Q&A · Page 16
LEXUS IS 350 F SPORT
Q&A WITH DR. LATONIA HARTERY
TRAVEL · Page 18
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN IRELAND
M A R C H 2 018
AUTOMOTIVE · Page 12
L I S T E D.C A
COVER PHOTO:
Courtesy of Kennedy Galleries.
luxurylisted.ca
$8,888,000
$5,000,000
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Prestigious Doulton Estates. 4 Beds. Gourmet kitchen. Huge 150x 474 ft lot on Credit River. Dream Kitchen. Brazilian hardwood. Indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Extensive landscaping and gazebo!
Custom. Master crafted with the finest workmanship & materials. Approx 6,500 sqft. Jatoba hardwood. 6 fireplaces.
$3,200,000
$3,088,000
$2,999,000
www.mcdadi.ca/1540m
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www.mcdadi.ca/1268s
Lorne Park. 4 bedrooms, 5 baths. Designer kitchen. Hardwood. Finished W/O basement. In-ground pool.
Lorne Park. 4+1 bedrooms. Finished basement. In ground 4 beds. 5 baths. Rural setting. Gourmet kitchen. 2-storey pool. Top of the line appliances & premium finishes. great room. Formal dining room. In-ground pool.
$2,988,000
$2,588,000
www.mcdadi.ca/439t
www.mcdadi.ca/3345l
4 bed. 4 bath. Backs onto Credit River. Great views. Open concept. Muskoka living in the city.
Steps to the lake. In-ground pool. Gourmet maple kitchen with w/o to large deck. Salt water pool.
$2,288,000
www.mcdadi.ca/154e 4 beds. 4 baths. Mineola East. 50 x 115 ft mature lot. Hardwood throughout. Gourmet kitchen. 3 sided fireplace.
Sales Representatives: Abraham Azraq, Ahmad Shehab-Eldin, Alvin Tung, Ben Sadeg, Bill McFarland, Ciro Napolitano, Craig Yaffe, Fadi Abou-Chalha, Helen O’Brecht, Isaiah Bayley-Hay, John Athanasiou, Julie Jones, Kayla Ie, Leanne Binsell, Lisa Lee, Maggie Ribeiro, Marcello Marchese, Mark Powell, Marwa Nadr, Maryam Kermani, Marzena Ciecielag, Mase Rasti, Michelle Delemos, Mike Azraq, Mona Azraq, Norm Wilkie, Obie Khwaja, RJ Shahi, Roman Damavandi, Sam McDadi, Sara Azraq, Sean Johnny, Shannon Bowen, Tom Gusić, Tracy Nguyen, Zaheer Shaw, Zareer Divecha. Brokers: Ashkan Khaleghi, Harry Nanda, Jim Yurchuk, Leonard Howell, Sabrina Nagar.
416.255.1177 86 Queen Elizabeth Blvd., Etobicoke
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CONTENTS
M A R C H 2 018
FEATURED
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
12 LEXUS IS 350 F SPORT
08 BEFORE YOU SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE
Automotive
16 Q&A WITH DR. LATONIA HARTERY Q&A
18 TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN IRELAND Travel
Legal Advice
10 2018 WEDDING TRENDS Trending
22 FIVE WAYS TO FIGURE OUT YOUR RISK TOLERANCE Financial
23 SKETCHES OF SPAIN Drink of the Month
12
18 Delivered by
16
Luxury Listed Magazine is published and delivered 8 times per year to selected Homes in the Greater Toronto Area by Canada Post, agreement #41362062.
P R ES I D E N T
C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R
W E B D ES I G N
James Baker james@thnmedia.com
Jason Stacey jason@thnmedia.com
Vaughn Joseph vaughn@thnmedia.com
A DV E R T I S I N G S A L ES
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. THN Media, their employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising, which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made. In such cases, THN Media shall have limited liability only to the charge for such advertising or editorials.
Marianne Kennedy marianne@thnmedia.com
C R E AT I V E PRODUCTION
Tim Frankiw tim@thnmedia.com Casey Elogio casey@thnmedia.com
PRINTING
David Joubarne david@thnmedia.com Karen Kinch karen@thnmedia.com Weng Ng weng@thnmedia.com
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Dereck Addie dereck@thnmedia.com
04 LUXURY LISTED â– MARCH 2018
2187 Dunwin Drive Mississauga, ON L5L 1X2 P 905 278 1111 TF 1 855 355 8502 F 905 608 9042 www.luxurylisted.ca www.thnmedia.com
16 EDENBRIDGE DRIVE BACKING ONTO ST. GEORGE’S GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
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PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS
12 TIMOTHY COURT
$1,648,000
Impressive Luxurious Living. This stunning Estate Home was built with spacious and comfortable living spaces in mind. Located in one of West Toronto’s most coveted communities. Overlooking the city’s best view of St. George’s Golf & Country Club, and designed by master builder Tony Gornik. Sophisticated style, fine craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Special features include 4 bedrooms, 7 baths, soaring ceilings, an abundance of natural light throughout, multiple fireplaces, walk-outs & balconies, a screened-in loggia with outdoor kitchen, movie theatre, exercise room, rec room with billiards area & wet bar, indoor pool and outdoor hot tub. 16edenbridge.com
TORONTO
47 NOTTINGHAM DRIVE
Gorgeous renovated family home nestled on exquisitely situated sun-filled lot on a quiet court. Secluded and Tranquil rear gardens. Spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances and eat-in area with walk out to backyard, luxurious master bedroom suite with 5 piece ensuite and built-in closet. Walking distance to highly sought after schools. Convenient access to TTC, Highway 401, Toronto Pearson, shopping and some of the top private golf courses in the city including St. George’s Golf & Country Club. 12timothy.com
To view more
TORONTO
$2,049,000
Timeless elegance in Humber Valley. No expense spared in this beautifully renovated home situated within Humber Valley. Open concept family room and gourmet’s delight custom kitchen with highend stainless steel appliances, centre island breakfast bar, granite tops, all new electric light fixtures, 4 oversized bedrooms, 5 baths, 3 fireplaces. Fabulous master retreat with walk-in closets, spa-like 7-piece ensuite. Main floor den, lower level games and media rooms and recreation room with second kitchen. 47nottingham.com
Luxury Listed Properties
please visit asantos.ca
Top 3 in sales company-wide
AT HARVEY KALLES FOR 2017!
Ana Santos S al es
Representati v e
direct
647-232-7317 an a@ as an t os .ca
for more information, visit
2316 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6S 1P2 Office: 416-441-2888
asantos.ca
$1,998,888
1356 WOODEDEN DRIVE M I S S I S S A U G A
RENOVATED LORNE PARK BUNGALOW ON LANDSCAPED LOT
W
elcome to this beautiful family home which is nestled on a picturesque private 90’ x 160’ lot in the heart of desirable Lorne Park. This renovated stone and stucco bungalow is an entertainer’s dream with attention to detail throughout. Bright, spacious, and in impeccable condition, you can easily see the perfect combination of richness and comfort. Feel as though you are relaxing in the country when you step into the tranquil backyard. Lush with soaring trees, mature plants and stunning gardens, this professional landscaped backyard is a majestic sight. Multi-level patios afford for different areas for
relaxing and entertaining. Unwind in the gazebo while listening to the soothing sounds of water trickling down the waterfall into the pond. Completing the backyard is a handy gas line for barbecuing, a storage shed, flagstone walkway at the side of home, all completely fenced in. Ideally located in the Lorne Park School district, close to Port Credit Village, river and lake, and approximately 40 minutes to downtown Toronto. Truly the perfect place to call Home!
Len & Stephanie
Howell S A L E S
Len Howell
R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
Stephanie Howell
905.855.2200 e: len@mississaugarealestate.com e: stephanie@mississaugarealestate.com
mississaugarealestate.com
LEGAL ADVICE
practice, the use of any of these conditions is dependent on market conditions. In a seller’s market, there will be limited use of conditions by buyers while the opposite is true in a buyer’s market. Where the dwelling is older, a buyer should be cautious about submitting an offer without an inspection condition. A buyer, having arranged a mortgage pre-approval, can have some measure of confidence should the agreement not have a condition on mortgage financing. RENTAL CONTRACTS
Before
YOU SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE hile Toronto’s housing market is often defined by its flurry of activities, frenetic pace, and confident buyer culture, it’s always recommended to slow things down for a moment and educate yourself before entering into any binding contract. There are a number of issues to be considered by both buyers and sellers when preparing an Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
HERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER: DEPOSITS Deposits can be used strategically by buyers when purchasing a property, especially in multiple offer situations. A high deposit provides the seller with a sense of security that the buyer will complete the transaction, and demonstrates to the seller how serious the buyer is in purchasing the property. NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT A) It may be advantageous to a buyer, for tax
or other reasons, to sign the agreement in trust for another party, or in the name of a company or other legal entity;
B) If the buyer is signing in trust for an
unknown party, or if the buyer is a corpo-
ration with no assets or transaction history, the seller may be at risk in the event the buyer fails to close the transaction. It may be difficult for the seller to commence litigation or recover damages. The seller may wish to consider requesting a higher deposit or having an individual personally guarantee the obligations of the buyer to offset this risk.
The parties must consider whether there are rental items to be assumed, such as a hot water tank, furnace or security systems. CHATTELS & FIXTURES There should be a comprehensive list of all chattels included, and fixtures excluded in the purchase price. These should include such items as kitchen appliances, wall mirrors, wall units/cabinets, and light fixtures. ACCESS RIGHTS A provision allowing for access rights is usually inserted in the agreement. The buyer should try to retain one access right to be exercised no later than the day prior to closing to assess the condition of the property, however, this right is not an opportunity to have another house inspection. CONDOMINIUM SUITES Determine whether the parking and/or locker unit(s) are deeded ownership or exclusive use. Ownership allows the buyer to sell the parking or locker unit separately from the suite (subject to the condominium declaration), while the parking or locker units cannot be sold separately from the suite if they are exclusive use. For more information on Agreements of Purchase and Sale, contact Shapiro Real Estate & Business Lawyers.
C) Where the seller is described as an “Es-
tate”, the buyer should inquire whether or not the Estate has obtained the Certificate of Appointment of the Estate Trustee. If not, the closing date should be extended until the Certificate is obtained and/or the agreement should be conditional on obtaining the Certificate within a certain period of time.. CONDITIONS There are commonly used conditions in an agreement pertaining to mortgage financing, house inspections and status certificates where the property is a condominium. In 08 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
Shapiro Real Estate & Business Lawyers is a trusted and well-respected law firm specializing in the areas of residential/commercial real estate, business law, wills and estates, and real estate dispute resolution. GARRY SHAPIRO, BCL, LLB, MBA EVAN SHAPIRO, HBA, JD 416.224.0808 www.garryshapirolaw.com
_ Sold Conditional _
$1,422,000 22 INGLEBOROUGH COURT , MARKHAM
Spacious 2 storey brick home in prime Unionville area, approximately 2800 square feet, 4 spacious bedrooms with huge master bedroom and sitting area on second floor. Main floor, family room and large eat-in kitchen with walkout to professional landscaped backyard. Rough in washroom in basement. Well maintained and neutral dĂŠcor. Front of home facing south. Bright and sunny home, extra wide interlock driveway, walkway and patio. ***EXTRAS*** Fridge, stove, built-in dishwasher, washer, dryer, all window coverings, all electrical light fixtures, central air, humidifier, central vacuum, underground sprinkler system, jacuzzi, alarm systems, high efficiency furnace.
KEN HO
B R O K ER
O F
R ECO R D
416.917.9393
kenho@sultanrealty.com sultanrealty.com
TRENDING
TABLES CAP
ING THE AC T O F CR E ATIVELY AND IN ARRANG TENTIONALLY ING A TA SO THA BLETOP T SPECIFIC IT CONVEYS A THEME, MOOD, O R EXPE RIENCE .
2018
Wedding
TRENDS ove is in the air as the 2018 wedding season will soon be in full swing! From floral installs to sultry colour pallets to tablescaping, here are the trends I’ve spotted for the year ahead.
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
FLORAL FEVER
In 2018, couples will be cutting back and opting for the more intimate feel. Reduced guest lists, and smaller wedding parties are trending but just because it isn’t a large wedding doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. Couples will be focused on creating memories in simple and unique ways as you will be sure to see more fun things like lawn games as well as wider food and drink options like big share plates and craft beers.
Be sure to look up, because floral pieces aren’t just for the table anymore. Installations are a big trend this year. In these, installs will be more greenery than flowers, giving an earthy feel and a lot of character. They hang mostly from the ceiling, but you can also see them make a statement at the head table.
BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL For the last few wedding seasons, duos have been choosing either modern or vintage settings, but going bold and combining the two are making a huge entrance this year. Tablescaping has become very popular and this year we will see a lot of pairings with vintage cut glass, geometric wire shapes and deeper coloured florals to give texture.
SETTING THE MOOD This wedding season is a little moody. Colour trends will be deep and sultry, with lots of purples and dark pastel greens. Move over rose gold, because copper and other metallic pieces are taking over the accent colours. You will see these pieces include chairs, cutlery and vintage candleholders. WHAT TO WEAR Black accents took over the runways at the spring 2018 Bridal Fashion Week in all shapes, including bows and belts. Designer, Vera Wang was inspired by “The Handmaids 10 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
Tale” and has shown brides a whole other level of seduction. Keeping with the combination of modern and vintage, pearls are making a big statement this season, not just in jewellery but also in headpieces and embellished dresses. With all these fresh ideas to look forward to this year, there is plenty to get excited about. Bring on the memories! KATE LAHEY is a Jr. Florist at From The Potting Shed in Cambridge, Ontario. She writes and photographs for her upcoming floral blog, Blooming Buds. She graduated from Journalism Broadcasting and has a passion for entertainment news.
11 LUXURY LISTED â– MARCH 2018
TECHNOLOGY AUTOMOTIVE
exus L IS 350 F SPORT remium compact sport sedan buyers are a demanding yet diverse group of auto enthusiasts. My time behind the wheel of an all-wheel-drive Lexus IS 350 F Sport allowed me understand why it continues to attract so many of these auto connoisseurs, in an increasingly competitive market segment. In Canada, there are now three powertrains and ten different IS model line configurations, giving buyers an outstanding range of performance and luxury choices. For 2018 there’s a new entry level ($45,300) addition to the line, the IS 300. Its 2.0 litre twin-scroll turbo engine can send 241 horsepower to the wheels of this new rear-drive edition. And it’s via an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport direct shift control and a sequential multi-mode shifter.
12 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
Both the IS 300 and the IS 350 come with standard all-wheel-drive and a 3.5 litre V6 engine. The IS 350, however, has a specially tuned engine that can produce 311 horsepower, compared to 260 horsepower in the IS 300. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The F Sport package adds external stuff like a black mesh front grille, upgraded wheels and aero add-ons, plus a selection of tech features. In my test IS 350, the package included an Adaptive Variable Suspension System, a unique digital instrument cluster, an Adaptive Front Lighting System and a wicked 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio system.
The Lexus brand has become an industry benchmark for outstanding quality and reliability. Qualities you typically don’t associate with performance cars, but they’re obviously appealing virtues to pragmatic Lexus IS buyers. They also translate into generally higher trade-in or resale values, when it’s eventually time to sell … and get a new IS. IS 350 F SPORT IS … An aggressively styled, fun to drive, solidly built, sport sedan that offers excellent safety features.
“The IS has been engineered for exhilarating performance and equipped with some of the most advanced and intuitive technologies ever offered by Lexus,” according to Jennifer Barron, Director of Lexus in Canada. On the road, I was very impressed by how solid and stable the IS 350 was at high speeds, considering its compact dimensions. Power is effortless and seductive, and the IS seems to get even more stable as you travel faster. In light highway traffic, glancing down at the speedometer caused me to sheepishly ease up on the gas pedal a number of times. Meticulous fit and finish has become a Lexus expectation, and IS doesn’t disappoint. Good sight lines and a comfy, supportive seat added enjoyment to my time behind the steering wheel. A foot-pedal park brake, however, seemed out of place with its sports car persona. Storage spots for sun glasses and the rest of my “driver gear” was also limited, but unlike some of my fellow auto critics, I like the Lexus Remote Touch interface system. Not a fan of those (finger print covered) touch screens. 13 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
IS 350 F SPORT IS NOT … An unreliable, over-priced, flashy but impractical, sports car with low resale potential. LEXUS IS 350 F SPORT Price as Tested: $55,800
BOB McHUGH has been writing car reviews and auto related stories for over 25 years and is a long time member of the Auto Journalists Association of Canada.
DavidAndersonOey Sales Representative
416.908.9800 David@DavidOey.com DavidOey.com HARVEY KALLES Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
DINING ROOM
KITCHEN
LIVING ROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
BACKYARD OASIS
$4,280,000
6 HUNTHILL COURT 1 / 2 A c r e L o t S i z e , E d e n b r i d g e H u m b e r Va l l e y Nestled high amongst soaring trees with exceptional landscaped yards on large pie shaped lot in prestigious Lincoln Woods! 8,300+ sq ft finished space. Perfect for the large family looking for discerning tastes and finishes. An endless list of features including new inground contemporary pool and landscaping, chefs kitchen with wood burning pizza oven, 2,000 bottle wine cellar, 4 plus 2 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, limestone exterior finish, heated driveway with 14 car parking. Massive master bedroom with 6 piece ensuite and private terrace. Located within destination community of estate homes surrounding St Georges Golf Club and minutes to James Gardens, Pearson airport, Toronto waterfront and marina, High Park, shops on the Kingsway and quick drive to downtown Toronto. Turnkey move-in residence on destination community and court! www.LincolnWoodsVillage.com
Q +A
WITH
DR. LATONIA HARTERY Supplied by
Adventure Canada
rcheologist and filmmaker Dr. Latonia Hartery celebrated her thirtieth trip with Adventure Canada this past season. Beginning in 2005 with a tour of Newfoundland, Labrador, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Latonia has worked with Adventure Canada every year since, doing several expedition voyages each season. One of Adventure Canada’s most experienced and respected resource team members, Latonia’s work aboard the ship (and ashore) includes interpretation of archeological sites, screening and interpreting films, and presenting her research.
Behind the scenes, Latonia manages Adventure Canada’s archeological sites’ permitting process, and is frequently consulted on best practices and new potential landing sites. She works alongside the Adventure Canada team to develop and implement approaches to sustainable expedition travel in sensitive environments. Q: LOOKING BACK, WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF ADVENTURE CANADA? My first impression was the natural camaraderie of the company as a family, which spilled over into how the passengers responded to staff and to each other. I was the youngest resource staff member at the time, and I noticed that people could have a lot of fun and adventure in a warm, safe environment. What I also noticed was the easy access— getting to all these places that, even as a 16 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
travelling archeologist, I had only seen on maps. All this coastline, all these places that you never in your wildest dreams think you’re going to reach. Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SHARING YOUR HOME PROVINCE, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR, WITH VISITORS? I love showing people how fortunate I am to have grown up in this environment, surrounded by a rich culture that has afforded me the opportunity to follow my dreams about archeology and history. I was born in a place where people have a very secure sense of identity, and they take care of each other. Not to say that living in Newfoundland doesn’t have its challenges, but there are many great things about this magical place that makes living here worthwhile—and this inspires me to do my best and to work toward helping Newfoundland be the best place it can be, as well.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SHARE THE ARCHEOLOGY OF THIS REGION? Sharing archeology and history isn’t just interpreting—it’s helping people understand why we are the way we are. That is where the passion and love that many Newfoundlanders feel about their home probably comes from. There’s a bit of a misconception that people have been living here for only five hundred years, because of the fishery. That’s incomplete and inaccurate. You can’t understand the full history of Newfoundland and Labrador by starting around 1500AD. It’s my job to illuminate the nine thousand years of life in the province, which began with the arrival of Indigenous people. And when you start there, it becomes apparent that every group that has been here interacted with the environment in similar ways—and within all of those different cultures, you find a through line that brings us to today. My own research at Bird Cove has helped reconstruct five thousand years of culture-history, both Indigenous and European. Some of our discoveries on the Great Northern Peninsula provided a flip side of how we saw past life in Newfoundland. It filled some gaps in the archaeological record, and shed light on how people dealt with changes in climate thousands of years ago. Q: WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT VISITING NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR ABOARD AN ADVENTURE CANADA TRIP? Adventure Canada trips allow me to help people understand complex history and to reconstruct it. Whether through interpreting out on the landscape, or in a presentation, or even when having dinner together, I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk about the diverse nature of Newfoundland livelihoods. People have a general perception about what Newfoundlanders are supposed to be like and the critical thing that Adventure Canada does is to hire locally, so that the passengers get to interact with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, who interpret their own culture and heritage. I also feel like my job is, generally, to interpret the province with as much enthusiasm as I can.
Q: L’ANSE-AUX-MEADOWS IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ADVENTURE CANADA’S NEWFOUNDLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION. WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL? The site has both fascinating European and Indigenous history. L’Anse-aux-Meadows is probably one of the most affecting stops that we have, in terms of understanding just how early Europeans—Norse—were here. Vikings in general are fascinating. It’s a wonderful exercise for people to try to imagine how the site would have been working a thousand years ago. Plus, a female archeologist—Anne Stine Ingstad, excavated this famous archeological site; with the help of locals and professionals, and it became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites. Q: WHAT ABOUT MIAWPUKEK FIRST NATION? Miawpukek is in the Bay D’Espoir region. I grew up in Milltown which is also part of the Bay D’Espoir area. That’s always one of the best days because I interact with friends I’ve grown up with, and my family. Smallwood once said that at the time of Confederation that there were no Indigenous people in Newfoundland, which of course, is not true. But unless people come to visit, it’s difficult to truly know Miawpukek and understand the Mi’kmaq history there. I encourage travelers to come with us to Miawpukek and meet everyone there—they are thriving and living in one of the most beautiful, fastest-growing, and successful First Nations in Canada. Miawpukek is really showing a way forward—that’s a source of pride. It’s a very special experience for anyone who goes there. Q: YOU ALSO TRAVEL IN THE HIGH ARCTIC. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR TRIPS? Arctic trips are incredibly adventurous, and can feature extreme hikes. But the Newfoundland & Labrador trips, while having some hikes and trips to isolated areas, is heavily community-visitation based. People come away feeling very nurtured, well taken care of, like they’ve had a lot of warmth run through their bodies. It is also very music focused, and feels lively and uplifting in that way. Q: YOU ARE A FILMMAKER WITH A FOCUS ON WOMEN’S STORIES. HOW DOES THAT DOVETAIL WITH ADVENTURE CANADA TRIPS? 17 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
I love getting more women’s stories out there, having a more equal playing field for women is something I strive for and AC is also taking a lead on this—they employ people myself, Holly Hogan, who’s one of the foremost seabird researchers, musicians like Geraldine Hollett of The Once—a lot of very competent female resource staff are on these trips, plus Cedar and Alana at the company. Exceptional women are met on land too during these trips, one being Cindy Gibbons, in Red Bay—who manages that National Park/UNESCO site. In Newfoundland & Labrador, whether a woman had a career in the workforce, or worked at home, she was a strong pillar of her community. We learn to grab the world by its tail from our mothers and our grandmothers. They were, and are, very active. My grandmother had thirteen children. I watched her do anything and everything. When you come to Newfoundland & Labrador you will meet a lot of strong women! DR. LATONIA HARTERY runs a nonprofit called Amina Anthropological Resources Association Incorporated (AARA Inc.), specializing in researching and promoting Newfoundland & Labrador. Her own research station, Bird Cove in northern Newfoundland, is having its twentieth anniversary in 2018. She has received the JCI Outstanding Young Person Award, and a Cruise Vision award for her role in bringing Adventure Canada trips to select locations in Newfoundland & Labrador. She was named a Newfoundland & Labrador Emerging Artist in 2016. Her film production company, LJH Film supports stories about women, women writers & directors, and has a focus on the East Coast. She is currently working on a female feature film anthology featuring six different women directors. After three decades, Adventure Canada's vision for travel essentially comes down to three things: visiting special places, with special people, in a special way. 1.800.363.7566 www.adventurecanada.com info@adventurecanada.com
TRAVEL
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS in
Ireland
no visit to the Emerald Isle would be complete without here are several tourist attractions in Ireland you just have to see when you travel the Emerald Isle - from the windswept Cliffs of Moher to the rain-soaked Aran Islands. If ancient history is your thing, Ireland has plenty of it including Newgrange or the Hill of Tara in County Meath. For sheer, unadulterated natural beauty, try the Giant's Causeway or the entire county of Kerry. There is more to Ireland than countryside and rocks as any number of attractions in Dublin, such as Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, make clear. Ireland is filled with an array of tourist attractions from all corners of the Emerald Isle, with something for everyone.
BOYNE VALLEY Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace) in County Meath contains some of the most important historic sites and monuments in Ireland, and is a designated World Heritage Site. It features the massive megalithic ancient passage tombs - which are graves dating back to ancient times - of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. These tombs are older than both Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange, which was built about 5,000 years ago, is Ireland's most famous prehistoric site. It's especially famous for a spectacular event on Dec. 21, also known as the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The tomb was built in such a way that on this day, it is illuminated by a narrow beam of sunlight that shines through a specially designed roof box. Those who have seen this say it’s an unforgettable experience. 18 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
Nobody knows why the tomb was built in the way it was, or indeed how the stones were even transported to the site. But it does seem fairly certain that Newgrange was built before the invention of the wheel. The tomb itself was almost lost to history itself. It was sunk into the ground for over 4,000 years, only rediscovered in 1699 when workers carried away building stones for the landowner. As they removed the stones they discovered the entrance. But they left it undisturbed as they thought it was a cave. Then, in 1962, archaeologists began to investigate the sinking mound. Newgrange was then excavated and restored to its former glory. Today, access to Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth begins at a visitor centre, from where you can take a guided tour of the site. The Hill of Tara is also in Co. Meath. An archeological complex, it consists of a num-
ber of ancient monuments, including the Stone of Destiny, the Fort of the Kings and the Mound of the Hostages. Located on the River Boyne, it is said to be the actual seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Nearby is the site of the Battle of The Boyne, one of the key dates in Irish history, in which protestant William of Orange defeated Catholic James II in 1690.
RING OF KERRY For many people around the world, the Ring of Kerry drive encapsulates their image of Ireland: ancient monuments, romantic castles, spectacular gardens and colourful towns and villages. The stunning scenery, dramatic coastline, charming locales and ancient archaeological treasures have been featured in postcards, film, poetry, and song.
BELOW:
LEFT: Rock of Cashel. TOP RIGHT: Caption Here. Cliffs of Moher. BOTTOM: Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry.
Here, the idealized view of Ireland as a land of rural greenery and natural beauty springs to reality. Tourists come to Kerry to experience this rare dip into a lifestyle foreign in pace, philosophy, and spirit. Each twist and turn on a drive around the Ring of Kerry reveals new sights - windswept cliffs, breathtaking scenery, spectacular lakes, rich flora and fauna, green and yellow-checkered hills and unspoiled beaches. There is evidence of the region's unique heritage and culture everywhere, in the place names, the standing stones, and the many archaeological sites. The 6th-century beeThe Ring of Kerry is also highly regarded for its culinary delights, such as the local cheeses, seafood and shellfish, lamb and homemade breads. The town of Kenmare, in particular, has a number of very highly regarded restaurants. (It is thought to be the only town in Ireland that has more restaurants than pubs.)
hive huts and ruined monastery on Skellig Michael are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also worth checking out are the stone forts at Caherciveen and Castlecove, the Neolithic stone circle in Kenmare, the 15th-century Ballycarberry Castle, the magnificent O'Connell Memorial Church, Derrynane House and Gardens or the pretty 19th century Heritage town, Kenmare.
The area is a favourite among artists, writers and sculptors, and there are a number of craft shops and galleries such as Cill Rialaig showcasing their best works. It's also ideal for activity holidays, such as walking and cycling routes, diving and angling and adventures sports, to its array of championship golf courses - Waterville (An Coireán), Dooks, Kenmare and Killorglin. The coastal roads provide an ever-changing landscape around the Iveragh Peninsula, with snapshots of the famous offshore islands popping in and out of view around every corner. 19 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
THE CLIFFS OF MOHER The most famous and breathtaking part of Ireland’s craggy west coastline is the Cliffs of Moher area, which feature some of the most breathtaking views on the entire island. The Cliffs stretch for almost 5 miles and rise up to 702 feet over the waters of the Atlantic ocean. The amazing view from the Cliffs includes the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, The Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk Mountains. The landscape and seascape of the Cliffs of Moher have, for centuries, welcomed a multitude of visitors; close to 1 million people per year now travel to this iconic location. But don’t get the wrong impression – just because many people flock to the site, this in no way spoils the experience of being there; it’s easy to forget your surroundings and lose yourself in nature as you stand near the edge of the majestic cliffs. ▷
TRAVEL The top floor, which has the Gravity Bar, is the most fun. There you get a complimentary pint of Guinness. You also get the most spectacular view of Dublin, which is worth the admission price alone.
TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN Trinity College is Ireland's most prestigious college - and although its rivals at University College Dublin might dispute this, it's probably the best university in Ireland. But one thing not up for argument is the magnificent setting of Trinity: many of its majestic buildings are hundreds of years old. (The college was founded by England's Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1592.) Architecturally at least, Trinity is way above its nearest rivals. TOP: Inisheer Island, part of Aran Islands. Pints of Guinness poured at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. TOP RIGHT: St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. BOTTOM RIGHT: Sunset over Titanic Belfast.
BELOW:
ARAN ISLANDS A trip to Galway would be incomplete without a visit to the Aran Islands, the collective name for the small islands, Inishmór, Inishmaan and Inisheer. The mystical, frozen-intime islands are famous for their preservation of a rural existence largely unchanged, at least culturally, over the centuries. There may be some electricity there these days, but the ways of the past are carefully preserved among locals who make their living much the same way their ancestors did. The residents of the islands are happy to accommodate guests, whether by raising a pint in friendship or unraveling the folklore of the enchanted isles. Elizabeth Zellinger, a Swiss citizen, moved to Inishmór, the largest island of the three, in 1974 and grew to love it so much that in 1996 she founded Celtic Spirit, an organization that runs cultural vacation experiences on the island every summer. Groups of eight to 14 people shuttle back and forth to classes and workshops held at the Creig-an-Chéirín Center in Inishmór, overlooking the sea and the mountains of Connemara. The program is a great way to explore and learn about this fascinating island group. If you’d rather explore Inishmór on your own, rent a bike and make a loop around the entire island. On your one-day cycling tour, you’ll encounter ancient ruins, lots of livestock and even miniature houses for leprechauns (or are they for the tourists?).
Although the college is best known for the Book of Kells, it's also worth going there to check out the Long Room of its old library. (Apparently, this room was the inspiration for a room called the Jedi Archives, in the movie, “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.”) It is also worth taking one of the guided tours around the college, as nearly every building seems to have an interesting story. Many of the tour guides appear to be Trinity College drama school graduates: They always seem to add a little dramatic flair to their tours.
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE A trip to Dublin's most popular tourist attraction is pretty much compulsory for any self-respecting tourist in Ireland's capital. Or, at the very least, it should be. The Guinness Storehouse tells the story of how Guinness is made and how this famous drink came to be one of Ireland's best-known exports. It is in an awesome building: its core is in the shape of a giant pint glass, and consists of seven floors. After walking around for about 45 minutes and being constantly told how wonderful Guinness is, pretty soon the subliminal messages start to kick in. Before you know it, you find yourself craving a pint of the black, delicious stuff like your life depended on it, even if you were previously not a fan. (It is, after all, an acquired taste.) 20 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
The best time of the year to visit this university is around the end of May, just after the students' exams are over. Then the whole college comes to life. A popular activity among its students is to sit out outside the Pavilion Bar (known as "The Pav"), while watching a game of cricket. Join them and bring a few beers.
THE BURREN The Burren, which is formed by limestone karst plates (in other words, it's a great big rocky mass), is one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions. The limestone terrain holds a special fascination for geologists and botanists for its Mediterranean and alpine plants. Described as a botanist's paradise, the Burren has one of the most diverse and beautiful floras in Ireland: 635 different plant species (including 22 of Ireland's 27 native orchids) have been recorded here. The region also has a number of more rare
“Ireland, with its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating, friendly people, and wonderful attractions, is year-round
BEAUTIFUL BEYOND WORDS and is waiting for you to explore.” It's still very much a living building with services held every day of the year. There are also sung services six days a week. The choir sings two services every day during school terms - the only cathedral in Ireland or Britain to do so.
TITANIC BELFAST
and elusive species such as the carnivorous pine marten, the snake-like slow worm and the rare lesser horseshoe bat, as well as over 100 breeding birds and almost all of Ireland's native butterfly species. The diversity of species is due to a happy coincidence of natural and cultural factors. As well as the unique growing environment provided by the thick limestone and thin soil, low impact traditional farming practices such as the ancient practice of winter grazing contribute to the presence of this rich flora. The European Union has designated most of the Burren as a Special Area of Conservation, a title reserved for the finest natural environments in Europe.
ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland’s largest
church, is also one of the biggest tourist attractions in Dublin. In a well close to the cathedral, St Patrick was believed to have baptized converts from paganism to Christianity. To commemorate his visit, a small wooden church was built on the site. Later, in 1191, the present building was constructed, and St. Patrick's was raised to the status of a cathedral. St Patrick's is also notable for being the first place where Handel's “Messiah” was performed, in 1742. Another interesting fact: Jonathan Swift, the author of “Gulliver’s Travels,” who was the dean of the cathedral from 1713-45, is buried here. While this cathedral is replete with history, St. Patrick's is not, however, a museum. 21 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
Twice named the best tourist attraction in all of Europe, Titanic Belfast has quickly become a must-see for any visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland since it opened in 2012. The Belfast center, completed to mark the centenary of the Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage, is on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the ship was built. Titanic Belfast tells the stories of the Titanic, which hit an iceberg and sank during her maiden voyage in 1912, and her sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic, while paying homage to Belfast's maritime history. Only in Belfast City can you trace the Titanic story to its source, discover the passion and pride of those who designed and built her and relive the excitement of the Titanic era when the city was at the height of its powers. A dedicated Titanic exhibition takes visitors through the entire life cycle of the infamous ship - from its construction in Belfast and launch, to its maiden voyage and tragic sinking, to the legacy of the disaster, the myths and legends that surround it, and the shipwreck itself on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean floor. www.irishcentral.com
FINANCIAL
FIVE WAYS
RISK TOLERANCE
very investor knows that risk and return go together. When it comes to risk tolerance, though, everyone’s different and how much you can endure on the downside depends on several factors, including years to retirement, lifestyle and more.
Sandra Sigurdson, Investors Group Director of Strategic Investment Planning, says, “Risk tolerance is subjective. For some investors, losing a few thousand dollars is no big deal. For others, dropping even a couple of hundred dollars is a big deal.” Risk tolerance is also both financial and emotional. “For financial, it’s about needing to make the investments that meet the objectives of a long-term financial plan,” she says. “For emotional, it’s about making investments that don’t stress you out and negatively affect other aspects of your life.”
HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING YOUR RISK TOLERANCE: DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE MARKET? If Alpha and Beta are all Greek to you, consider wading in slowly, until you grow your confidence and understanding, says Sigurdson.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED LOSSES? If you’ve been through a downturn before, think about how it made you feel. “Did it cause you to pull back on your investments and perhaps sit on the sidelines or move into “safer” investments? Did it cause you emotional turmoil or were you able to stick to your plan, participate in the recovery and get on with your financial life?” asks Sigurdson. “Answering those questions will give you a good read on your risk tolerance.”
instead. “Instead of a 30% drop, tell yourself that it’s a $30,000 drop,” she says. “How would that feel? What would you do?” Sigurdson says that there are ways to maximize the potential for higher returns in your investment portfolio and mange risk at the same time. “Spread out the risk by diversifying your portfolio and use asset allocation to assemble the mix of investments that best suits your goals and risk tolerance.”
ARE YOU AFRAID OF UNCERTAINTY?
“Your tolerance for uncertainty in your work life and the people you choose as friends are good indicators of your tolerance for uncertainty in the value of your investments.” she says. DO YOU HAVE OTHER MONEY ELSEWHERE? If you have other sources of income, like a pension or maybe a sprawling estate you can one day sell, then you may be able to take on more risk in your portfolio. ARE YOU AWARE OF WHAT YOU CAN LOSE? Research has found that if you put potential losses in percentage terms, you won’t really be able to evaluate how much of a decline you can stomach. Put it in dollar terms 22 LUXURY LISTED ■ MARCH 2018
Your professional advisor can help you build a portfolio with the right level of risk and the right risk management strategies for you.
JEFF FINCH, CFP is a Regional Director for Investors Group Financial Services in Burlington. Contact Jeff to find out about Investors Group Private Client Offering. 905.333.3335
DRINK OF THE MONTH
SKETCHES
Spain
OF
Supplied by Door FiftyFive
ketches of Spain is a refreshing, light, botanical expression of Fino Sherry. I wanted to highlight the Sherry while giving it a backbone of gin for some more herbal undertones. The fresh citrus and acidity help lengthen the drink and gives the palate more to play with. To accentuate the floral notes we garnish with dried rosehip petals and a couple spritzes of rose water for aroma.
Ingredients 1.25 oz Beefeater Gin 0.75 Lustau Fino Sherry 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 1 oz simple syrup 0.75 Egg Whites 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Directions Dry shake to aerate egg whites. Shake with ice. Double strain into chilled coupe glass. Garnish with rose petals. Spray rose water.
Enjoy!
23 LUXURY LISTED â– MARCH 2018
90 C A I N E S A V E N U E
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416.892.0188
sharonsoltanian.com
N O R T H YO R K
Anita Soltanian
Sales Representative
416.500.0355
sharonsoltanian.com
OFFERED
AT
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P R O P E R T Y F E AT U R E S • Upscale gourmet kitchen
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This spectacular, custom-built, approximately 6,000 sq ft executive home is situated in prestigious Mineola. No details have been missed in this exquisite luxury quality home with stone exterior and a designer showcase interior. Enjoy a gorgeous gourmet kitchen with large island, built-in appliances and large eat-in area with a walk-out to a covered terrace. The breath-taking family room is complete with a double sided gas fireplace, custom trim work and double set of doors opening to a covered terrace. The incredible main floor layout includes a stunning office and 2 powder rooms. Access the upper level via a stunning staircase or elevator and relax in the master suite featuring a spa-like ensuite and large walk-in closet with built-in cabinets. Expand or entertain in the grand finished basement with home theatre, gym, recreation room, sauna, extra bedroom and more. mcdadi.ca/1527b
Sam McDadi Sales Representative
905.502.1500
sam@mcdadi.com
mcdadi.com
Independently Owned & Operated
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