prints that bring back the magic of the moment, that cry out for the best spot on your wall. And we do it all right here in Victoria with over 20 years of experience. Carollyne’s fine portraiture of squirrel faces is inspired by a theme of secrecy. Carollyne explores the secrecy and theatricality of human life in terms of the social masks we wear in society—the roles we’ve been conditioned or aspire to play and the way in which we curate and perform our lives on the stage of life.

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“R

omance Squirrel” is identified by her immaculately coiffed pompadour, pearls, cameo, ribbons, ornate Rococo details and silk dress. Who is she really behind the hair, the costume and the pose? Behind the liquid onyx irises? Behind the vacant and yet coy expression? What secrets does she keep? Is this squirrel even female? What lies behind her manufactured identity?

These masterful pieces prompt or challenge you to think about your own mask or masks. The characters lure you into their supposed identity and then invite you to question it entirely—they are a bit dark and yet cheeky and fun and always well dressed.

Yardley is also intrigued by Abstract Expressionism, especially the bold impasto of Cy Twombly, as well as the iconic conceptual portraits of Cindy Sherman. Her creative process draws inspiration from dreams, mythology and pop culture. When she is struck with an idea, she will research and develop the concept further. The final stages of this process include photographing the concept and interpreting it on canvas.

Carollyne feels supported by the arts community within Victoria. She tells me that her meeting with celebrated artist Chief Rande Cook was a climactic moment for her—he designed the ceremonial robe for “Chief Rande Cook Squirrel” and the mask for “Rande Cook: Vatican Mask Squirrel.” This mask was featured in a show at the AGGV called: Urban Thunderbirds: Ravens In a Material World.

The transition from creative director in the tech industry to full time painter was smooth since painting has been one of her passions for many years. She sees many parallels between the art and tech worlds in Victoria. Beginningn in May, Carollyne will take part in a group show with Tracey Yeomans and Rosa Quintana at the Fazakas Gallery in Vancouver. Running from May 23rd to July 12th, the show entitled “SHE” will feature Yardley’s “Madonna and Bank Squirrel”.

Carollyne is thrilled to introduce a new character called “Anonymouse” in this show. She received access to the private haute couture collection of Susan Erling-Tyrell, Curator of the Costume Museum at Government House and was drawn to several ESCADA pieces. Anonymouse (as seen on

page 44)—a mouse head wearing a Guy Fawkes mask—wears an ESCADA jacket from 1980. The jacket was designed by Margareta Ley, the founder of ESCADA and was inspired by the art of Salvador Dali. A native of Sweden, Ley always designed in bright and bold themes to offset the gloom of long winter days. “Anonymouse” represents a juxtaposition of misconceptions— the celebrity of being anonymous.

Carollyne is curious to see if highly technical work, much like her own, will make a comeback in the art world... the “painting is dead” debate has dragged on since 1839. She wonders if painting will make a triumphant return. Toward the end of our interview, Carollyne tells me that her own mask has been removed ever since she became a full time painter.

CAROLLYNE YARDLEY’S WORK Since 2014, Yardley has been part of the stable of artists at Winchester Galleries in Victoria. Her work has also been featured in The Globe and Mail, The National Post, CTV News, CBC Radio, and several books and magazines.

Lively • Fresh • Local

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gadgets & other

GOOD STUFF

SPRING CLEANING PRODUCTS THAT CLEAN, STORE, ORGANIZE AND DECLUTTER

6 48

Bare Essentials Lingerie

1. CEDAR CLOSET ORGANIZER Made from ¾” thick Appalachian Mountain cedar wood, this is the ideal way to get your wardrobe organized. Includes 8 shelves, 3 wardrobe tubes and all fittings and hardware. Measures 73”H x 17”W x 7”D. Bed Bath & Beyond, $699.99

Experience The Difference….

2. NATURE POWER CLEANER This natural citrus based all-purpose cleaner works great on floors, walls, counters and all around the house. It removes grease, oil and fats, including oil stains for clothing! Super concentrated—500 ml. bottle makes 16 bottles of cleaner. The Soap Exchange, $8.99

3. STAINLESS STYLING STATION Polder has created the perfect organizing solution to declutter your busy bathroom. Hang it on a towel bar or stand it on a counter, the stainless steel mesh allows hot appliances to cool and has oversized openings that fit most styling tools. All Organized Storage, $40

4. NATURAL WOOL DRYER BALLS Locally made on Vancouver Island by Millstone Organics, these eco-friendly, chemical-free natural wool dryer balls will reduce clothes drying time, soften clothing and last for years. The Good Planet Company, Box of 5 - $39.99

5. PORTABLE PRESSURE WASHER Ryobi 1,700 psi 1.2 GPM pressure washer delivers impressive cleaning results for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Spray wand with quick connect nozzle, onboard detergent tank and 25 feet high pressure hose. Compact for easy storage. Home Depot, $169

6. FOYER KEY AND COAT BOX Add a bit of fun colour to your entryway with this yellow lettered key box. Finished in a rustic metal, the interior holds keys or mail, leaving room to hang light coats and hats below. Urban Barn, $59

7. MULTI FLOOR CORDLESS VACUUM Dyson DC35 is one of their best products to date—a multifloor digital slim cordless vacuum cleaner that effectively cleans carpet, vinyl, wood and ceramic floors. It features a detachable long-reach wand and motorized cleaner head. Hudson’s Bay, $349.95 AH

SHOP LOCAL All products featured available locally in Victoria.

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CELEBRITY AT HOME 50

GEORGE CLOONEY’S VILLA OLEANDRA

eorge Clooney purchased this fabulous 18th century villa in 2001 for an estimated $10 Million. Villa Oleandra has 25 rooms and sits on the western shore of Lake Como in the town of Laglio, a postcard perfect Italian hamlet with less than 900 residents. Lake Como is one of the most famous Italian Lakes vacation destinations, due to its close proximity to Milan in the north of Italy. Located at Via Vecchia Regina 20, the stately cream coloured villa sit regally on the water’s edge. On the property of Villa Oleanda, sculpted gardens stretch down to the lakeside, and a large swimming pool, visible from the lake, is lined with lounge chairs.

“What changed my life in a very pleasant and unexpected way was buying the villa in Laglio. That was a pure investment decision. I thought maybe I would spend a few weeks vacationing there. But then I realized how beautiful life was in Italy and how it really helped calm me and not feel so pressured.” - George Clooney As expected, the presence of George Clooney brought the spotlight on this little town, and with it came hordes of paparazzi. To secure the privacy of George and Amal Clooney, the City Council declared a no-go zone around the property—on land and water—which prohibits media from being within 100 metres of the villa or from loitering on Via Regina, the street that backs onto the property. The order does not apply to locals. Villa Oleandra was famous long before George Clooney purchased it. Previously owned by John Heinz (yes, ketchup), the Heinz family turned the 25-room estate into a haven for writers and artists, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, who stayed at Villa Oleandra in 1850, just before he wrote The Scarlet Letter.

OCEAN’S TWELVE Scenes from the blockbuster movie Ocean’s Twelve were filmed at Villa Oleandra.

atHOME Victoria

local

LOOKBOOK

ACCENT CHAIR

DESKTOP GLOBE

Marvellously hand woven in flexible recycled plastic with steel frame, the Acapulco Chair combines ergonomic comfort with retromodern aesthetic form. Available in seven colours.

Spinning on a burnished gold stand, you can add a touch of whimsy to your desktop while dreaming about faraway places with this charming 10” globe.

Hudson’s Bay, $799

Chapters/Indigo $99

ERGONOMIC TASK CHAIR

WRITING DESK The Remi Bowen Writing Desk is made from walnut hardwood, designed to be hard wearing and long lasting, with a European style that fits as well into home as it does office.

The Gemini office task chair promotes ergonomic seating position by reducing back slouching, while supporting correct body posture. A unique design available in three colours. Relax The Back, $359 Monarch Furnishings, $999

STORAGE CREDENZA

Arostegui Studio, $2,989

This sleek walnut wood veneer and black metal Goddard’s Credenza is modern with a hint of retro design, with endless storage and display options for your home office. AH

STYLISH HOME OFFICE Whether you work from home full-time or have a dedicated desk space for paying the bills, you need office furniture that harmonizes with the rest of your home. This issue’s top picks for home office furniture are all available locally.

Sea Star Estate Farm & Vineyards recognized by the Northwest Wine Summit as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winery of Distinctionâ&#x20AC;? one of only 8 wineries in B.C. to be honoured. Our grapes are complemented by another Pender Island vineyard, Clam Bay Farms ensuring our wines are authentically made from locally grown grapes, bestowing their unique nature to the wine. Join us on Pender Island to purchase directly from the winery. The Tasting Room hours vary seasonally so please call us, or visit our website seastarvineyards.ca for updated dates and hours, as well as retail locations near you.

6621 Harbour Hill Drive Pender Island, BC

250-629-6960

CURB appeal

ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN BY: ENDRA LUND

ave you always wanted one of those charming English cottage gardens that positively reek of charm and will provide you with armloads of flowers all season long? Well, even if you’ve never traveled in England, you can create an English garden in your own yard. A major part of the enduring appeal of a cottage garden is the profusion of flowering plants in a relatively small area. They feel rich and appear natural, as if all those gorgeous blossoms simply grew on their own without human intervention of any kind. English gardens carry many of the elements of the woodland, with flowers of all heights, colours and shapes.

In reality, though, an English cottage style garden is carefully planned and plotted on paper before the actual planting begins. Here are the steps you need to take to recreate this graceful garden in your own yard:

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BC VERSION OF A CHARMING COTTAGE GARDEN 1. Choose three or four main colours that harmonize well together to create beauty and garden unity. Choose plants with different shades of these colours: Red and light pink roses, deep blue and lavender delphiniums, and deep pink and cream foxgloves, for example. If you are lost, I recommend asking for help. Try the local garden experts at Marigold Nurseries (Lochside Drive) or GardenWorks (Blenkinsop Road).

2. English gardens require a structure in order to appear free flowing and natural (sounds funny, I know, but true!). Plant flowers in groups without making those groups symmetrical. Allow the shape of the flowers; size of the leaves and the texture of the blooms dictate the plantings.

3. The borders in an English garden are usually two to three feet wide, and curved rather than straight. Designing your flowerbeds with wide edging allows opportunities for viewers to discover surprising combinations of plants that work beautifully together.

4. Garden structures—trellises covered with clematis, pergolas with seating areas, fences that support tall plants and clinging vines, arbors stuffed with climbing roses—are all central to English garden design, which also usually includes whimsical elements such as antique watering cans or broken statuary.

5. If your English garden will include potted plants (especially for a terrace design or renters yard), make sure your pots are all the same colour (I recommend terracotta) so that they blend into the background and the flowers remain the star attraction.

Graeme's Irrigation “Taking the irritation out of irrigation”

Irrigation 6. To achieve maximum colour in your garden, add annual blooms to complement your perennial plants. Common perennial flowers include Aquilegia, Asters, Chrysanthemum, daisies and lavender, and for the annuals you could include pansies, impatiens, begonias, petunias or Dianthus.

Fully insured & certified technicians Commercial & residential Design, install, & service Free written estimates Building sustainability Member of the BBB

An English cottage garden is prettiest when in full bloom. It can take a few years to get it looking the way you originally planned but in the end, it will be worth all the planning and planting.

ELEMENTS FOR AN ICONIC ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN:

MANICURED LAWN Yes the lawn must look as pretty as the flowers!

TREES AND SHRUBBERY

Complete design Lifetime warranties Increased property value Increases safety & security Installation & maintenance Huge selection of fixtures and finishes

No proper English garden is complete without boxwood or a hydrangea shrub.

PEBBLES AND WOOD BOARDS Forego mulch and cement; opt for pebble paths and reclaimed board walkways.

Landscape Lighting 250-294-9787

FEATURES

Whether it’s a pond, fountain, bridge or grotto, a true English cottage garden has at least one hardscape feature.

graemesirrigation.ca | graemesirrigation@shaw.ca 4366 Interurban Rd. Victoria facebook.com/GraemesIrrigation AH

Locally owned and operated atHOME Victoria

BORROWED time HOME DECORATING SOLUTIONS FOR RENTERS

BEDDING DOWN In a one-room, open plan space, your bed is the central focal point of the entire room. Let’s face it; you need your sleep so it needs to be comfortable. A pretty, frou-frou sofa is not the answer. Instead, choose a daybed with a quality twin mattress that doubles as a fashionable sofa. A captain’s bedframe is ideal in this type of space with storage beneath. Shown here, the cupboard doors were removed to create modern, open storage cubbies.

ONE ROOM WILL DO

BY: ELIZABETH DEAN

o, it’s not ideal. You’re living away from home, going to university full time, holding down a part-time job and trying to cultivate a personal life; and all in a 350 square foot bachelor apartment. Not ideal, but definitely doable!

PLAY WITH PATTERNS Many people are afraid of too much pattern, but in a small space, they are your friend. Fabrics in fun patterns and varying complementary colours bring interest and energy to an otherwise closed-in small space.

MAXIMIZE SEATING

GET PERSONAL

Chairs that work equally well for dining or studying and ottomans that cradle tired feet or hold school books are imperative in a one-room space. When it comes to seating, think outside of the box to maximum options for yourself and guests. Overstuffed daybed pillows also work really well on the floor as cushy extra seats.

No matter how you decorate your temporary student living space, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to infuse your lifestyle and personality into your surroundings, even if you will only be there a short while. It will make your rented room feel more at home, and might help ease your homesickness.

Tonicliving.com is my go-to source for modern fabrics and custom covers for pillows and futons.

GOSSIP GALS GRAPHITE 18â&#x20AC;? PILLOW Tonicliving.com, $46.95

SEE IT. LOVE IT. HAVE IT. The pouf ottoman, study lamp, side table, bath towels and throw cushions pictured are available at HomeSense.

atHOME Victoria

COLIN AND JUSTIN’S CABIN PRESSURE BY: COLIN MCALLISTER AND JUSTIN RYAN

h, the cottage. That wonderful sanctuary unto which we escape for rest and recuperation. That place where clocks run slow and wine runs, well, faster. And that’s just how we like it: Cab Sauv, if you don’t mind, preferably new world Argentinian. In our world, with a schedule that propels us between Canada, Britain and, most recently Australia as design experts on lifestyle show The Living Room, we’re always searching for somewhere to catch our breath. That said, we love our job, so you’ll hear no grumbling from us.

Yes indeed, we’re happy with our professional mission: to make ordinary homes extraordinary for style challenged home owners across three continents.

Two years past, however, we met the trickiest clients we’ve ever worked with: ourselves. Having purchased a rundown Canadian cottage, the race was on to transform it into a chic bolt hole before our nerves, and our budget, got the better of us. To compound matters, we’d been invited to film the transformation for the Cottage Life television network. And they’d suggested a three month deadline...

Yes: three months. To rebuild a collapsing sunroom, refurbish a basement bedroom, tackle a large family room, install a new kitchen, create two new bathrooms and knock together two small bedrooms to create one killer master suite. Aye, it’s fair to say we had our work cut out.

Our ‘luxe lodge’ vibe mixes wood finishes, leather detail and grey linen to elicit a soft and relaxing vibe. Black, via drapery and accessories, anchors the scheme.

atHOME Victoria

he kitchen, updated by Batemans in Oro Medonte, is a hand built triumph finished in rich grey with Caesarstone detailing and nickel lighting. Slick Euro styling is important to us, so we discreetly concealed fridge and freezer behind doors: yup, the former in the left tall tower and the latter in the right, effectively sandwiching the built in stove and cooker.

Reworking the entire ground floor, to be honest, was simple, being that the biggest job (short of inserting triple French doors to afford better lake sightlines) was removing threadbare carpet and installing a slick wooden floor. Dressed with an outsized sofa and a leather ottoman, the scene is anchored by a large grey rug that seems

Grey painted cabinetry sets a dramatic tone. Appliances are concealed behind cabinet doors so as not to disturb clean lines.

to float, like an island, in front of the stone built fireplace. To the other side of the room, modern black Windsor and grey leather chairs gather around an outsized wooden table while a faux antler chandelier floats proudly above, providing atmosphere and adjustable illumination at the twist of a button. Upstairs, in the house bathroom, we replaced dated tile with acres of slick Caesarstone wrapped across main wall areas and around a deep soaker tub. Above this, a rain head shower cascades high pressure jets while fixed glazing protects the room from water splash.

Acres of dreamy Caesarstone adds stoicism to the wedge shaped wash zone. A ‘junqtique’ table (inherited with the cottage) was repurposed as an exquisite vanity area.

In the master bedroom (the result of combining two smaller rooms), we created relaxed atmosphere with a creamy painted scheme to ‘minimize’ the overpowering v groove pine. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter was our weapon of choice, and, paired as it is against the joists (which we left unpainted) the resultant aesthetics are dramatic yet soothing.

The rough hewn wooden table conjures the spirit of Restoration Hardware, one of our favourite retail destinations. Mixing leather and black wooden chairs elicits the perfect dining scene.

For the most part, pattern was limited, though we conceded a spot of Robert Allen Ikat fabric for drapery (and toss pillows) and geometric weave rugs from the C+J Home collection.

A large custom headboard stretches along one elevation, its soft nickel pins visually balanced by pale lumber night stands and dressers. Opposite the bed sit two comfy chaise longue which we found in Ikea: our schemes, as aye, are peppered with affordable detailing that helps moderate spend. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just how we rollâ&#x20AC;Ś

A relaxed atmosphere courtesy of creamy linens and wooden case goods.

atHOME Victoria

A whisper of plaid and shots of yellow bring this formerly lacklustre space to life.

n the basement, after ‘opening’ the space to make it eminently more livable, we created a large double bedroom and a comfy family room, each clad in pine and connected via a large barn door which slides along a slick black rail. The focal point in the family room is the oil burning stove which sits in front of a granite clad feature zone, while the focal point in the bedroom is the large padded headboard, custom made for the project. Both rooms feature double French doors, dressed with grey plaid drapery, that lead to a large sunroom rebuilt in the footprint of its near derelict predecessor. The rebirthed sun room boasts Weather Master Plus windows with plastic memory glass that’s virtually impervious to scratches or indeed breakage and bug screens to protect against entomological invasion. Dressed with weather proof wicker, and embellished with Robert Allen toss pillows, the sunroom is a climatic joy (even in cooler climes) thanks to the memory glass which helps insulate proceedings.

And finally: the downstairs bathroom. Accessed by another rolling barn door, its primary aesthetic is grey scale via ‘cement’ toned tile and graphite grout which enlivens basic buy subway tile. To add flair, we custom manufactured the outsized trough sink in conjunction with Dare To Be Different, a vibrant young company whose products can be sized to suit your application. The results, we hope, speak for themselves.

Yellow accents, played across a predominantly grey scale, maximize drama. Sectioned discreetly from the TV zone, courtesy of a massive barn door, the space is at once cozy and stylish.

The compact shower room boasts a custom concrete sink. Grey slab tile and black grouted subway conspire a fresh ‘wash and go’ environment. EXTERIOR HOME RESTORATION - RESIDENTIAL REPAINTS CUSTOM HOMES - COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Looking back, it’s hard to believe we made the changes described in just three short months. Sure, we have a brilliant team, but it was a monolithic transformation, nonetheless, given the window of opportunity. As each other’s fussiest clients, we drove one another crazy: on a daily basis, it should be reported, we’d hone ambition… and then start from scratch. To say we were pedantic with each other— and our team, for that matter—is an understatement. At all times, however, we had the best interests of the cottage close to our hearts.

250-888-5385 WWW.WEPAINTINC.COM

REPAIRS . CUSTOM WORK & DESIGN . BEADING CLASSES

Victoria’s Largest Bead Store Locally owned & operated by sisters Lorrie and Susan

So would we do it again? In another cottage? Could we actually deal with our ‘most demanding’ clients ever…. in a second location? Well, as a matter of fact, yes. We could. During season two of Colin and Justin’s Cabin Pressure, airing now!

Huge selection of Miyuki seed beads, semi-precious stones, crystals & specialty beads

250-590-7690

1317 Broad Street, Victoria f a c e b o o k . c o m / V i c t o r i a B e a d To w n D e s i g n s AH

atHOME Victoria

ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY BY: DOROTHY HAWES

It’s always tea time!

he wisdom of Alice in Wonderland is certainly evident when it comes to tea. The mention of a cup of tea can evoke images that range from the Mad Hatter, your grandmother, finger sandwiches, scones and Devonshire cream, to white lace tablecloths and dainty teacups. While going out for afternoon tea is a special treat, why not recreate that same experience in your own home? Surprisingly, it’s not as much work as you might think; after all, the difference between a sandwich and a tea sandwich may be as simple as removing the crusts and cutting them into those telling triangle shapes! While the traditional cucumber & cream cheese, egg salad, and ham sandwiches are always popular, consider trying new variations on any type of tea sandwich that appeals to you. If making those sandwiches seems too tedious and time-consuming, simply order a tea sandwich tray from your deli. Similarly, if you don’t have the time for baking scones, cake, or cookies yourself, there are a host of bakeries that can provide you with all you need. Simply display your treats on your nicest china or party platters. Here are a few of my favourite themes for afternoon tea.

Mother’s Day Tea: Consider hosting a Mother’s Day tea in your home. You might want to include other mothers and daughters in your circle, as well as those who are not able to be with family. Or plan a tea that includes several generations: great-grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, grandchildren, aunts, cousins, etc.

Tea parties for kids & teens:

Talking teacups:

Strawberry tea:

At the age of five, my eldest daughter was invited to her first tea party, along with nine other little girls. She still remembers the excitement of putting on her favourite dress, sipping tea, eating those tiny sandwiches, and best of all, feeling very grown up! This is a great way to celebrate a birthday or just an excuse for a special occasion, whether for five-year-olds or sixteen-year-olds. Introduce them to a tradition that they are sure to fall in love with.

In your invitation to tea, ask your guests to bring along their favourite teacup and have them share a memory or story that goes along with that teacup. Wonderful conversations will ensue, as each guest shares a personal anecdote. This will be a delightful way to spend the afternoon while sipping your cup of tea.

You might want to wait for local strawberry season for this treat, but it isn’t’ necessary. A strawberry tea is simply all things strawberry: plenty of scones with strawberry jam, a strawberry shortcake, strawberry flavoured tea, and most certainly, chocolate covered strawberries!

Surging surf and romantic sunsets Scones are a staple for any tea. Here is the recipe I always use

Dorothy’s Scones: INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

2 cups flour 1/3 cup sugar 4 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ½ cup butter ¾ cup milk ½ cup raisins* *variations: use cranraisins and/or white chocolate chips instead of raisins

Mix flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Add butter and mix in with a pastry blender. Stir raisins* into the mixture. Add milk and stir together. Knead mixture slightly on a floured surface and roll a thickness of about 1” to 1 ½”. Cut into rounds and place on a cookie sheet. (I often sugar the tops of the scones—optional). Bake for 12-14 minutes at 400 degrees. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Fully furnished and equipped 1 bedroom oceanfront cottage at Sookepoint Ocean Cottages $369,000 :: 27A - 1000 Silver Spray Drive

(this is a presale due for completion later this year)

Specatular panorama

While the real McCoy is lovely, it can be expensive and difficult to track down Devonshire cream. Consider this “cheater” version that is equally as delicious with scones and jam.

Easy Devonshire Cream: INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

4 ounces cream cheese ½ cup sour cream 2 tbsp. sugar ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup heavy cream— whipped 2 tsp. lemon juice

1. Cream together cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and salt. 2. Add sour cream & whipped cream. 3. Chill until ready to serve.

Superb custom home set on 3.6 tranquil acres $949,000 :: 4920 Nagle Road

Serve scones with Devonshire Cream and assorted jams or jellies.

Exceptional service…outstanding results

“Yes, that’s it,” said the Hatter with a sigh, “it’s always tea time.” - Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland AH

WHERE TO BUY TEA IN VICTORIA

P: 250-477-1100 C: 250-588-2852

tarahearn.com tara@tarahearn.com

• Murchie’s Tea & Coffee • David’s Tea atHOME Victoria

TRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME

ne of the most exceptional aspects of living in British Columbia is that you really don’t have to travel very far to find a great vacation spot. We’re just lucky that way. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending several wonderful days in Osoyoos; a little desert town in the South Okanagan. Famous for its hot summer weather, great lake, and up-andcoming wine culture, I stumbled across an equally impressive little gem—Watermark Beach Resort.

WATERMARK BEACH RESORT OSOYOOS, B.C.

This is a family friendly resort that is also perfectly suited to couples, thanks to the clever accommodations design. In the main building, Watermark offers luxurious one, two and three bedroom suites. On the beachfront, a separate bank of private villas hugs the lakefront walkways and 1000 feet of sandy beach. Our large twobedroom villa had a comfortable residential feel to it with a large living space, two full bathrooms and a modern well equipped kitchen. My favourite part of the villa was the beachfront terrace with lounge chairs, barbecue and fabulous views of Osoyoos Lake.

BY: TRACEY DRAKE

Must try experience VIP WINE TOUR: Rated one of the top 10 wine regions in the world, you must indulge in the wine country experience! For 2015, Watermark has partnered with Okanagan Wine Country Tours, offering luxury VIP wine tours.

Must try regional wines TINHORN CREEK: 2013 GEWURZTRAMINER pale lemon colour with rose petals, lychee, pink grapefruit and spice ROAD 13: JACKPOT VIOGNIER ROUSSANNE MARSANNE rich gold colour with apricot, jasmine, vanilla and tangerine CULMINA VINEYARDS: HYPOTHESIS deep red colour with dark fruit, spice, red plum and toasted oak

atermark Beach Resort offers a swimmable lake with soft, sandy beach but in case you are not a lake dweller, the resort has you covered. The outdoor pool, poolside bar, waterslide and two hot tubs are guest favourites. Executive Chef Adair Scott and his kitchen team offer delicious full dining service, served al fresco. I recommend the beef tenderloin carpaccio, quinoa and roasted cauliflower salad, and the braised lamb shank with Grana Padano polenta. The resort is centrally located for exploring the South Okanagan region. We headed out each day on a different journey. A few days were reserved for culinary adventure with a trip to Covert Farms, winemakers’ dinner at Backyard Farm Chef’s Table, and a fabulous twilight dining experience at Miradoro Restaurant. Other days were spent getting to know the wineries including Road 13, Hester Creek, Gehringer Brothers, Stoneboat, Rustico, Burrowing Owl, and an entire afternoon with the Oldfields at Tinhorn Creek. We also spent a fun afternoon on a “Sip and Cycle” outing with Richard Cooper of Heatstroke Cycle; a unique guided wine tour of the Golden Mile on Pedego electric bikes.

The promise of blue skies, sparkling water and crisp wine will lure you to South Okanagan, but the Watermark Beach Resort is one of those places that will keep you coming back. Just a few hours from Kelowna or Vancouver, this is truly affordable luxury in the middle of Canada’s only desert. Just get here. They will take care of the rest.

FREE PARKING Tel: 250.360.5858 | thespadeltavictoria.com 100 Harbour Road | Victoria, BC atHOME Victoria

WEEKEND D.I.Y

BY: ELIZABETH DEAN

IN TWO DAYS AND FOR LESS THAN $200, TRANSFORM YOUR WASHED OUT LAUNDRY ROOM

et’s face it, you probably spend a lot of time in your laundry room, but spend little time thinking about its decor. For a room that gets used so much, it’s probably the most ignored room when it comes to interior design and decorating. Perhaps it’s because time spent in the laundry room is boring and dull, which is precisely why you should transform it into a fun, cheerful space that is bursting with life. A few extra niceties in the laundry room might include fresh flowers, a crisp white linen roller shade for the door or window, or a small flat screen TV to watch for your favourite show while folding and ironing.

SPLASH OF COLOUR

FOLD IN PERSONALITY

DON’T GET HAMPERED

First things first—the room needs colour! Be cautious of some dark paint colours—they suck the light out of the room and can make clothing look dingy. Whimsy and the unexpected are all okay in the laundry room. Think bright, cheerful, happy shades. Trending colours right now include buttercup yellow, petal pink, and sky blue.

Go a little crazy in the laundry room and let your personality shine. This is the one room where you want to make yourself happy being there. Add unique artwork, fun wallpaper or let your kids paint a mural on the wall. Or, simply decorate with fun containers for laundry soap like mason jars and vintage glass jugs.

Storage is really important in a laundry room, but it doesn’t have to be a hamper. There are many great box and bin options on the market today; look beyond the plastic laundry hamper for unique organization solutions. A shelf above the washer and dryer creates easy access storage.

BUDGET TIP: The average laundry room is 175 square feet and requires just one gallon of paint.

BUDGET TIP: Pick up a few stencils at Michaels and add some laundry language to the walls.

BUDGET TIP: Inexpensive clear plastic stacking boxes with colourful lids allow you to see what’s inside.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN Drab to fab doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive; this room is one of the most affordable spaces to transform and offers maximum impact, especially for the person doing the laundry.

atHOME Victoria

DINE BY: TRACEY DRAKE

IN Ferris’ Upstairs Oyster Bar

OUT King & Thai

536 Yates Street, Victoria ferrisoysterbar.com

2510 Estevan Avenue, Victoria kingandthai.com

If you love a good oyster, there really is no better spot in Victoria to indulge your palate. The oysters on the menu were all appetizingly imaginative; so we ordered one of each, which included raw and baked varieties. This is definitely one restaurant that you want to go for the seafood. Also, don’t even think about starting your experience with anything but the Seafood Caesar, made with sobieski vodka, marinated mussel and clamato juice, pickled green bean, fresh horseradish and topped with a fresh shucked oyster.

There are a lot of choices in this city for Thai food, but if you are looking for dishes with authentic flavours and approachable heat levels, I recommend King & Thai in Oak Bay’s Estevan Village. It’s the only Thai location in town where you can grab your takeout containers, walk three blocks and picnic on Willows Beach. They make one of the best Gaeng Dang (red curry) in the city; offering up a complex mid-level heat that finishes with the mellow sweetness of lemon grass, Kaffir lime and cilantro.

MUST TRY:

Prosciutto Wrapped Long Line Lingcod - $23 Served on warm white bean and celery salad with Marcona almonds, brown butter and PX sherry vinaigrette.

Pad Thai Classic - $15.25 Stir fry rice noodles with tofu, chicken and prawns. Spiced to your order preference.

La Truffe Baked Oyster - $3.50 each Large succulent baked oyster with creamed leeks, crispy prosciutto and truffle oil.

Satay - $9.25 4 skewers of chicken breast marinated in spice, and served with Thai peanut sauce and cucumber relish.

COASTAL CUISINE Each issue atHOME Victoria reviews two local restaurants—one sit down and one to-go. This issue, AHV’s editor samples coastal seafood and traditional Thai.

VICTORIA

DUNCAN

574 Culduthel Road, 250-590-4915

4705 Trans Canada Hwy., 250-748-1100

t h e w i c k e r t r e e . c o m

ARCHITECTURAL wonders

KEEPING TIME FOR 600 YEARS

he Prague Astronomical Clock in the town square is a mechanical marvel. Considered one of the wonders of the world during the Middle Ages, this ancient functional masterpiece has kept perfect time for more than 600 years. Every hour, the clock figures come to life and twelve apostles appear to greet the city. On the sides of the clock, there is a skeleton ringing a bell, a Turk shaking his head, a miser with a purse full of money, and Vanity looking in a mirror. The whole performance ends with a crowing rooster and the ringing of the huge bell at the top of the tower.

another quality project by Bayshore Construction

$479,000

This 3 bedroom open concept home features a bright open layout with various designer details. A low maintenance exterior is complimented with natural finishing accents, posts & beam at the covered entry, heavy trims and an abundance of windows for natural light. The home includes a fully landscaped and irrigated yard with a large concrete patio, walks and driveway. The quality your would expect in a Bayshore home includes high end

finishes including hardwood flooring, custom maple cabinetry, granite countertops, under-mount sinks and more. Standout features include a large island kitchen with a full walkin butler’s pantry and a 5 piece ensuite with heated tile flooring with direct access to large walk-in closet. This “Powersmart” home that includes a Carrier heat pump, air conditioning, natural gas fireplace, and hot water on demand to keep costs low and comfort high.

(250) 248-6722 bayshoreconstruction@shaw.ca bayshoreconstruction.ca