Capital Home Spring 2017

CapitalHOME S P R I N G 2017

HOW VICTORIA LIVES

Living

LARGEin

SMALLER SPACES Touring 3 pint-sized PROPERTIES

James Bay • Oak Bay • Cowichan Valley

TRAVEL: Paris book hunter

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 1

FOOD:

Fabulous Pho

DESIGN: 2 Seattle condo

makeovers

3/3/17 3:29:09 PM

“We are the largest manufacturer of windows on Vancouver Island. We provide factory-to-you prices.”

– Linda Gourlay, General Manager

We install sun tunnels, sky lights and entry doors.

We manufacture and install patio doors too!

P: 250.383.7128 | VISIT OUR SHOWROOM - 404 HILLSIDE AVE. | VANISLEWINDOWS.COM

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 2

3/3/17 3:29:11 PM

EVERY THEATER NEEDS ITS STAGE

On Sale Now

1802 GOVERNMENT ST. 250.386.3841 | SAGERS.CA MON-SAT 9:30-5:30

INNOVATIVE DESIGNS FOR MODERN LIVING BDIUSA.COM

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 3

COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICE

3/3/17 3:29:12 PM

4 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 4

3/3/17 3:29:14 PM

Your Closet!

Inside & Out

CLOSET ORGANIZERS AND EURO DOORS MANUFACTURED IN VICTORIA

Embrace Organization

PH: 250-381-6511 462 BURNSIDE RD. EAST, VICTORIA WWW.INCREDIBLECLOSETS.CA Capital home | 5

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 5

3/3/17 3:29:15 PM

6 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 6

3/3/17 3:29:34 PM

{ In this issue } 70.

Fabulous Pho Eric Akis prepares delicious Vietnamese soups

10 p.

dallas heritage

80.

Book Hunter of Paris Kim Westad searches for treasures in the City of Light NE W FEATURE

76. chef's corner Meet Chef Mahesh Bhambure from Westin Bear Mountain

26

40. Living large in

p.

downtown Seattle: 2 condo remakes, 2 wonderful results

88. Whisky, wool and walking in Scotland

94. Selling celebrity homes

3O of inspiration

52

p.

On the cover: Lesley Zurrer’s home opens up like Aladdin's cave to reveal an interior filled with exotic delights, antique and restored furniture, artistic vignettes, curiosities and family treasures. p. 50

delicious decor CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 7

Capital home | 7

3/3/17 3:29:55 PM

Editor’s NOTE House rescues, treasure hunting and going slightly askew

V

ariety, they say, is the spice of life.

And the homeowners in our latest edition of Capital Home bring the spice in spades.

Take Tom and Jill Croft, who built an exquisite 1,600-square-foot home in Oak Bay and took their ‘Dynamic Dive into a Downsize.’

Although small by traditional home standards, it is in every sense a dream home because it was designed with everything the Crofts need and love. It is the accumulation of tastes, experiences, trials and tribulations — and life.

The windows, appliances, cabinets, landscaping, floor plan ... everything rolls into a functional and quite stunning creation. There’s ingenious storage options, a garage and studio, tiny courtyards and the eye-grabbing, first-for-the-Island cross-laminated spruce ceilings.

But what makes this home most intriguing is it’s slightly askew. The entire home is three degrees off square. Understandably, it drove builder Tim Schauerte and some of the other contractors a little nuts. But the Crofts and their architect, John Keay, just might be on to something.

As he told writer Grania Litwin, Keay believes the slight feeling of disorientation makes a person more aware of the space. He called it “an intentional trigger” to make you review what’s going on in a building.

We like that.

Different is always interesting.

It’s the same with heritage.

Reworking a century home is always a challenge.

Moving one via land and sea to a new foundation and bringing it back to a life was nothing short of inspirational for Ryan Goodman and Matthew Jardine, co-owners of Aryze Developments who undertook the daunting project with a skilled crew and some help from Keay on heritage details.

The dynamic duo came to the rescue of the 1892 home after it was moved from behind the B.C. Legislature to the foot of Ogden Point. It took all the energy they could muster and, in the end, they created something Victorians can surely be proud of. The exterior retains its original look with gabled roofline,

The office OF THE 1892 DALLAS ROAD HOUSE FEATURED ON PAGE 10.

bow windows and tall casements. The interior was also painstakingly restored to keep with the era, but there are twists of modern everywhere. The eight-month love affair also involved extensive reengineering, seismic upgrading — not to mention new plumbing, wiring and heating systems.

Extraordinary best captures Lesley Zurrer, self-described treasure hunter who turned an ordinary duplex in the Cowichan Valley into her own work of art using interesting finds and plenty of vivid colours.

We’re sure you will enjoy the trip though Lesley’s Lair and the method to her never-ending desire to recycle, rearrange and reinvent her personal space.

It’s variety to the fullest.

The Pho Phenomenon has been sweeping the dining scene for some time and food writer Eric Akis sets the table for some delicious recipes to make the tasty Vietnamese soup at home. He brings us two varieties — beef short rib and prawn — which are sure to impress your dinner guests.

Travel writer Kim Westad is back in Paris this issue, pursuing her greatest passion — books. She maps out some of the best shops in the City of Light. From the banks of the Seine where bouquinistes have been selling used books since the 16th century to small shops like Shakespeare and Company, where resident cats roam and ‘Tumbleweed’ travellers and writers work for a place to sleep, Westad revels in the hunt for hidden gems.

Soak up the variety, and enjoy.

Capitalhome David Whitman / director of Advertising JASON SCRIVEN / pablo miranda SALES MANAGERs WENDY KALO / OPERATIONS MANAGER Gordon Faller / jenus friesen GRAPHIC designs DARRON KLOSTER / EDITOR DAVE OBEE / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Capital Home is published by the Times Colonist, a division of TC Publication Limited Partnership, at 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8T 4M2.

Canadian Publications Registration No. 0530646. GST No. 84505 1507 RT0001 Please send comments about Capital to: Editor-in-chief Dave Obee dobee@timescolonist.com To advertise, phone: 250-380-5328, or email Sales Manager Jason Scriven at: jscriven@timescolonist.com.

8 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 8

3/3/17 3:30:02 PM

A whole new home furnishing experience

JORDANS R0011376265 9X147 FULL BLEED

887 ATTREE AVENUE 250-478-8387 | LANGFORD JORDANSHOME.CA Capital home | 9

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 9

3/3/17 3:30:02 PM

New life for heritage bones

big

MOVING D A SPECTACULAR SITE ON DALLAS ROAD.

ON THE MOVE.

10 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 10

3/3/17 3:30:12 PM

DALLAS HERITAGE With a fresh skin and seaside relocation, century home sets new standard

BY GRANIA LITWIN

Images by DARREN STONE

G DAY A

The 1892 heritage home was moved to Dallas Road and renovated

by Aryze Developments.

century ago, people didn’t live in monster homes with multiple bedrooms, attached spa-ensuites, walk-in closets, wine cellars, great rooms and three-car garages. And there was no such thing as a media room with rows of oversized lounge chairs and giant flat-screen TVs. That’s one reason why heritage homes are ideal for those wanting to downsize or transition into a life that embraces a smaller eco footprint and larger community connection.

Older homes tend to be more modest in size and aspiration, and yet this newly restored heritage house has 2,000 square feet on two floors. Built in 1892, the home features two bedrooms and an office, 2 ½ bathrooms as well as a generous kitchen, dining and living areas. It has a tiny garden and a location opposite the Ogden Point breakwater that makes it an easy stroll to work downtown, opera, shopping or dining out.

The Italianate, wood frame home didn’t always stand at 226 Dallas Road.

It was originally constructed on Superior Street then moved to Michigan Street in 1910, where it served as a private home for many years then several decades as government offices. It was moved again last year along with another century-old building. The two stood on land where Jawl Properties and Concert Properties are partnering to create Capital Park, a mixed-use development bordered by Michigan, Menzies and Superior streets.

Ryan Goodman, left, and Mattew Jardine, co-owners of Aryze Developments, worked hard on the extensive rebuild to ensure the interiors also reflect heritage elements.

“This revival was not intended to make the interiors feel contemporary,” said Goodman.

Capital home | 11

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 11

3/3/17 3:30:26 PM

Breathtaking Views

-ÂŒ; o†| -| ‹o†u 1-rŕŚžÂˆ-াm] ˆb;‰ -m7 ];| Ń´ov| bm |_; ˆ-v| _oubÂŒomġ ‰_;u; |_; vh‹ -m7 ‰-|;u l;;|Äş

SO

LD

beyond the extraordinary...

bv| ub1; ŪƑġƓĆ?Ć?ġĆ?Ć?Ć?

104 Trueworthy Road, Saturna Island, BC

"-Ń´; ub1; ĹŞĆ?ġĆ?Ć”Ć?ġĆ?Ć?Ć?

1289 Rockhampton Close, Victoria, BC "-Ń´; rub1; ĹŞĆ?ġƑĆ?Ć?ġĆ?Ć?Ć?

1289 Rockhampton Close, Victoria, BC

bv| ub1; ĹŞĆ?ġƒƖƔġĆ?Ć?Ć?

1406 - 707 Courtney, Victoria, BC

bv| rub1; ĹŞĆ?ġĆ?ƓќġĆ?Ć?Ć?

304 - 21 Dallas Road , Victoria, BC

SOPHIA BRIGGS 250.418.5569 sbriggs@sothebysrealty.ca

NANCY STRATTON 250.857.5482

mv|u-‚omŠvo|_;0‹vu;-Ѵ|‹ĺ1-

); |-h; ]u;-| rub7; bm †vbm] o†u ;Šr;uাv;ġ u;vo†u1;vġ -m7 ]Ń´o0-Ń´ 1omm;1াomv |o r;u=;1|Ѵ‹ †mb|; ;Š|u-ou7bm-u‹ rŃ´-1;v ‰b|_ |_; ;Š|u-ou7bm-u‹ 0†‹;uv ‰_o ‰bŃ´Ń´ 1_;ubv_ |_;l -v ‰; 7oÄş LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

strattonandbriggs.com

"o|_;0‹Ľv m|;um-াom-Ń´ !;-Ń´|‹ -m-7-ġ m7;r;m7;m|Ѵ‹ ‰m;7 -m7 r;u-|;7Äş o| bm|;m7;7 |o voŃ´b1b| ruor;uা;v -Ń´u;-7‹ †m7;u -]u;;l;m|Äş ÄşĹ&#x; Äş ĺĚ $_bv bm=oul-াom bv =uol vo†u1;v ‰_b1_ ‰; 7;;l u;Ń´b-0Ń´;ġ 0†| l†v| 0; ˆ;ubC;7 0‹ ruovr;1ŕŚžÂˆ; †u1_-v;uv -m7 l-‹ 0; v†0f;1| |o 1_-m]; ou ‰b|_7u-‰-Ń´Äş o| bm|;m7;7 |o voŃ´b1b| ruor;uা;v -Ń´u;-7‹ †m7;u -]u;;l;m|

12 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 12

3/3/17 3:30:31 PM

‹

m

DALLAS HERITAGE

Rezoning of these 6.2-acres called for preservation of five historic homes, with three remaining on the east side of Capital Park, while two were relocated to Dallas Road, where they have been immaculately restored on a double lot previously straddled by a singlefamily home.

While the exterior of this home (the smaller of the two) retains its original materials and look, complete with gable roofline, bow windows and tall casements, the interior has been painstakingly recreated in keeping with

the era, but with a modern flair. The top-tobottom reno includes everything from a new foundation to skylights in the master bedroom, from refinished floors to restored doors.

The eight-month endeavour also involved extensive re-engineering, seismic upgrading, new plumbing, wiring, high- efficiency heating systems and more.

Few people have the know-how or patience to undertake such a facelift, but builders Ryan Goodman and Matthew Jardine, co-owners of Aryze Developments, jumped at the opportunity

The long, narrow house has a main floor living area measuring 15 by five metres. The house sits on a 10 by 36.5 metre lot.

Victoria artist Rose Curie painted the Dallas Road seawall scene that hangs on the upstairs landing.

>17 Capital home | 13

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 13

3/3/17 3:30:37 PM

14 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 14

3/3/17 3:30:45 PM

DALLAS HERITAGE

The master bedroom has a loft running around the ceiling, from the ensuite at left, over the entry and also across the top of a roomy walk-in closet (out of PHOTO at right)

Master suite has a vaulted ceiling, two new skylights and a loft running around two sides, with access to the upper level via library-style ladder. The ceiling is a fine tongue and groove for an authentic look.

The master ensuite has a spectacular view of Ogden Point breakwater from a large soaker tub, plus generous storage under a long counter.

Capital home | 15

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 15

3/3/17 3:30:55 PM

16 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 16

3/3/17 3:30:58 PM

DALLAS HERITAGE to purchase and restore the two houses once they were moved by Nickel Brothers. After being hauled by truck to the waterfront at Store Street, near the Janion building, the houses were loaded onto a barge, floated to Ogden Point and gingerly rolled on shore via a temporary bridge. The pair now stand side by side on Dallas Road and have been elevated to heritage-designated status, a higher level of protection than they originally held.

Painstaking renovation of the first house was completed at a cost approaching $1 million with help from John Keay on architectural and heritage details and Kyla Bidgood for interior design elements. “The house was very solidly built with first-growth timber, but it came to us as a complete shell,” said Goodman. “All the plaster has been removed inside and it was stripped down to bare studs. We rebuilt it from

the inside out,” and before that work even began, the house had to be straightened as it was listing several inches off plumb.

“It’s a pretty neat project to be part of,” said an enthusiastic Jardine. “The Jawls are well known in town and well respected, so this was important to them. They wanted it delivered to a high level of finishing that would also honour the heritage, and we are committed to that. These are the values we stand for in our business.”

Jardine and Goodman, who have 20 employees in Aryze, do custom homes and boutique infill projects as well as contemporary developments such as a recently finished sixunit townhouse at Kingston and Oswego, called Frank.

A hundred years ago, and also when it was used as offices, this home was broken up

The builders originally thought of having a separate dining room, but chose to open the main floor into one great room instead. It looks even more expansive thanks to gleaming original floors.

AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE

Choose YOUR style Choose YOUR fabric Comfort & Quality GUARANTEED

2333 Government St. 250.388.7365 greggsfurniture.com

“Serving Vancouver Island for 50 years”

Specializing in Fine Upholstered Furniture, Reupholstery and Window Coverings

Capital home | 17

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 17

3/3/17 3:31:00 PM

DALLAS HERITAGE into several rooms on the main floor, but Jardine and Goodman opened it right up.

White paint and LED lights enhance the feeling of expansion and four-metre high ceilings soar to newly coffered heights.

The home is more functional now though still traditional in layout, with living space and powder room on the main, and bedrooms, office and two full bathrooms upstairs. “We went back and forth on the floors, trying to decide whether to completely sand them down, or leave some imprints of the original walls,” said Jardine. They chose the latter route — “We decided it’s part of the authenticity”— and where a staircase was previously located in the office they filleted-in reclaimed fir.

A large change was made to the master bedroom, where tall windows overlook the breakwater. “When we first came up here we climbed into the attic to think about insulation and other challenges,” said Jardine. “While walking precariously over the joists we suddenly thought how spectacular it would be to open the whole thing up and create extra storage with a loft and library ladder.” The result is dramatic and unique.

Vintage Woodworks restored all the home’s original windows and also created new storm windows, “which are never quite as efficient as double-paned glass, but they work as a noise barrier which is why the home is so quiet,” said Goodman.

Floors in the bathrooms have octagonal or penny-round tiles, for a look that is consistent with the era and reconditioned radiators, while not original to the house, are authentic to the vintage. Another nod to history are the pony wall caps in the entrance hall, which were made from recycled studs from the old offices, ripped to the right size and laminated into wide boards.

The kitchen has an arts-and-crafts-look butcher block-topped island and loads of storage to the ceiling on opposite sides, painted a rich grey-blue, a soothing visual break from the stark white elsewhere.

The one-car garage’s custom siding replicates that of the heritage home and will soon sprout a living roof

by Biophilia Design Collective.

The flat roof was chosen to respect neighbours’ sight lines

A unique, custom bath door, with black-trimmed tempered glass (inspired by the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn) gives the main upstairs bathroom an eclectic look along with white tiled walls arranged in a herringbone design.

18 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 18

3/3/17 3:31:06 PM

THE GARDENS

T

he front gardens receive more sunshine than the back, as well as a lot of sea spray and lashing winds, so Bianca Bodley of

Biophilia Design Collective chose plants carefully.

“We wanted low maintenance gardens so the plants had to be drought tolerant and able to withstand heavy winds off the ocean. We used natives such as salal, Oregon grape and ocean spray salal

Oregon grape

ocean spray

along with ground covers including Sedum Cape Blanco, sea blush and kinnickinnick.”

Adding a living roof to the top of the back garage was a smart and eco friendly choice, she said. “It adds to the view when looking down from upper storey windows as it’s much more beautiful to look at than asphalt shingles. It also helps to insulate a building, offers habitat for birds, extends the life and longevity of a roof and reduces storm water run off."

Sedum Cape Blanco

sea blush

kinnickinnick

YOU CAN ...YOUR PRIVACY

...YOUR VIEW

...YOUR LIGHT

See us TODAY for all YOUR window covering SOLUTIONS FOR FREE SHOP-AT-HOME SERVICE GO TO

ruffell-brown.com

250-384-1230 | 1-2745 Bridge St.

Capital home | 19

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 19

3/3/17 3:31:15 PM

DALLAS HERITAGE “Even though we’re younger guys, we see these kinds of projects as a way to create a bit of a legacy,” said Jardine.

“Being involved in heritage is meaningful to us, and important to this city because there is a finite number of these homes available. This project had its challenges for sure, but the timber is amazing and has stood the test of time. We are really proud to be able to pay homage to the past and build a quality home that will last another 100 years.”

Goodman added: “Our idea is to build better quality projects, not just bigger, and people are more interested in this now.

“We’ve come full circle, back to efficient European-style homes where people can enjoy a healthy urban lifestyle, walk to work or around their neighbourhoods, and not be slaves to monster houses,” said Goodman who has an MBA from UVic and started his career in the software industry.

It takes a talented crew with a high level of skill to pull off heritage restoration because it is inherently complicated, he said. “RJC Engineers did a ton of work for us and our guys put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Simon Fyall, JP Markes, Miguel Gagnon and Conor Gilhooly are also very proud of the work they did on this one.

“We were also lucky to have Dustin Harrison of Harrison Custom Woodwork on the team, a talented guy who put up with our crazy ideas and is a genius at creative problem solving. And also our trouble-shooter Tyler Cast.”

Goodman and Jardine met at Kamloops Christian School and Jardine explained they always wanted to work together, “and have a business that would reflects our values, our long-term approach. In a hot market like this, it’s easy to find projects, but this kind of building means a lot to us.

It’s how we were raised.” CH The kitchen has a large butcher-block island, built by Lars Neilson of Westwind Hardwood, and full height cabinets

by Coast Cabinet’s Matt Davis. Soft-closure cabinets and drawers have brass handles in keeping with the era.

A farmhouse-style sink, accented by dark cabinets and recessed lighting, is a focal point.

20 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 20

3/3/17 3:31:19 PM

Capital home | 21

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 21

3/3/17 3:31:25 PM

home decor

Kim Cook

all about ease, comfort

D

ecor trends take us on a little emotional journey every season. Some speak to how we’re feeling, some to how we want to feel.

For 2017, trend spotters say we’re looking for ease and comfort. Even at the luxury end of the decor spectrum, the look is less stiff suit, more velvet smoking jacket.

EPHEMERAL “When you look at this palette, it’s a Sunday morning,” says Laurie Pressman, a vice-president at the Pantone Color Institute. These delicate hues — what she and others are calling an “ephemeral” trend — evoke airiness and light.

Gentle whites and chalky pastels, which gained popularity over the last year or two, now combine with darker yet soothing neutrals such as marine, earth, moss and heather.

Textures are soft. Woods are low-lustre.

“You can fall into it and relax,” says Tom Mirabile, a consumer trends expert.

Spring collections include generous dollops of pistachio and aqua, bringing these nostalgic hues into kitchenware and accessories.

Kitchenaid’s newest mixers and bowls come in pretty shades of cornflower and buttercup And watch for lots of yellow, says designer Stephanie Pierce. “From pale butter to dark mustard, yellows are cropping up everywhere,” she says.

Some motifs are getting re-worked in subtler ways.

Designer Alison Palevsky points to animal prints such as antelope and cheetah done in grey and beige instead of the traditional colours.

A rich purple console designed

by Brown Davis and crafted by Keith Fritz Fine Furniture is part of a collection of richly-hued furniture that takes a cue from Art Deco and makes it thoroughly modern.

(Moris Moreno)

A kitchen with British designer Ted Baker’s gorgeous new glass art tile collection’s Shadow Floral in the backsplash. It combines two of 2017’s most interesting decor trends, moody hues and dramatic florals. (The Tile Shop)

LUXURY'S NEW LOOK If “ephemeral” is decor’s languid glass of lemonade, “luxe” is a goblet of heady merlot.

Jewel tones, lustrous leathers and heftier, colored metals appeal to a new “visually expressive” generation, says Pantone’s Pressman. “It’s all about the finish — shine and lustre.”

Shiny brass and copper have been growing more popular, note designers Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattron. “But 2017 will be about embracing the beauty of aged metals in furniture, hardware and fixtures.” Look for burnished finishes in pieces large and small.

You’ll see Art Deco references as well, and more of the simplicity and elegance of Danish, Italian and French modernism.

Some classic pieces are being reissued, such as chairs designed by Danes Finn Juhl and Hans J. Wegner. Designers Todd Davis and Rob Brown are using colour-infused woods in a Deco-inspired collection crafted by furniture maker Keith Fritz. (www.browndavis.com ) There are chic new frameless mirrors at West Elm with Deco flair. Curvy armchairs from Roar & Rabbit, as well as the Delphine console with marble top and brushed bronze hardware, evoke a continental sexiness. (www.westelm.com )

22 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 22

3/3/17 3:31:35 PM

Roar & Rabbit’s sexy, sophisticated swivel chair, which evokes classic continental midcentury styling. The lush berry hue is another 2017 trend, as jewel tones continue to ride a wave of popularity started last fall. (West Elm)

SETTING THE MOOD “The moody palate was huge” at spring’s Milan Furniture Fair and is catching on among retailers, says designer Drew McGukin.

“I’ve been encouraging my clients to incorporate colour in bold applications, like countertops,” he says, citing in particular a new hue from Silestone “that captures the essence of soapstone — a deep, dusty, blue-grey hue softened with white veining.” (www.silestone.com ) Benjamin Moore’s Color of 2017 is Shadow, a deep greyed purple. And homes magazines are touting Farrow & Ball’s eggplant Brinjal, Behr’s Havana Coffee and DunnEdwards’ Mackintosh Midnight as moody must-haves.

Look for drama in other wallcoverings, too, where artistry is flourishing. California photographer Don Flood’s micro-images of abalone shells, insects, agave leaves and minerals are blown up into bold wallpapers. Calico Wallpapers’ Satori collection interprets Japanese pottery techniques in tones of burnished metallic and clay.

Their Fragments collection evokes rainy, fog-bound mountains.

>25

Looking for Stools?

Customize to suit your needs

Canadian Made

Even more styles to choose from in store and online!

Starting at

119

$

1-2745 Bridge Street | 250.590.7133 | www.maxfurniture.ca Locally owned & operated since 2008

Capital home | 23

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 23

3/3/17 3:31:39 PM

How to use Greenery Pantone’s 2017 color of the year

H

ow much stock do you place in Pantone’s color of the year selection?

We always find it fascinating to hear what the Pantone

“A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings,” the Pantone announcement reads. “Greenery is nature’s neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their

Color Institute — having gathered representatives from various nations’

innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent

color-standard groups to deliberate, twice annually, in a secret European

unity of the natural world.”

capital (seriously!) — ends up selecting. But rather than make it a

In a time of political division, when stress levels are high, Greenery’s

priority to incorporate the chosen color into our homes and wardrobes,

attributes seem like something to aspire to: a call back to nature, an

we view it as more of a marketing tool or organizing principle for the

appeal to unity, a reminder to take a deep breath.

fashion, beauty, home and product design industries. In other words, it will come to us, even if we don’t gravitate toward it.

You might’ve heard that Pantone’s color of the year for 2017 is Greenery — “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first

Don’t get us wrong, a zesty yellow-green would also look great in the realm of dishware, throw pillows and upholstery. But in 2017, it may also be wise to try embodying Pantone’s color choice. Doesn’t get more serious than that.

days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.” It’s fun to read about it, yes. Even more, this color selection feels purposefully therapeutic and legitimately inspiring.

For more on Greenery, visit www.pantone. com/color-of-theyear-2017.

24 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 24

3/3/17 3:31:46 PM

a cabinet with brass inlay and burled wood in a beautiful green by Davis Brown and crafted by Keith Fritz Fine Furniture.

OUTDOORSY Relaxing and refreshing, this trend hits all the “green” notes with an emphasis on a natural palette, organic silhouettes and sustainable materials. Think farmstead, writ urban.

“It’s kicking off your shoes, whether you’re indoors or out,” says Mirabile.

Crate & Barrel’s chunky Big Sur furniture, in white oak, fits the vibe, as does a verdant assortment of faux banana trees, orchids and magnolias.

Donna Garlough of Joss & Main has noted the tropical look expanding.

“I’m seeing citrus trees in the mix — wallpaper with lemon branches, and botanical sketches of orange trees,” she says. “Complementing the trend, colours like kiwi, citron and chartreuse made a splash at last fall’s decor markets, meaning they’re probably going to hit homes and stores in 2017.”

DECOR TRENDS

Pantone recently named Greenery their Color of the Year, citing its zestiness and vitality. Wayfair’s got some green iron side chairs with an industrial look, as well as a transitional loveseat in the hue. (www.wayfair.com ) Sky and ocean blues are perennial favourites, in cloud-patterned textiles in PB Teen’s collection, and in embroidered, chambray and shibori table linens at Pottery Barn. Also at the retailer are galvanized steel serveware and kitchen storage items with an easy, rural vibe. (www.potterybarn.com ) Florals are a key component of the outdoorsy trend this spring; they’re on everything from lampshades to lounge chairs.

British designer Ted Baker has a new collection of painted tiles with lush florals and chinoiserie rendered in rich hues on sleek glass. (www.thetileshop.com ) CH

Delphine buffet in walnut veneer, marble top and brushed bronze hardware it suggests the chic-yetcomfortable style of midcentury French and Italian furniture is a strong trend going into 2017. (West Elm)

Capital home | 25

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 25

3/3/17 3:31:57 PM

D

Dynamic Dive into a Downsize

Tom and Jill Croft start over in cutting-edge cottage combining Euro styles, mid-century modern and West Coast contemporary

O

ne of the neighbourhood children has dubbed it the mustard and relish home, because of the tangy yellow and green exterior paint, but owners Tom and Jill Croft call their house wonderful because it has everything they need and want. The couple used to live in a much larger house on a lot that was twice the size, but after building this 1,600-square-foot home, and including all manner of ingenious elements, they are more than enthusiastic about their dynamic dive into a downsize.

“Our previous 3,800-square-foot house was on the Uplands border, on a 9,000-square-foot lot,” said Tom, who noted it was a highly liveable, “but our two daughters were gone and we’d been rattling around for years.”

And the work required on their old 1941 place was relentless, he said: “Drains, painting inside and out, dealing with a huge amount of oak leaves, which took a crew of three all day once a year, with three blowers. We redid the place in 1990, but it was looking dated again… and we needed a new heat pump.”

The Crofts started envisioning a new lifestyle and five years ago began seriously scoping properties. “We looked at a lot of sites, talked about townhouses, condos, even looked at renovating a couple of places, but realized we would end just up with a renovation,” said Tom.

26 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 26

>30

3 3/3/17 3:32:05 PM

Images: VINCE KLASSEN PHOTOGRAPHIC

3

WORDS: GRANIA LITWIN

O T

Tim Schauerte at James’ Joinery built the house, which was designed by architect John Keay. It had some challenging aspects due to an angled design and commercial-style ceiling with large spans.

of INSPIRATION

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 27

Capital home | 27

3/3/17 3:32:13 PM

3 OF INSPIRATION O

T

3

DARREN STONE

The staircase is a focal point in the home. A graceful blend of form and function, it offers an amazing volume of storage underneath.

O

A

28 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 28

566

A floating sideboard in the dining area was built by Victoria Millwork, while the flooring and tiling are from Oak Bay Broadloom & Fine Floors. “We wanted to use as many local suppliers as possible,” said Tom. Kitchen appliances are white as the owners don’t like how stainless steel marks. Cabinets are naturally stained maple, countertops are quartz and the backsplash is glass tile.

140

3/3/17 3:32:22 PM

Marketing Homes In Every Neighbourhood No other real estate company offers local and global marketing for Canadian homes on:

sothebysrealty.com sothebysrealty.ca wallstreetjournal.com newyorktimes.com ft.com hongkongtatler.com jamesedition.com luxuryestate.com mansionglobal.com dwell.com

5660 Lochside Drive, Victoria, BC

+

dozens of exclusive websites and publications.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, vist us for your complimentary consultation at 752 Douglas Street, Victoria or call 250.380.3933 today. sothebysrealty.ca E&O.E: Not intended to solicit properties already under agreement.Real estate agency. Sotheby’s International Realty Québec, Independently Owned & Operated. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada,

1406 - 707 Courtney Street, Victoria

6507 North Road, Duncan, BC

Brokerage. Independently Owned & Operated.

Capital home | 29

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 29

3/3/17 3:32:22 PM

DARREN STONE

J

Jill and Tom Croft on their driveway with garage and attached studio.

Instead they found an older 800-square foot cottage on a quiet Oak Bay street and tore it down. Now they have a custom built, architecturally designed home in precisely the location they want.

“We didn’t want to live in a condo because we love this,” said Jill, opening her arms to take in the sunny back patio and veggie garden.

“We outgrew our previous home, but we still love touching the ground, having people able to knock on our front door. Condo living was not the lifestyle we wanted.”

The idea of creating their own little “village” had appeal, too, hence their one-vehicle garage and attached studio where Jill can pursue hobbies, which include rug hooking, quilting and making felt dolls. The two small buildings enclose part of the side and back of the garden, adding privacy and helping define an inner courtyard thanks also to the embrace of their L-shaped house.

The Crofts chose architect John Keay to design their home because Tom, a Realtor and member of Oak Bay council, has worked with him before and both he and Jill appreciate his artistry. “We’ve always loved the clean, simple lines of Euro style and mid-century modern, and John did an amazing job combining these with a West Coast contemporary look,” said Tom. Although much smaller than their last, Jill says this house is roomier feeling because of the open layout. “Our old dining table, which we’ve had for 40 years, never fit properly in our former dining room and had to be angled. But here it fits perfectly with space all around.”

Their previous, traditional home had many separate rooms, extra walls and wasted space — “We never used the living room,” he said — whereas in this house they use every inch. Tom added it’s more interesting to have a small house that’s beautifully finished than a large house and wonder what to do with all the room.

The home faces south and benefits from solar gain thanks to premium low-E windows, which are wood framed but aluminum clad outside, for low maintenance. It’s not a truly passive house, but it is a high efficiency one with in-floor hot water heat fired by a gas boiler.

“Our electrical bill in the first year was about $25 a month and gas was about $50,” said Tom, adding a truly passive house would have significantly raised the cost and the owners found it hard to make a case for that kind of expenditure due to our normally mild winters and balmy summers. > 30 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 30

3/3/17 3:32:35 PM

3

O

3 OF INSPIRATION O

C

Clerestory windows wrap around the upper living room walls, while large picture windows offer views into the courtyard. The ceiling is made of cross-laminated timber, usually seen in commercial applications.

Capital home | 31

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 31

3/3/17 3:32:42 PM

3 OF INSPIRATION O

Another outstanding aspect is the home’s Keay added some of his storage ideas Jill loves the high living room ceiling and clerestory windows that wrap around it, come from boat design, which depends on ceiling, which is made of cross-laminated offering not only treetop views, but also transformative spaces, such as a table that timbers fabricated in Penticton. This is the increased light. “It all about the light when becomes a bunk. “As houses become more Island’s first residence to use the system, building in Victoria,� stressed their architect. compact you need to tuck things into corners which is common in commercial applications. “There is good light here, but it’s soft and and as our society moves along, we also have It features rigid panels that are created by you need to bring it in from various sources. to think about the cost of storing things we gluing together three to five layers of spruce When building a smaller house, big windows don’t use much, that we keep out of inertia and lumber that have been oriented at alternating and open spaces in terms of height make it nostalgia. This is one reason the Crofts decided right angles. The product is exceptionally feel larger.� Keay added it is also smart to plan against open stairs, opting instead for hidden strong, lighter than concrete, uses wood from interesting outside areas when building smaller storage beneath and behind, accessed off the sustainable forests and looks gorgeous.

It’s more expensive than a regular flat roof, homes, to create courtyards or appealing views main hall and the master walk-in closet.

The home also has several exceptional but has many advantages, said Schauerte who to draw the eye.

Keay explained he grew up in a mid-century features and one of the most intriguing relates used sections measuring up to 10-metres house in West Vancouver because, “My parents to a slight skew in the floor plan. The home is long. The system allows overhangs and other decided to be adventurous and hired Ned Pratt three degrees off square, which was challenging parts of the roof to be thinner than normal, and B.C. Binning to build their house. Growing for builder Tim Schauerte of James’ Joinery, as it is an excellent insulator and sturdy enough up that environment had a major influence well as cabinetmakers and tile cutters. Keay to be self-supporting over a large area, which on me,� and the Croft house shares many of said the slight feeling of disorientation makes a reduces the number of beams.

Schauerte completed the home on budget those elements with its flat roof, open interior, person more aware of the space. “It’s a kind of large windows, a mix of indoor-outdoor space intentional trigger to make you review what’s and did a first class job of bringing together “fantastic service providers,� said Tom, who going on in a building.� and built-in furniture. >

WANTED

30 PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS 2VBMJmFE 1BSUJDJQBOUT /FFEFE GPS 5FDIOPMPHZ 'JFME 5FTU

:HȇUH ORRNLQJ IRU SHRSOH OLNH \RX ZKR PD\ EH H[SHULHQFLQJ GLÉ?FXOW\ KHDULQJ LQ QRLV\ HQYLURQPHQWV WR HYDOXDWH D UHPDUNDEOH QHZ GLJLWDO KHDULQJ DLG DQG D UHKDELOLWDWLYH SURFHVV WKDW FRXOG EH WKH VROXWLRQ WR \RXU GLÉ?FXOWLHV 7KHUHȇV QR FRVW RU REOLJDWLRQ WR SDUWLFLSDWH Call us toll-free today to see if you qualify for this Field Test. Potential candidates will be given a FREE hearing test to determine their candidacy.

6HOHFWHG SDUWLFLSDQWV ZLOO EH JLYHQ D )5(( LQ RÉ?FH GHPRQVWUDWLRQ DQG WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR HYDOXDWH the latest, most advanced hearing aid technology for 30 days. This latest digital technology solves the biggest challenge for hearing aid wearers – hearing well in noisy environments.

&$// 12: &DQGLGDWHV DUH EHLQJ VHOHFWHG

The selection process for this test period will end March 31st , 2017.

%RRN \RXU )5(( DSSRLQWPHQW WRGD\ See the list of clinics below or visit +HDULQJ/LIH&DQDGD FD • Eagle Creek | Inside Forbes Pharmacy | 27 Helmcken Road | Call Cheryl at 1-888-286-4620 • Langford | Inside Forbes Pharmacy | 755 Goldstream Avenue | Call Gina at 1-888-286-8319

Referred by Physicians more than 50,000 times!

• Nanaimo | Woodgrove Centre | 6631 Island Highway North | Call Melody at 1-888-285-2216 • Saanich | Saanich Plaza | 3560 Blanshard Street | Call Gina at 1-888-287-8561 • Sidney | Cannery Building | 201-2537 Beacon Avenue | Call Cheryl at 1-888-291-7790 • Victoria | Hillside Centre | 1644 Hillside Avenue | Call Karen at 1-888-287-0122 HLBC-CLRTY

TRUSTED PARTNER OF:

Hearing tests are provided free of charge for adults ages 18 and older. Some conditions may apply. Please see clinic for details.

Promo Code: MAG-WNTD-VICT

32 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 32

3/3/17 3:32:46 PM

N

No lawn to cut here, but the Crofts plan to create vertical interest with grapevines over the pergola on their small lot that measures 14. 5 by 32 metres

3

O

T

The exterior looked a little stark initially so the owners softened the appearance with decorative and privacy screens made with 1.5inch bars. The acrylic stucco and aluminum-clad windows will defray maintenance for many years.

The Crofts used permeable paving stones on their driveway and inner courtyard to keep maintenance low. The small garage and studio add a “village� feeling.

Capital home | 33

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 33

3/3/17 3:33:05 PM

T

The large shower is designed for walker access and a handle bar mounted beside the tub is, “for when we’re in our dotage,” said Jill Croft, who added they didn’t want double sinks.

“They’re a waste of plumbing.”

2517 Douglas St 250.383.1275 lansdowneappliance.com

also believes that by staying in their old house throughout the design, approval and building process they achieve a better result, “as the trades were not pushed for time.”

Keay said Tom’s experience and input were a big part of the success. “He and Jill were very active clients who had a clear concept.” For instance, the home has a master suite on the main floor and a multipurpose area upstairs which serves as office, den, music room (both Tom and Jill play stringed instruments) and spare bedroom. Tom devised a sliding pocket wall to allow them to close off part of the top floor when grandchildren come to visit.

Another clever idea: The master bath has a second door connecting it with the front hall because the owners didn’t see the point of a powder room that’s only used occasionally by guests.

After years as a realtor, seeing what works and what doesn’t, Tom also ruled out bi-fold doors. Instead, the entry hall has two large sets of gliding doors, one opening onto a large closet, the other into the laundry room.

The Crofts now have a home they adore and say they feel healthier than they have in years. Their 1991 Volkswagen Westfalia is parked in the garage ready for their next jaunt — “We’ve been camping in it for years and years,” said Jill — and although they recently bought an electric smart car, they walk and cycle almost everywhere and go to the rec centre two or three times a week. CH

34 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 34

3/3/17 3:33:08 PM

3

OOF INSPIRATION

T

Thanks to its sunny exposure and lots of windows the house achieves plenty of solar gain. The Croft’s electrical bill in their first year was $25 a month and the gas bill was about $50. The heating system and fireplace are from Heatwave in Oak Bay.

Is Your Water Heater on 24 Hours a Day, Wasting Electricity?

We install high efficiency natural gas furnaces, appliances and tankless water heaters.

Rebates up to $1700!

A W H O L E N E W WAY TO T H I N K A B O U T

250-727-1228

bridgemanplumbing.ca

Capital home | 35

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 35

3/3/17 3:33:18 PM

BUILDING VICTORIA’S FINEST HOMES COMING SOON:

• NEW HOME in Fairfield • TWO NEW HOMES in Gordon Head

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

• NEW EXECUTIVE TOWNHOUSES in Sidney Call for details 250-514-3101

AWARD WINNING BUILDERS

We specialize in Insulated Concrete Form (ICFs) construction

IslandOutlookDevelopments.com | 250.514.3101 | info@islandoutlookdevelopments.com

36 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 36

3/3/17 3:33:19 PM

ENCORE A Challenge in Every Room

The sleekly styled kitchen

was created by Victoria Millwork and all the appliances are from Sears.

A potentially “dead� area at the back right corner was walled off and turned into an efficient space for stackable washer and dryer in the laundry room located on the other side of the wall.

>

3

O

Capital home | 37

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 37

3/3/17 3:33:24 PM

ENCORE Nancy Armstrong

Don Barr

250-888-6310

250-744-6984

Lorne Barr

Ryan Chamberland

250-217-0895

Ida Chan

250-588-0588

Tom Fisher

250-507-0008

250-858-3611

Don Colegrave

250-920-6992

Colleen Flynn

250-508-0113

Mick Hayward

250-507-3883

Rod Kurtz

Michael Harris

250-507-9655

Dannon Herr

250-479-0688

Lori Lenaghan

250-882-9981

250-888-8036

Anne Lord

Margaret Melling

250-516-5262

Dalene Paine

250-516-2314

the KITCHEN

250-217-3771

Deenu Patel

250-885-2678

Select Mortgage’s professional brokers have access to the lowest rates available.

V

ictoria Millwork did all the built-in and kitchen cabinetry, including the dining room sideboard and large window seat in the living room. The company's

production manager Charles Croft (Tom's brother) said the home's offbeat angles added a challenge in every room in the house, but also give it a unique flavour, especially in the kitchen.

“We've done some very high-end kitchens over the years but a small one like this is a much more efficient workspace.

He added: “A well executed small kitchen can be every bit as impressive as a big one. The wow factor can still be there.”

38 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 38

3 3/3/17 3:33:34 PM

3

Is your house too small?

Need to renovate to add more room?

Refinance plus improvements!

Ask how!

O

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 39

selectmortgage.com

Capital home | 39

3/3/17 3:33:43 PM

SEATTLE CONDO

ABOVE: The hallway leads from the rift white oak built-in cabinetry atop the stairway past the black-honed soapstone kitchen island and the sitting area, offering a tour of art and memories along the way. Traveling Man, a wood-andbronze find in Paris, stands at end of hall.

RIGHT: Donovick’s condominium showcases a collection of Asian antiques and unique period pieces.

40 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 40

3/3/17 3:33:47 PM

Classic, contemporary

WORDS: Sandy Deneau Dunham Images: Benjamin Benschneider

sanctuary SEATTLE — With experience comes empowerment: You know yourself. You know your style (and your baggage). You know you can navigate stormy skies — and land somewhere considerably sunnier: your true place.

Eight years ago, interior designer Kristine Donovick picked up a whole lot of experience. She had gone through a divorce, and it was time to simplify — and maybe shake things up a bit.

Donovick was moving from a stately Georgian in Magnolia and “really wanted a box” this time around. A 1980s-era Capitol Hill condominium checked the box, all right, and then some: “It didn’t feel like an apartment,” she says. “It had good bones and the greatest floor plan, and a great part of the city: not downtown, just right.”

It also was perched right above Interstate 5.

“Everyone said you shouldn’t buy on the freeway,” she says.

Donovick listened to herself instead. She bought it. She married an architect. And then they totally remodeled the whole condo into a true classic, contemporary sanctuary.

By simplifying design and flow, cleaning up lines, straightening soffits and injecting strong architectural elements, they created a lovely urban oasis of serenity.

“I like the challenge of something new — traditional, transitional; it’s interesting to me,” Donovick says.

“There’s definitely a thread of continuity. I love classic; it’s beautiful.”

This “quiet approach” left plenty of room, spatially and aesthetically, for a carefully curated decor of things they love: their eclectic, extensive art collection and, at floor level, pup companions Maddy and Marley.

“We both love primitive, beautiful Japanese pieces.

And we enjoy artifacts as special things we found,” she says. “Contemporary is the most beautiful with the mix of antiques and period pieces. To come into a condo, it’s a high priority to display your favourite things. You sift once you downsize. It felt good.” >44 Capital home | 41

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 41

3/3/17 3:33:54 PM

SEATTLE CONDO

42 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 42

3/3/17 3:34:03 PM

extend your family time, social time, and quiet time.

TOP: The master bathroom, on the lower level, was all redone, Donovick says: simplified soffits, volumeand storage-enhancing wrapped white-oak cabinets, a new standalone tub and shelf (with the toilet tucked behind.

CUSTOM MADE, WEATHER RESISTANT COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS FOR OUTDOOR SPACES

MIDDLE: The lower-level master bedroom “is pretty palatial for two,” Donovick says. “We live here, you can see. We can retreat down here.”

RIGHT: The Wake anchors the dining area, below a piece of timber from Tibet.

The oak table is from Jean Williams Antiques, Donovick says; the chairs add a “neat architectural, simple feel. We eat in the dining room every night.”

PH. 250.361.4714 TF. 1.800.563.5558 2-2745 BRIDGE STREET, VICTORIA PACIFICROLLSHUTTERS.COM

Capital home | 43

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 43

3/3/17 3:34:10 PM

SEATTLE CONDO

simple cabinetry, tech lighting and quiet organic finish materials all creatE the perfect backdrop for art. Here, a shelving unit filled with books and artifacts flanks the painting Royal Smoke, by Fay Jones. The Tibetan rug is from 20 years ago, Donovick says. “The dogs seem to like it.”

Donovick and her husband, who have six grown children between them, also own a home on Whidbey Island, with a distinctly different vibe: “Big plank floors, lots of fir, very open.”

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she says.

“We have our urban/sophisticated space here — symphony and the arts — and we turn into beachcombers there. When we walk out our door (on Whidbey), it’s like a private beach.”

Here, even on the Zen-like outdoor deck looking toward Lake Union, the downtown skyline and that busy freeway, it’s still private, and peaceful, on purpose.

On both levels, the condo’s open, clean outlook subtly frames simple cabinetry, tech lighting and quiet organic finish materials.

In the living room, the custom fireplace facade of wenge wood (typically a mahogany color,

Donovick says) has been bleached and softly whitewashed. “I like the interest of the grain, the simple mass,” she says. “That feel travels through here.”

In the completely redone kitchen, custom white oak cabinets hide all the appliances, discreet blackened-steel cabinet pulls gently blend right in, and the black honed soapstone countertops and backsplash whisper tranquillity.

“We kind of live in here; it’s kind of a family room when the kids come,” she says. “The idea is very architectural and quiet. We’re both so busy with careers, we like to come home to quiet.”

Everywhere, everything means something: her husband’s binocular collection on the living-room window sill, the Tibetan timber over the dining table, the hallway’s wood and bronze “Traveling Man” artwork they picked up in Paris.

44 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 44

3/3/17 3:34:13 PM

Everyone deserves the extraordinary, because luxury is not about price point, it’s about an experience.

And when it comes to real estate, experience matters. “We really evaluated: What is really important to us?� Donovick says. “We’re at that point where we don’t need a lot. We’re surrounded by things we really love. To release all this other stuff we had has been really liberating.�

Also liberating, and empowering: designing your own space as an experience of your experience. “Design evolves and reflects your life,�

Donovick says. “At this stage, it’s been fairly easy to design — early, it was harder expressing myself to so many, with a full-time career and as a full-time mother. But this time, I had a very strong vision. At this stage in your career, you kind of know what you’re doing. I love what I do.

Neither of us is really talking about retirement. “We have a very full, wonderful life.� CH

BRAD MACLAREN Personal Real Estate Corporation

" ! " $ ) ! ! $ Ć‘Ć?Ć?Ńľ

250.727.5448 bmaclaren@sothebysrealty.ca bradmaclaren.com

sothebysrealty.ca

"o|_;0‹Ľv m|;um-াom-Ń´ !;-Ń´|‹ -m-7-ġ m7;r;m7;m|Ѵ‹ ‰m;7 -m7 r;u-|;7Äş ÄşĹ&#x; Äş ĺĚ $_bv bm=oul-াom bv =uol vo†u1;v ‰_b1_ ‰; 7;;l u;Ń´b-0Ń´;ġ 0†| l†v| 0; ˆ;ubC;7 0‹ ruovr;1ŕŚžÂˆ; †u1_-v;uv -m7 l-‹ 0; v†0f;1| |o 1_-m]; ou ‰b|_7u-‰-Ń´Äş ! ;uvom-Ń´ !;-Ń´ v|-|; ourou-াomÄş

Capital home | 45

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 45

3/3/17 3:34:20 PM

SEATTLE PENTHOUSE Architects renovate 1955 CONDO

Pure Cool words: Sandy Deneau Dunham

Images: Benjamin Benschneider

With big sliding-glass doors between the living area and the terrace, “It all becomes this room,” Kyle Gaffney says. “It’s a killer deck with a view of the water and Space Needle,” adds Shannon. “So it became: How do we extend the life of a large outdoor space?”

46 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 46

3/3/17 3:34:26 PM

With big sliding-glass doors between the living area and the terrace, “It all becomes this room,” Kyle Gaffney says. “It’s a killer deck with a view of the water and Space Needle,” adds Shannon. “So it became: How do we extend the life of a large outdoor space?” (Benjamin Benschneider/The Seattle Times/TNS)

SEATTLE—

It’s one of those apocalyptically hot August afternoons, when even the trivial elevation of Lower Queen Anne feels just a little too close to the sun. And then you climb higher — to the renovated penthouse condominium of Kyle and Shannon Gaffney — and something unexpectedly delightful engulfs your flushed self: a blessed surge of pure cool.

Clearly, it’s not artificial A/C — the giant sliders to the beckoning terrace stand completely agape, doing that whole indoor-outdoor living thing as if boundaries have no business here.

It’s just cool. Authentic cool. Authentic Kyle and Shannon.

The Gaffneys are founding owners of SkB Architects, and their coolly contemporary 1955 condo reflects their design styles, their personalities — and many, many seasons of unexpected effort.

“We walked in and said, ‘this is cool — midcentury,’” Shannon says. “If we came here, we wouldn’t have to do a thing.’”

“Funny thing,” Kyle says. (You saw that coming, no?) “We moved here, but not completely — we lived like college students. Then we realized why: Neither of us was ready to commit.”

A couple years later, inspiration struck, and Shannon drew a sketch for a kitchen and pinned it on the dining-room wall, followed by more “what-ifs,” Kyle says: “It took a couple years to design — we see eye to eye, but it kept changing. It took us seven years to do it.”

This isn’t a huge condo — 1,500 square feet indoors and 850 out — so the commitment to efficiently, beautifully use the space was threefold: Unify and contemporize the living/dining/kitchen areas, connect the living area and terrace, and infuse it all with more-tactile materials. (Phase Two, yet to come: the master bedroom and daughter Hannah’s room.)

“For the most part, it wasn’t any major wall movement,” Shannon says. “It was articulating and finessing.”

Articulation-wise, things moved, appeared and improved: Dark outside-reaching beams were hand-sanded to lightness; a previously solid wall between the living and dining areas evolved into a strikingly creative positive/negative divider; and the original tongue-and-groove cedar living-room ceiling came down — only to go right back up after the installation of new lighting.

In updating the “true galley” kitchen, Kyle says, they had to “rethink the kitchen part of the whole experience.” Appliances relocated. A wall stepped back to create a butler’s pantry. A travertine island arose (with a pullout dining table docked underneath). > Capital home | 47

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 47

3/3/17 3:34:33 PM

Kyle works at the travertine island, which makes a statement beyond its central place in the kitchen. “Some things became a test case for us in detail and materiality,” Shannon says. “Everyone said (travertine) is so porous; it’s got a lot of motion. We’re not slavish to granite. Actually, it’s fine. Look, it’s not a museum.”

This is now a true working kitchen — and it also works as a minimal, tactile microcosm of the Gaffneys’ design choices and, maybe more important, how those choices speak to how they live.

That lovely dining table, for example, speaks from real-world experience.

“Just a couple months in, our daughter and her friend had laptops on the table,” Kyle says. “She said, ’I have to tell you something. The bottom of one of the laptops scratched the top of the table.’ I told her, ’It’s a kitchen table. Keep scratching.’”

Behind the table, a Runtal radiator replaced not-quite-as-cool baseboard heating. It’s “modern and recalls vintage,” Shannon says. It’s also a purposeful splurge, like the Dinesen Douglas fir floor on which it sits.

“Certain things you start to fall in love with. You need it to be functional, but what about the emotional touch?” she says. “For one thing: the floor. It’s fir. It was fine oak flooring, but these floors make a difference. Certain things are hard to articulate how they influence your own psyche. We got to places where we said, ’We can’t spend this — where is the value?’ But I have no problems with this. It’s worth it. I’m not going to talk myself out of it. People say it’s frivolous, but if it gives a beautiful sense of place and comfort, it’s worth it. We value this place not for the things, but for how it makes us feel.”

“Tactility, experience, quality, authenticity — this is us,” adds Kyle. “We

travel. We cook. We read those books. We celebrate these things.”

In many cases, they also custom-designed these things: the meantto-be-used dining table; the coffee and end tables; and the living-room fireplace’s black box, which is flanked by magic nickel-coated andirons.

Their trick? “The andirons don’t get hot,” Shannon says.

The fireplace has been converted to gas. Easiest thing in the world to flip it on and prove the point.

This is a tactile home. It takes just one touch: The magic andirons are not hot.

Even next to a toasty fire on a roasting day, they’re just really, really cool. CH

Absolutely Fabulous Frames Conservative to edgy styles, sophisticated, comfortable, durable and flexible.

OPTICAL EYECARE – DOWNTOWN VICTORIA – 250.380.6919

– OAK BAY – 250.590.2932

– DUNCAN – 250.597.1011

48 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 48

3/3/17 3:34:37 PM

Proudly selling, installing and servicing appliances in Victoria since 1984.

We service what we sell!

Unit B-3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria 250-382-0242 Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm • Sunday 10am-4pm

westcoastappliance.ca

Capital home | 49

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 49

3/3/17 3:34:45 PM

Vict Vi ctor orria ia’s ’s IInn nner er H Har arbo b ur bour

PROMONTORY BAYVIEW ONE

SOLD OUT

RESIDENCES AT BAYVIEW AT BAYVIEW PLACE PLACE

ROUNDHOUSE AT BAYVIEW AT BAYVIEW PLACE PLACE

LARGE SCALE MASTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS BY FOCUS EQUITIES 50 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 50

3/3/17 3:34:59 PM

Bayview Place and the E&N Roundhouse site unites a living past with a vibrant future. It is an inspiring 20-acre master planned community integrating a rich history with the best of modern west coast architecture and design.

Patricia and Kenneth W. Mariash Sr. have a vision that is shaping a new community in the neighbourhood of Vic West. Residences Bayview One and Promontory are now joined by the third tower, Encore, with the fourth residence in the design phase - all connected by pathways and urban parks. The Mariash vision is built on connection – connecting people, connecting histories, and connecting Victorians to a city that is growing, diversifying and facing a fresh and inspiring future.

“ TThe success of Bayview Place will be

measured by the people it attracts and the extent to which it becomes an urban magnet within the city.”

Patricia and Kenneth W. Mariash Sr.

FUTURE PHASES

INITIATIVES WE SUPPORT:

BAYVIEWPLACE.COM

FOCUS EQUITIES A MARIASH COMPANY

Capital home | 51

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 51

3/3/17 3:35:03 PM

DELICIOUS DECOR

Treasure Cowichan Valley homeowner loves life among vivid colours, cultured castoffs

52 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 52

3/3/17 3:35:14 PM

Red and purple tulips in a glass vase, on a glass table, echo the owner’s vivid winter curtains of dupioni silk. In summer, LESLEY Zurrer exchanges them for gauzy, off-white linen. After moving into the duplex LESLEY replaced the former sliding doors with French ones.

The downfilled living room sofa dates back to the 1800s but the upholstery is only 15 years old. The fanciful poppies painting is by Crystal Heath; up the stairs is a portrait of the owner’s aunt, a Parisian couturier; on the landing above is an abstract by Coco Jones.

Hunter

WORDS: GRANIA LITWIN Images: DEBRA BRASH

Every room should have a little animal print in it, says Lesley Zurrer,

who found these two chairs in a vintage shop years ago and gave them a “leopard” treatment. The glass table was found at an auction: “I had to fight for that piece as anything old with a bit of rust on it seems to be very appealing.”

> Capital home | 53

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 53

3/3/17 3:35:26 PM

Two metal rams stand on an 18th century Swedish table, in front of a painting by Island artist Crystal Heath. At right is a reproduction pillar, likely part of a stage set.

54 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 54

3/3/17 3:35:31 PM

DELICIOUS DECOR Old French armchairs with new silk upholstery ring the dining table, which has a hand-painted tablecloth by fabric artist Pipi Tustian.

Zurrer painted the sideboard red and above is a portrait of her by Coco Jones. A slender pillar at right has a Corinthian capital which the owner found separately.

Luckily it fits perfectly on the base.

51>

G

azing at this house from outside it looks like an ordinary duplex in a modest Cowichan Valley subdivision, but inside it opens up like Aladdin’s cave to reveal an interior filled with exotic delights, antique and restored furniture, artistic vignettes, curiosities and family treasures. Chairs are upholstered in jewel-toned silks and faux leopard prints; walls are softly textured and glazed to glow like a Venetian salon; and bright artworks add a hint of whimsy.

Owner Lesley Zurrer understands how to make a small place delicious by combining mouth-watering colours, stripes and florals, piles of plush cushions, glass-topped tables, inviting upholstery and a few unexpected elements — like a decorative green glass antique lamp on a kitchen counter that looks more like a sideboard thanks to its solid wood top, rather than quartz or granite.

The fireplace mantle is another surprising focal point. The piece was intended for use in a garden patio, but she discovered the resin piece at a closing-out sale and decided to antique the rest of her living room walls to match, as well as the tile surrounding it. She skimmed the walls with drywall mud for texture and glazed the surfaces with a concoction she mixed herself. In the deep recess above the fireplace

she arranged a delicately carved screen a la Morocco and a collection of old-Englishlooking candlesticks.

“I love to throw parties and candles are essential in the winter because I don’t like overhead lighting. It has to be soft,” she said, adding the alcove was designed for a large screen television originally, something she abhors in a living room. Instead of following that contemporary trend she changes the look of her mantle frequently, creating seasonal tableaux. “It was fabulous for Christmas with greenery and sparkle.”

Antique Asian plant-stands hold tall candles on either side, completing the look.

“I’m on the hunt for treasures all the time,” said Zurrer who owns an eclectic

Capital home | 55

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 55

3/3/17 3:35:37 PM

BUILT FOR ISLAND OUTDOOR LIVING VA N C O U V E R I S L A N D ’ S L A R G E S T PAT I O F U R N I T U R E S H O W R O O M S From top designer brands to exclusive custom-made collections, enjoy factory direct pricing for the best quality at the best pricing. Guaranteed!

CONDO

•

•

PAT I O

COMMERCIAL

SHOWN:

LAGUNA SET

BE YOUR VERY BEST When you spend time in your spa regularly, you feel relaxed and renewed. Spending time in warm water can reduce daily stress, increase circulation and improve sleep. Set time aside to refocus. Start each day refreshed, then use your spa to unwind in the evening. Make your personal wellness a priority each day - you’ll be glad you did.

P L U G N ’ P L AY M O D E L S

•

CUSTOM ORDERS

•

CONCIERGE SERVICES

Better wellness from only

$168

a month

Victoria 1900 Store St. 250-385-9703 • Sidney 9768 Fifth St. 250-655-7115 • West Shore 975 Langford Pkwy. 778-433-1941 @capitaliron • acebook.com/capitaliron • @capital_iron FREE Parking at all stores • www.capitaliron.net •

56 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 56

3/3/17 3:35:40 PM

DELICIOUS DECOR

The owner

collects artworks depicting old

homesteads and ranches and hangs them in her “farmhouse gallery,” down a staircase.

T

Zurrer’s partner Norman Conrad is an author who also plays the guitar. They call this room their

Paris Apartment

and it’s where they “hang out, sometimes for a sip of wine, or a movie.” On the floor are a stack of books, antique music stand, a bust with a coral necklace and whimsical boxes for extra storage.

home furniture and accessories store in Duncan called Embellish Home Décor. “That’s what I do. I love the thrill of the hunt, finding treasures. I’ve loved that as long as I can remember and it just evolved over time. If you have an eye you can always find treasures.”

She loves to recycle, refinish, refurbish, reupholster and revive old pieces that she finds at auctions and estate sales, and combines them with contemporary works by local artists as well as fine, older pieces. She is constantly reimagining her home, rearranging her artwork and furniture to create new settings.

“I attended art school a million years ago and textiles were my thing. Prior to my current store, I co-owned a custom furniture store called Whimsy Design. My ex husband was responsible for building the furniture and I did all the finishing, and worked to make things look authentically old. I still offer finishing classes at my store,” she explained.

While running Whimsy Design, she and her former husband reproduced old versions of simple Hutterite-style farmhouse furniture. They also lived in a big 1916 farmhouse, but after they divorced and her children left that lifestyle ended. “Our

old farmhouse was my dream home and this is nothing like it whatsoever… but it works on a lot of different levels. It’s a joy to have windows that open and close, a garburator, modern amenities.”

Initially, after the split, she had hoped to find a cozy little cottage in the valley, but anything in her budget required so much work it wasn’t practical and at this point she doubts she will ever turn back the clock and renovate something so old and time consuming. “We poured everything into that old farmhouse and I really can’t do that again at this stage, although it was wonderful at the time. I have created a new vision here…. It’s time for other adventures.”

She moved into the duplex eight years ago and shares it with her partner Norman Conrad, a writer. Their home has about 700 square feet on the main floor and the same upstairs, with a small studio suite down.

When she moved into the 12-year-old space she wanted a fresh start and began painting all the interiors white, “but that didn’t last long,” she noted with a chuckle. Her nature is that of a colour-seeking missile, so she was soon repainting her walls

Capital home | 57

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 57

3/3/17 3:35:46 PM

Chemainus home delivers on energy efficiency and long list of must-haves It was over a decade ago that an Alberta couple began plans for a shift to the B.C. coast for retirement.

“We were looking for a home that we'd be able to age in place, and that would be green,” says Karen, recalling the process that led to a move to Vancouver Island with partner Glynis.

A trial move to Victoria's super-sustainable Dockside Green introduced them to everything from air exchange systems to wastewater re-use. They loved it, but needed more space to accommodate their “age in place” plan and regular visits from family, including grandchildren.

After teaming up with Ladysmith-based GNB Builders, Karen and Glynis moved into an ENERGY STAR® qualified new home last December, a four-bedroom home that features a 17-foot-long “endless pool” and a huge, indoor, rainwater reservoir.

If walkers or wheelchairs are in the future, there's additional room around toilets and beds, seats in the shower, handrails in the bathroom – and a roughed-in elevator shaft that (at least for now) is used for storage. Of course that endless pool, which features a whirlpool-like feature at one end, plus a generated current for swimming in place at the other, is the big hit today and should play a role in delaying any mobility issues.

The electrically heated pool features a modest amount of water and an airtight security cover that helps minimize the pool's impact on the home's energy bills. Thanks in part to the builder's work with BC Hydro, the pool's extra energy use is balanced off by: ○

A heating and cooling system that features a heat pump, smart thermostat technology and a HEPA air filtration system

○

Gas fireplaces with sealed combustion and electronic ignition

○

LED lighting combined with an abundance of natural light via transom windows

○

Roof lines that are oriented to advantage for the future installation of solar panels

○

ENERGY STAR rated appliances

“If you look at the Built Green® checklist, we don't do every one, but we do what we feel is the proper way and is also cost effective,” says Greg Bianchini, president of GNB Builders. “You make smart choices that aren't going to just cost a bunch of money but make really good sense in the overall quality and way the home is built.”

In the market for a new house?

See the difference better built homes can make.

58 | Capital home at bchydro.com/newhome.

Learn more B17-028

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 58

3/3/17 3:35:49 PM

d

DELICIOUS DECOR

A small kitchen in her studio has ruby

red walls, open black shelving and black sideboards for cabinets. Giclee prints of small works called Doors of Ireland line the top shelf. “They’re there for fabulous colour,� said the owner.

Solid wood kitchen countertops from Ikea look especially stylish with a vintage lamp. The paintings are by Cowichan Valley artist Harriet Hiemstra.

in ever more saturated hues, adding curtains, throws and cushions that reflect her taste for merlot, cherry red, persimmon, aubergine and tangy orange-peel tones. “I like texture, bold colour and lots of it and I’ve always loved colours that are hard to name,� she explained. Upstairs for instance, in a room she calls her Paris Apartment, she hand-brushed a vivid shade. “I guess I’d call it old, muted tangerine garden rose. I’m absolutely thrilled with how it glows at night.�

The room was inspired by a favourite aunt, a renowned couturier, who used to live in Paris. “After my family escaped from France during the German Occupation, my aunt lived in Montreal, but she remained very Parisian. I visited her in Montreal often when I was young and always loved her apartment and absolutely adored her.

She designed incredible things and was a real character. “This room reminds me of her. It’s a very comfortable, lived-in room and it has many layers, with the antiques, textures, colours and personal collections.� Against one wall is a black cabinet holding a few pieces of antique French silver, family heirlooms and pictures of her ancestors, while on another side of the room is a chocolatevelvet covered French armchair and upholstered settee piled high with cushions.

*

,1

//

6( : 12

YOU

IT’S ALL ABOUT NOW . . . AND RETIREMENT NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!

INTRODUCING THE NEWEST GATED ADULT COMMUNITY On the banks of the beautiful Sooke River, surrounded by parks and trails, this fabulous new community will feature low maintenance one-level homes with walk out yards and patios.

2 / 3 Bedrooms + 2 Baths

Garage with Workshop

%ODLU :DWOLQJ 1HZSRUW 5HDOW\

7

Homes from

$279,900 ,QFOXGLQJ 1HW *67 Private Clubhouse

6XQULYHU(VWDWHV FRP

7XUQ ULJKW DIWHU 6RRNH 5LYHU %ULGJH RQWR 3KLOOLSV 5RDG )LUVW VHW RI OLJKWV DW WKH UHG OLJKWKRXVH 6RRNH %&

Capital home | 59

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 59

3/3/17 3:35:55 PM

RARE CORDOVA BAY

OCEANFRONT BUILDING LOT BEST BUY FOR OCEANFRONT BY FAR! Beach frontage 1,750 sq. ft. at 4601 Cordova Bay Road. Subdivision approved by Saanich. Featuring great sun exposure, mature landscaping, proximity to Mount Doug Park, Golf and all the amenities.

Call Now $1,188,000 SINGLE FAMILY HOME WITH B&B POTENTIAL Built by Sidney’s founding Brethour family. Successful well respected (27 years) B&B offering 5 bedrooms, 5 baths & 3 kitchens. One of Sidney’s last remaining untampered 1914 arts & crafts structures.

Orchard House has generated an approx. annual income of $50,000.

Surrounded by trees & flowers, and you’ll enjoy the lovely veranda off the living room and over sized sun drenched patio. A short walk to Iroquois Community park, International Ferry Terminal, downtown Sidney shops & Seaside walkway.

Call Now $799,000

Camosun

www.jackbarker.net 250.655.0608 | e: jack@jackbarker.net

Lesley Zurrer has long been a passionate collector of beautiful things Down the stairs leading to her studio is what she calls her “Barn gallery,” and here the walls are painted a rich sienna on the upper half and a sandy shade below. “Red walls are an excellent background for paintings, but this is a narrow passage and because I thought it might be too much, I did the bottom half of the wall is a soft ochre,” she explained. The master bedroom is a pale teal highlighted by cream woodwork, and the bed is heaped with cushions, linens and angora throws in rich reds and purples, all from a British line called Designer Guild.

Adding lots of colour in a small space is a bold move, but dark-toned walls decrease shadows and create a seamless space, enveloping and wrapping around a room. Zurrer’s vivid extravagance creates painterly effects and dramatic settings in every corner.

“I was always drawn to design,” concluded Zurrer. “I always coveted whimsical things and I began decorating my room at about age eight.

I grew up with a widowed mother, as my father died when I was a baby, and my mother and I used to play at decorating. She introduced me to auctions and taught me the joy and passion of the hunt. “ CH

60 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 60

3/3/17 3:36:00 PM

TRUST. TRUST OUR EXPERTS TO HELP ELIMINATE STUBBORN FAT. CoolSculpting® targets stubborn fat cells and eliminates them without surgery or downtime. As we age, it is normal for our bodies to hold onto additional fat stores. Diet and exercise can only go so far to reduce body fat in unwanted areas.

Our skilled medical team has countless years helping you achieve the results you want. Contact us at 250.382.0392, 302-1625 Oak Bay Avenue or at bakerrejuvenation.com and arrange a consultation.

DR. STEPHEN N BAKER R MD D, FRCSC PROVIDING OCULOPLASTIC COSMETIC, AND AE ESTHE E TIC TREATMENTS SINCE 2000.

Capital home | 61

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 61

3/3/17 3:36:01 PM

KITCHENS CREATIVE

KITCHEN REDESIGN

W

Making the most of a small space in Victoria heritage home

BY GRANIA LITWIN

hen Samuel Maclure designed this Fairfield home a century ago, the style of the day called for large drawing and dining rooms but small kitchens. Scullery maids and cooks didn’t need a lot of space apparently, and preparing meals was not the showcase it is today. So when owners Andy and Nelly Woodsworth decided to renovate they didn’t have a lot of space to work with.

“They didn’t want to pull down any walls or make dramatic changes to the kitchen,” said Chris Clark, project manager of Coast Prestige Homes. “They wanted to retain the original footprint and keep the heritage feel,” so his team had to be very creative, especially as a 1980s facelift had taken the kitchen in another direction.

“We had to be very careful not to disturb what was left of the original millwork and to match all the interior wood details.”

Nelly is into baking and cooking in a big way so her requirements were all about function, and Clark was able to eek out maximum space in the U-shaped work area, as well as storage in the opposite wall that now holds a two-door fridge and pullout pantries on either side. >

TONY COLANGELO PHOTOGRAPHY Creating a contemporary kitchen that respected a classic Samuel Maclure home was a challenge but the owners were thrilled with the results.

Thomas Philips Woodworking created the quartz-topped custom cabinetry.

A mosaic inset over the stove was kept in the same scale as the workspace. “We didn’t want to overdo the feature in such a tight space,” said Mari O’Meara, of Mari Kushino Design. The backsplash and mosaic feature inset were created by Versa-tile & Stone Karmanah Custom Joinery built a new window to match the heritage look, but it was reduced in size so cabinets could flow right to the wall.

Contractor Chris Clark of Coast Prestige Homes said crafts people involved in this project worked hard to match any authentic interior wood details and not damage heritage elements. “It’s fragile stuff and we had to be very mindful not to put a saw blade through it.”

The high-end wolf stove has an industrial strength fan above in an elegantly styled hood. Other appliances are integrated with wood Panels for a seamless look.

62 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 62

3/3/17 3:36:10 PM

to us,” said Nelly, who added it’s a difficult space because not only is it small, but the room also has four doors leading to the dining room, hall, basement and outside.

AFTER

The owners love how the kitchen turned out, and especially that they were able to retain something of the 1922 flavour with trim, millwork. “That was really important

Capital home | 63

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 63

3/3/17 3:36:17 PM

KITCHENS “We took multiple layers of drywall, lath and plaster off the walls and a triple layer in the ceiling (now restored to nine feet high) but we also discovered asbestos, so we had to get a hazmat team in to abate that,” said Clark, which cost time and money. The crew then did a full rewire, removing knob and tube relics, and opened the space up by building a larger skylight and smaller window. This brought in more light and allowed more room for cabinets.

Every space is now custom designed for maximum use, whether it’s for knives, baking trays or cookbooks, and an appliance garage looks after any clutter. Although it’s a small area there is a lot going on here now, with wood-fronted dishwasher, farmhouse sink, open shelves for display, custom cabinets, with lit and glass-fronted units up high, an elegant hood over the stove and engineered walnut flooring.

The latter had to be specially prepared to mitigate a twoinch slope so Clark poured a self levelling concrete called Liquid Backerboard, which has fibres built into it.

Cloud-white paint and integrated appliances give the workspace a seamless look and new pot lights feature the warm glow of halogens rather than LEDs. “People don’t always love LED light and it can be a problem to dim,” said Clark, whose company specializes in high-end renos and custom homes.

The Woodsworths, who bought the home in 1986, previously created a guest suite in the basement, so they were able to live in the house through the three-month renovation and they enjoyed the experience. “The kitchen had been redone with Ikea cupboards about 32 years ago and

“EVERY SPACE IS NOW CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM USE”

they had reached the end of their life,” said Nelly, “and we thought we could use the space better by doing a total overhaul.”

She said Clark was wonderful.

“He’s very hard working and does good work. He’s also so cheerful and positive and for us, now in our 70s, it was invigorating having young people around.”

They also complemented their designer for doing all the footwork and narrowing down all the choices for them. Andy explained he was able to get original drawings for elevations and much of the millwork from the archives at UVic, and designer Mari O’Meara, of Mari Kushino Design, used these when sketching new mouldings and profiles.

“This house has beautiful characteristics,” said O’Meara,

“but the kitchen felt really small and dated, and the finishes were indicative of a certain era. We could see it had potential and focused on how to improve storage, as there were a lot of dead spaces in the previous design. We maximized every wall so it feels much bigger now.

“We added a full pantry space on the wall opposite the work area, a raised bar for comfort while standing or perched on stool and yet we kept it timeless.”

Clark added it was rewarding to work on such a small, efficient, well-designed project with highend detailing and appliances. “So often we are going in the opposite direction these days, opening areas up, taking down as many walls as possible. Of course the structural engineers love it.” CH

TWO PHOTOS SHOW how the kitchen looked before this reno, with previous greenhouse window, different skylight, no upper cabinets.

A facelift in the1980s didn’t involve as high quality materials or top of the line appliances, said Nelly Woodsworth.

BEFORE photos by interior designer MARI O’MEARA.

AFTER

BEFORE

64 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 64

3/3/17 3:36:29 PM

WE KNOW FLOORING

Finish like an expert with top quality products, competitive pricing and over 60 years of expertise LQ KRPH ÀQLVKLQJ 7KH )LQLVKLQJ 6WRUH LV SURXG WR EH D ORFDO IDPLO\ RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG EXVLQHVV with sales associates that have extensive experience helping our customers with their home UHQRYDWLRQ SURMHFWV

FLOORING / MOULDINGS / WOOD DOORS / MANTELS / CLOSETS / STAIRS 352)(66,21$/ ,167$//$7,21 $9$,/$%/( +RPH ,PSURYHPHQW )LQDQFLQJ $YDLODEOH 2 $ &

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 65

THE

FINISHING STORE FINISH LIKE AN EXPERT

VICTORIA 780 Topaz Ave 250.384.3003 NANAIMO 4128 Mostar Rd 250.756.1231

ÀQLVKLQJVWRUH FRP

Capital home | 65

3/3/17 3:36:30 PM

QUALITY. HONESTY. INTEGRITY. A dedicated team of skilled professionals with a commitment to excellence backed by a solid history of innovative design since 1978.

Join the more than 15,000 happy Victoria customers.

Torch Award Winner for Windows and Renovations, an award for Trust, Quality & Integrity. enerheatrenos.com enerheatwindows.ca 66 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 66

250.382.1224

QUALITY WINDOWS | EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM RENOVATIONS

3/3/17 3:36:40 PM

KITCHEN RENO A large centre island used for cooking prep can actually make a small kitchen seem larger. (HGTV/ Scripps Networks)

3 questions to ask before a

kitchen reno The kitchen is at the heart of every home — and most home renovations. But a renovation of the most popular space in your home is a major undertaking, so it pays to plan ahead.

“As the saying goes, ‘fail to plan and plan to fail,’” reminds Lyndon Madden, product manager at GE Appliances.

“And it’s completely true when it comes to kitchen renos.

I’ve talked to countless people who don’t pre-select their appliances, for example, and then don’t have the right size in their space to accommodate their needs.”

So before you get out the sledgehammer, ask yourself:

1

How will we use the space? This applies for daily as well as special occasions. What are your unique needs? Do you prefer to cook facing guests? Do you want an island that makes it easier for people to gather around? Do you need more room for storage? What are some basic must-haves? What’s on your kitchen design wish list?

2

Where will I want running water? Think outside the sink. A lot of people forget to consider other areas where they might want running water in their kitchens. Do you want a fridge with a water dispenser or an ice maker? Does your dream kitchen include a pot filler faucet above your stove? Think through all of your options now to avoid regret later.

3

Does size matter? Madden explains that when it comes to appliances, size most certainly does.

The most common sizes of a lot of appliances have changed in recent years, so if you plan to place your new fridge in the same spot as your old one, you may be disappointed by the selections available in that size and shape when you go shopping. Avoid feeling restricted and bust out the measuring tape and research your top appliance picks. Learn more online at geappliances.ca.

4

www.newscanada.com

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 67

Capital home | 67

3/3/17 3:36:51 PM

Ask a designer Kitchen trends and innovations for 2017

T

he size and complexity of kitchen designs continues to grow, says interior designer and “HGTV Design Star” judge Vern Yip. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Yip says, and people see it as good place to spend money and recoup the investment when they sell their home.

What’s trending in kitchen design as 2017 approaches?

We’ve asked Yip and two other interior design experts — Caleb Anderson, co-founder of the New York-based design firm Drake/ Anderson, and Brian Patrick Flynn, interior designer for HGTV’s Urban Oasis 2016 home giveaway — to share their favourite innovations and thoughts on which trending design choices will stand the test of time.

THINK BLACK AND WHITE Black and white are the trendiest colours now for kitchen design, and Flynn points out that they’re also timeless. A black-and-white palette works with virtually any accent colour, he says, so “if you go black and white, you really only have to spend once.”

Right now, “black appliances with more of a matte finish” are among Flynn’s favourites.

Yip says cabinets in both black and white are popular, and look great mixed together.

That’s another trend all three designers are seeing: upper and lower cabinets done in different finishes and materials. Anderson recently designed a kitchen in London that has upper cabinets made of metal and glass, with lower cabinets made of cerused wood.

“They need to complement each

other,” he says, “but everything doesn’t have to match.”

GET CREATIVE Anderson also notes that it’s popular to design a kitchen island out of different materials than the cabinets and countertops. That puts a personal stamp on the room, especially if you make your island out of a distinctive piece of furniture, such as a vintage cabinet.

By using popular materials in unique ways, you can design a kitchen that feels current, but won’t look dated as trends change. Flynn is fan of that approach: For HGTV’s Urban Oasis giveaway house this year, he chose a reflective, black marble mosaic tile for the kitchen walls, from the counter all the way up to the ceiling. The look is ontrend, but has a classic beauty that won’t need renovating in a few years.

He also used concrete for the countertops, a popular option now, but one with a classic simplicity.

Along with concrete, Anderson

and Yip say quartz countertops are popular. Quartz is more durable than marble, which can easily stain, and more consistent in colour throughout a large slab.

Textured and colored glass is another way to jump on a trend in ways that reflect your own style, Anderson says. He’s seeing glass used to surround the hoods above stoves, for backsplashes, and as cabinet fronts.

MIX YOUR METALS Gold, brass and other yellowtoned metal finishes have been popular for several years, says Yip, and now white metal finishes like chrome, pewter and stainless steel are catching on, too.

Anderson recently used a mix of black-and-steel finishes in one kitchen, along with brass.

All three designers suggest going with your favourites and feeling free to mix and match.

“The hardware in your kitchen is sort of like the jewelry,” and you can have fun adding that bit of bling, Yip says. Changing your

After several years of focus on gold and other yellow-hued metals, hardware finished in “silver metals” like pewter, nickel and chrome and designed in geometric shapes are now trending in kitchen hardware, as show in this sun-filled kitchen. (Vern Yip)

By Melissa Rayworth

hardware is a nice way to update the kitchen without having to change the cabinets.

You can also bring in a light fixture with a metal that’s different from your cabinet hardware. Yip is seeing many clients opting to splurge on dramatic lighting in the kitchen, rather than in the dining room.

“The old way of thinking is you spend thousands of dollars on the crystal chandelier over the dining table, but lighting over the kitchen was practical,” he says.

Now, there’s more emphasis on kitchen lighting “that doesn’t feel functional, but has a really polished esthetic quality.”

TECH ISN’T AN AFTERTHOUGHT Flynn used a WiFi-enabled oven (easily controlled from a smartphone) in one house, as well as a refrigerator equipped with cameras accessible from a digital app, so you can see what you have inside it.

“While you are out, you can decide on the fly what to buy and bring home to be stocked up for dinner,” he says.

Smaller appliances are a priority for many homeowners. “People tend to clutter their countertops with small appliances or put them in the cabinet and have to pull them out,” Anderson says. So designers now routinely figure in storage space where small appliances can be concealed, but easily accessed.

Anderson adds: “Clients have so many devices, smart devices,” that they need “an area in the kitchen that’s devoted to USB ports and chargers.” CH

68 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 68

3/3/17 3:36:56 PM

Now You’re Cookin’...

Cooking shows are all the rage, but to perfect the culinary arts, you need to bond with your kitchen.

Before the chopping, blending and broiling can begin consider the design and ambience of your workshop.

Will your surroundings send you packing early or take you to the finale?

Consider this range of styles from the Victoria Residential Builders Association’s CARE Awards of Vancouver Island.

Their photo gallery of kitchens, bathrooms, new homes and renovations can be viewed at www.careawards.ca

Capital home | 69

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 69

3/3/17 3:36:57 PM

Eric AKIS

I

ERIK AKIS

f you’re feeling down, make life better by simmering up a highly aromatic, palate- awakening soup – filling enough to be dinner. One that ticks off all those boxes is Vietnamese pho, pronounced “fuh.”

According to the award-winning book, Hot Sour Salty Sweet: A Culinary Tour Through Southeast Asia, pho means noodle, a main ingredient in this soup typically made from rice.

Once softened, those noodles are set in a large serving bowl, topped with a rich broth cooked meat and poultry in various forms, seafood or vegetables and fresh garnishes.

If you regularly eat at Vietnamese restaurants, you’ll have noticed that wide range of possible ingredients can lead to many types of pho being listed on the menu. Generally speaking, though, the next main ingredient accompanying the noodles will determine what the pho will be called.

For example, in the book noted above, there’s a recipe for a classic style of the soup called pho bo, beef noodle soup. There’s also one for pho go, ginger chicken noodle soup.

My two favourite styles of pho are those that contain beef, and those rich with the flavour of prawns, and my recipes reflect that.

For my beef-rich pho, I simmered meaty short ribs until tender in beef broth flavoured with garlic, onion, fresh ginger and alluringly fragrant spices, including cloves, cinnamon and star anise.

Star anise is a star-shaped seedpod harvested from a small evergreen tree native to China. It has a licorice-like taste similar to — but more intense than — regular anise, although it’s not related botanically. It’s sold at some supermarkets and Asian foods stores and it’s worth sourcing as it infuses pho broth with a most beguiling, palate warming taste.

When my short ribs were tender, they were removed from the broth and the latter strained. In many recipes for pho bo, thin slices of tender beef would then be cooked until rare in doneness in that strained broth, before being added to the noodles.

In my recipe, I did not do that, because there was plenty of meat on those succulent short ribs and I sliced and added it to my pho.

My prawn pho started similarly to my short-rib one, in that the process began with making a flavoured broth. In this case, I made it by peeling prawns and simmering their shells with hot chilies, garlic, fresh ginger, green onions and lemongrass.

This splendid, prawn-flavoured broth was then strained, the prawn meat cooked in it, before both were added to the noodles.

Both of my pho recipes are not lacking in taste. Things get even more interesting when, at the table, you top the pho with its fresh garnishes, including lime and fresh herbs.

Happy slurping!

70 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 70

3/3/17 3:37:02 PM

PHO!

prawns or Beef: Making a meal out of tasty, satisfying Vietnamese soup Beef Short Rib Pho Succulent beef short ribs flavour and add meaty sustenance to this aromatic version of pho. Top as you like, with such things as fresh cilantro, beans sprouts and spicy chilies.

Preparation time: 45 minutes, plus simmering time Cooking time: about 2 hours 10 minutes Makes: four servings For ribs and stock: 4 meaty beef short ribs (about 800 grams) salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 large garlic clove, chopped 1 medium onion, halved and sliced 6 (1/4-inch thick) skin-on, slices fresh ginger 4 star anise 1 cinnamon stick, broken into 3 pieces 4 whole cloves 8 cups low-sodium beef stock 1 1/2 cups water 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp Asian-style fish sauce (optional; see Note) Preheat oven to 450 F. Place ribs, bone-sidedown, in a 13- x 9-inch baking pan, season with salt and pepper, and roast 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and drain away excess fat.

Add the onion and ginger to the pan and roast ribs 15 minutes more.

Lift ribs, onion and ginger out of the pan and into a medium to large pot. Add the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, stock and water. Set pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Now reduce heat until the stock very gently simmers (very small bubbles should just break surface.) Simmer

short ribs until meat is very tender, about 80 minutes.

Lift short ribs out of the pot and on to a plate, and then set aside until needed below.

(Don’t worry if the bones fall out of the ribs when doing this, as you are only after the meaty part.)

Strain the stock mixture into a heatproof bowl. Now measure it, you should have at least 6 1/2 cups. If it has overly reduced and you don’t have at least 6 1/2 cups, top up with more beef stock.

Pour this pho broth into a clean pot and mix in the soy sauce and fish sauce, if using. Season the stock with salt and pepper to taste. Use broth as described below.

For the noodles, garnishes and to finish: 1 cup bean sprouts • whole or coarsely chopped fresh basil, cilantro or mint leaves, or a mix of all three, to taste • sliced fresh red Thai chilies, to taste • 4 green onions, thinly sliced • hoisin sauce, to taste • 1 lime, cut into wedges • 1/2 lb, thin, Asian-style rice noodles Place bean sprouts, herbs, chilies, green onions, hoisin sauce and lime wedges in individual bowls. Cover and set garnishes aside until ready to top pho.

Preheat oven to 200 F. Slice the short rib meat on the plate, widthwise, into thin slices and set in a shallow pan. Pour in 1/2 cup of the pho broth.

Set pan in the oven and let meat warm until

needed below.

Set the remaining 6 cups of pho broth over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

Meanwhile, fill a second pot with water, set over mediumhigh heat and bring to a boil.

Add the rice noodles to the water and cook until tender, about 45 seconds.

Drain the noodles and then divide them among four large Asian-style soup bowls. Divide and ladle the pho stock over the noodles. Now divide and set sliced short rib meat in each bowl.

Serve pho with the garnishes and allow diners to flavour their soup with them, to taste.

Note: Pungent, Asian-style fish sauce is sold at Asian food stores and in the Asian foods aisle of most supermarkets. >>

Capital home | 71

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 71

3/3/17 3:37:05 PM

NOW SELLING! A Community to Call Home Eaglehurst is a thoughtfully-planned neighbourhood consisting of freehold detached homes, located minutes from Downtown Sidney and all of the amenities of the Peninsula. Every home is Built Green™ and has been designed and constructed to maximize space and energy savings.

At Eaglehurst, your home comes complete with premium ĀĹĜŸĘĜĹčŸ ±ĹÚ ĀƻƋƚųåŸţ Ęå üåĹÏåÚ ±ĹÚ Ĭ±ĹڟϱŞåÚ Ƽ±ųÚŸ ƵĜƋĘ in-ground irrigation, air-conditioning, stainless steel appliances with natural gas range and expansive master bedrooms with ų±ÚĜ±ĹƋ ĜĹěāŅŅų Ęå±ƋĜĹč ĜĹ ƋĘå åĹěŸƚĜƋåŸ ±ųå ģƚŸƋ ± üåƵ Ņü ƋĘå ĵ±ĹƼ ŸƋ±ĹÚ±ųÚ ĀĹĜŸĘåŸţ Ņĵå Ÿåå ±ĬĬ ƋʱƋ )±čĬåĘƚųŸƋ BŅĵåŸ Ę±Ÿ ƋŅ Ņýåųú

Presentation Centre

2387 Beacon Ave., Sidney Open Wed. - Sun. 11-5pm

Show Home

9317 Canora Rd., N. Saanich Open Sat. - Sun. 11-5pm

Contact Us to Find Out More!

(250) 655-3049 | eaglehursthomes.com

72 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 72

3/3/17 3:37:11 PM

Eric AKIS Prawn Pho The shells from the large prawns used in this recipe flavour the broth for the pho, so do aromatic and bold-tasting garlic, ginger, hot chilies and lemon grass. The end result is a bowl pho with a world of flavour.

Preparation time: 40 minutes, plus simmering time Cooking time: About 35 minutes Makes: two servings

G!

For prawns and stock 8 large wild prawns 4 cups vegetable, fish or chicken stock 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 to 2 small, fresh red Thai chilies, sliced 2 large garlic cloves, chopped 1 piece lemongrass, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp chopped fresh ginger 2 green onions, thickly sliced 2 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp Asian-style fish sauce Peel and devein prawns (see page 75).

Set the shells aside. Pat prawns dry, set on a plate and refrigerate until needed.

Heat oil in a medium pot set over medium to medium-high heat. Add the prawn shells and cook, stirring occasionally, three to four minutes, until the shells are bright pink. Add the stock, chilies, garlic, lemongrass, ginger and green onions and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles should just break on the surface).

Simmer mixture, uncovered, for 25 minutes, and then strain this prawn pho broth into a bowl. Measure the broth, you should have at least three cups. If your broth has overly reduced and you don’t have at least 3 cups, top up with a bit more vegetable, fish or chicken stock.

Pour prawn pho broth into a clean pot, mix in the soy sauce and fish sauce, and set aside until needed below.

For the noodles, garnishes and to finish 1/2 cup bean sprouts • whole or coarsely chopped fresh basil, cilantro or mint leaves, or a mix of all three, to taste • sliced fresh red Thai chilies, to taste 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1/2 lime, cut into wedges 1/4 lb thin, Asian-style rice noodles >

Capital home | 73

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 73

3/3/17 3:37:14 PM

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY IMPLANTS DENTAL HYGIENE BOTOX

Visit us at Uptown • 250-727-7417 • www.smileesthetics.ca 74 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 74

3/3/17 3:37:16 PM

continued from page 73

Place bean sprouts, fresh herbs, chilies, green onions, hoisin sauce and lime wedges in individual bowls. Cover and set garnishes aside until ready to top pho.

Fill a pot with water, set over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Set the pot of prawn pho stock over medium, to medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.

Add the rice noodles to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 45 seconds. Drain the noodles and then divide them between two large Asian-style soup bowls.

When simmering, add the prawns to the prawn pho stock and cook two to three minutes, until just cooked through.

Divide and ladle the stock and prawns over the noodles. Serve the prawn pho with the garnishes, allowing diners to flavour their soup as they like with them.

Make Your Neighbours Jealous.

Create a show-stopping lawn.

Note: To peel and devein a prawn, hold the tip of tail

of in one hand. Slip the thumb of your other hand under the shell between its swimmerets (little legs).

Pull off the shell and, if desired, leave the very tip of the tail in place. With a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit along the back of the prawn. Now pull out, or rinse out with cold water, the dark vein.

Pat prawn dry and it’s ready to use. eakis@timescolonist.com Eric Akis is the author of eight cookbooks. His latest is The Great Rotisserie Chicken Cookbook (Appetite by Random House). His columns appear in the Times Colonist Wednesdays and Sundays. CH

Premium Garden & Lawn Soils Fertilizers & Grass Seed Over 20 years serving Greater Victoria.

Quality products for all your Landscape and Gardening needs.

Delivery Available to Greater Victoria and the Gulf Islands.

Call 250-656-6719

www.peninsulalandscapesupplies.com

Capital home | 75

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 75

3/3/17 3:37:21 PM

CHEF’S CORNER Bringing fresh and eclectic food to Westin Bear Mountain The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa has a new chef with a fresh approach to food.

C

hef Mahesh Bhambure joins the Westin Bear Mountain from the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver, where he was the lead restaurant sous chef at Market by Jean-Georges.

With over a decade of international experience presiding in the kitchens of some of North America’s finest four and five star dining establishments, Chef Mahesh’s distinguished culinary craft infuses local fare with the influence of multiple cultures and nationalities. Working with Executive Chef Mark Wadsworth, Chef Mahesh will oversee Bella and the Masters Lounge.

Chef Mahesh spent his formative years nurturing his culinary curiosity and passion in his family kitchen cooking at home for his parents. He studied and worked in restaurants in India, then moved to further his studies and advance his career in the United States. Chef Mahesh has worked in several luxury hotels including Toca restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto.

“Chef Mahesh is an exciting addition to our team. He brings a wealth of experience having worked alongside two and three Michelin-starred Chef’s,” said Westin Bear Mountain general manager Brian Harrington. “His impressive repertoire and distinctive style is fun and fantastic. Wherever he goes, he has an enthusiastic following, and we are thrilled to share Chef Mahesh with Bear Mountain residents and visitors alike.”

Away from the kitchen, Chef Mahesh enjoys an active lifestyle of mountain biking, swimming and painting.

DELIVERY 250-361-1469 6 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

liquorexpress.ca

76 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 76

3/3/17 3:37:25 PM

2

3 1

4 1. Carmelized Wagyu Striploin with Potato Pave, Crunchy Shallots, Truffle Jus 2. Winter Squash Soup with Sweet Potato Succotash, Arugula Cream

“

My food is simple,” says Mahesh Bhambure.

“I work with nourishing, local products, and impart clean and remarkable flavors.

I love engaging our patrons in new and eclectic culinary discoveries.”

3. Sunchoke Soup with Chili Creme Fraiche, Brioche Crouton and Truffle Paint 4. Squid Ink Risotto with Seared Scallops, Tempura Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Capital home | 77

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 77

3/3/17 3:37:32 PM

NOW YOU’RE COOKING

Purple Power!

By Melissa D’Arabian

The smoothie has become ubiquitous because it makes healthy eating sound easy and attainable. I love smoothies for breakfast. The more nutrients I can cram into that cool and creamy treat, the better.

TIPS For reducing sugar

H

ealthy mornings are smart because mornings are when we have the most discipline since the day hasn’t tired us out, and our willpower isn’t exhausted. And smoothies are quick to throw together, and they’re portable, which makes them a busyperson’s best friend at breakfast.

Not all smoothies are equal, however. Just because something is a “green smoothie” doesn’t mean that it isn’t loaded with sugar.

(Just read the labels of some retail smoothies).

Making your own smoothies at home gives you a lot more control, of course. But even so, if you load up a smoothie with an apple, a banana, some honey and berries, you could easily be looking at the same amount of sugar as a can of cola, which we would never gulp down at breakfast. Yes, fruit is natural sugar, but it still needs to be consumed mindfully.

Here are some tips for reducing the sugar in your morning smoothie:

VICTORIA | OAK BAY | SIDNEY | WESTSHORE | SOOKE

Not enough hours in the day?

Take selling your home off your “to do” list and put it on ours.

Miles Takacs | TF: 1-888-828-4763 Miles Takacs | TF: 1-888-828-4763 VictoriaRealEstateGroup.com Vic toriaRealEstateGroup.com

PLATINUM AWARD

PROUD MEMBER

78 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 78

3/3/17 3:37:42 PM

in

sugar

in your morning smoothie • Get some creamy texture going from something other than the banana. If you add tofu, cooked white beans (yes!) or avocado — you can reduce the banana to a small slice or two for some body and a hint of sweetness without going overboard.

• Freeze some greens such as spinach, sliced cabbage or kale. Freezing greens mellow their flavour a bit so you can add them into smoothies for extra nutrition.

• Use frozen mixed berries to satisfy your sweet tooth — they do have some sugar, but also bring fiber and nutrients to the table, so they are a great ingredient overall.

• Boost your smoothie with some secret ingredients that fool your palate into thinking your food is sweeter than it actually is. Orange zest, cinnamon, almond extract, unsweetened cocoa, pumpkin puree and coconut oil are all great ways to pump up the flavour without adding extra sweeteners like honey or sugar. It means that tiny bit of banana or mango or peach will go much further in making your smoothie super tasty.

April 18— May 14 2017

“…you, dear Alice Munro, have come close to solving the greatest mystery of them all – the human heart.”

N O B E L P R I Z E AWA R D C E R E M O N Y

WORLD PREMIERE

PURPLE POWER SMOOTHIE Start to finish: 5 minutes; Servings: 3 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond/coconut milk 4 ounces soft silken tofu or about 1/3 of a package (Instead of tofu, you can use protein powder, or a few tablespoons of rinsed, cooked white beans) 1 cup frozen mixed berries 1/4 medium banana, frozen 3/4 cup shredded red cabbage (fresh or frozen) 1/2 teaspoon orange zest 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon almond extract 2/3 cup ice cubes Place 1 1/2 cups of the milk and the tofu in the blender and blend until smooth and no tofu lumps remain, about 30 seconds. Add the frozen berries, banana, cabbage, orange zest, extracts, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth, about one minute. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, then you may need to stop, stir and continue blending about halfway through. Once the mixture is well blended, add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and blend just until all smooth. Pour into 3 glasses and serve.

Nutrition information per serving: 86 calories; 28 calories from fat; 3 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 139 mg sodium; 12 g carbohydrate; 3 g fibre; 6 g sugar; 4 g protein. CH

Alice Munro Stories TICKETS ON SALE NOW

250 385 6815 / belfr y.bc.ca 1291 Gladstone at Fernwood, Victoria

SEASON SPONSORS

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

PUBLIC FUNDERS

Capital home | 79

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 79

3/3/17 3:37:43 PM

Exploring the rich history of the written word in the city of light

Above: Shakespeare and Company has decades of literary cred combined with a modern sensibility Far Left: La Belle Hortense bar litteraire mixes an extensive wine list with a fine selection of books and magazines.

Left: Shakespeare and company is home to the “Tumbleweeds� program, where the shop offers writers and artists a place to sleep for free in exchange for them helping out a few hours in the shop.

80 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 80

3/3/17 3:37:52 PM

Getting lost

LITERARY ADVENTURES

in the beautiful bookstores of Paris

By KIM WESTAD

F

rom the banks of the Seine, where bouquinistes have been selling used books since the 16th century, to small shops that take you to out-of-the-way streets — books and bookstores are part of Paris life.

Many of the city’s bookshops will lead you to interesting areas you might not otherwise have known about. Some shops can’t afford the rent in busy tourist areas and are a bit further afield, so making a bookstore your destination for an afternoon is an ideal opportunity to move beyond the usual tourist route. Others are smack dab in the middle of busy areas, providing welcome pit stops.

While a couple of bookstores that stock English language books have closed in the past few years, many are thriving, supported by expats and, increasingly, Parisiennes. That’s partly due to a literate culture and partly due to laws to protect the sector.

In 1981, then-President Francois Mitterand’s government passed the Lang Law, which established fixed-book pricing in France. Shops could no longer discount editions more than five percent off the publisher’s cover price. This prevented big-box retailers from being able to edge smaller, independent shops out of the market.

“The result was that France had — and continues to have — one of the strongest, most diverse bookshop cultures in the world,” said Krista Halverson, director of Shakespeare and Company’s new publishing house.

Today, the Lang Law is not only still in effect, it was also extended in 2011 to protect e-book pricing and in 2013 to regulate online sales.

Sometimes, a fun part of travel is seeing how other cultures view something you know and love. Here’s an overview of Paris bookshops that have books in English (some shops are all-English; some carry a mix of French, English and other languages): Whatever the language, all reinforce the universality of people sharing the love of a good read and the happiness that comes from walking into a place that smells of books. >> Berkeley Books of Paris is tucked away on a quiet street in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood.

Capital home | 81

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 81

3/3/17 3:37:59 PM

Puddles are fun.

Flash flooding from extreme weather, not so much.

do you have overland water insurance for your home?

Call 250-386-6343 to get started.

Auto. Home. Business. Travel. islandsavings.ca/insurance 82 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 82

Keeping it SimpleÂŽ

3/3/17 3:38:03 PM

®

LITERARY ADVENTURES

Imagine a tiny Paris café that is half wine bar, half library and you’ve got La Belle Hortense.

The Bouquinistes of Paris (Booksellers of Paris) Stroll down either the left or right banks of the Seine near Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy this open-air bookshop with one of the best views in the city. It’s earned the Seine the unique description of being the only river that “runs between two bookshelves.”

About 220 bouquinistes sell secondhand and antiquarian books, most of them in French, from the Pont Marie to Quai du Louvre on the Right Bank, and from Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire on the Left Bank.

Every day, the booksellers set up shop, taking their goods out of the distinctive green boxes (the colour is known as vert wagon, the colour of old train carriages) that sit on top of the walls lining the river. Goods are kept inside the

padlocked boxes that are all a uniform size. Each bookseller can have up to four boxes (there are 900 boxes in total, which is strictly regulated by the city), three of which must sell books. One may be used to sell trinkets, antique posters and souvenirs.

Even with that, the number of books (estimated at 300,000) vastly outnumbers the Eiffel Tower keychains. Some bouquinistes themselves well know their own value as the quintessential Paris shot and charge for photos.

Vendors have lined the Seine since the 16th century. Local lore claims that several centuries ago, a ship transporting books sunk in the river near the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Desperate to recover some of their lost wages, the sailors threw themselves into the water to save as many books as possible and sold the salvaged

books on the banks of the Seine to Parisiennes passing by. It makes for a romantic story, but isn’t known for sure.

The book trade did take off after the French Revolution, when churches, mansions and châteaux were dismantled and emptied of their contents. Books that had once belonged to the rich found their way to the stalls. The bouquinistes played another major role during the Second World War, when they helped the French Resistance transmit coded messages in the pages of the books at the stalls.

The stretch of bouquinistes, about two kilometres long in total, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Vendors must be open four days a week, anytime from sunrise to sunset. It’s best on a sunny afternoon, when you can poke around, stare at the view and pinch yourself.

Capital home | 83

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 83

3/3/17 3:38:07 PM

LITERARY ADVENTURES

Shakespeare and Company 37 Rue de la Bûcherie; 5th arrondissement Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. www.shakespeareandcompany.com

‘Be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise.’

This William Butler Yeats quote was the guiding principle for Paris’s most famous bookstore when it opened in 1951 and still is today. George Whitman printed it on a piece of wood and tacked it above the entrance to the first-floor library when he opened Shakespeare and Company in a former monastery a stone’s throw from Notre Dame Cathedral.

Today, visitors duck under the sign as they enter a comfy reading room filled with Whitman’s extensive personal book collection.

These books aren’t for sale, but are wellthumbed, and readers are often still there at the 11 p.m. closing time, lounging on the blanket covered chairs with one of the resident cats (they’re all called Kitty) or Colette, the shop’s

black mutt. There’s a piano if they’d like to play, and a manual typewriter that stymies children.

Shakespeare and Company has decades of literary cred combined with a modern sensibility brought about by Sylvia Beach Whitman, George’s only child. She took over the store from her elderly father a few years ago. It’s gone from not even having a telephone to having its own publishing department, all while keeping the charm of the original warren-like shop where benches become beds at night to house-wandering writers.

“I created this bookstore like a man would write a novel, building each room like a chapter,” said Whitman, who died in 2011 at age 98 in his apartment on the fourth floor. “I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations.”

He modeled the store on the original Shakespeare and Company, opened in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, also an American. Beach’s 12 rue de l’Odéon shop was a hangout for writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. Beach was the first publisher of James Joyce’s Ulysses. The shop was closed during the German occupation of Paris, in December 1941, after Beach refused to sell her last copy of Finnegans Wake to a Nazi officer.

Whitman greatly admired Beach and adopted the name of her bookstore. It became a gathering spot for the Beat writers. It’s said that William Burroughs consulted the medical section of Whitman’s reading library while researching sections of Naked Lunch, and Allen Ginsberg gave a famous reading at the shop in 1958, stripping naked to recite Howl.

It might be a little calmer these days, but is still home to the “Tumbleweeds” program, where the shop offers writers and artists a place to sleep for free in exchange for them helping out a few hours in the shop, writing a one-page autobiography and promising to read a book a day. Whitman named these guests ‘Tumbleweeds’ after the plants that roll across the American plains, “drifting in and out on the winds of chance.” Since the bookstore opened, it has housed more than 30,000 Tumbleweeds.

Along with the history comes a great selection of fiction and non-fiction books in English. An extensive section on the Beat writers is still a draw, as is an antiquarian section, expanded

children’s section and café with dishes such as “the Flapjack Kerouac” or “The Bun Also Rises.” A version of the Proust Questionnaire lines the trays.

No need to feel shy about your French skills here. Knowledgeable booksellers roam the crowded passageways and are happy to chat about books in many languages.

The shop has made cameo appearances in movies such as Richard Linklater’s Before Sunset and Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris.

The store is so busy on a sunny July day that one of the friendly booksellers has to have people, mostly young, line up and wait so it’s not so crowded inside. It’s oddly thrilling to see a bookstore as such a clear destination; I’ve never seen as many selfie sticks used outside a bookstore.

Check the website for weekly free literary events, workshops, readings and information about its novella contest open to unpublished writers from around the world.

But go inside to get the sense of history and love of books that permeates the place. Frank Sinatra was a regular in the 1960s, with a deep love of history. And many others have found love of all types in the shop.

A “mirror of love” – where people leave notes for others or comments – tells many stories. A recent one said: “We met here 30 years ago, and now we’re back with our two children!”

George Whitman said he acted as a witness for more than 100 marriages of people who had met and fell in love in the bookstore. One couple met there in the early 1970s. Their daughter, British folk artist Olivia Chaney, has since played at the bookshop several times and even slept there on occasion.

“One of the things my father often said to me was: “I hope you’ll be happy here,” said Sylvia Whitman. “He believed that the books we read form an essential part of our identities, that books signify freedom, and that books connect us.”

Berkeley Books of Paris 8, rue Casimir Delavigne; 6th arrondissement www.berkeleybooksofparis.org

This is a carefully curated gem of a small bookshop, tucked away on a quiet street in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood. The American owners have decades of experience in bookselling, and it shows in their >>

84 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 84

3/3/17 3:38:12 PM

ARE YOU IN THE MARKET... ...for a DUPLEX, or thinking about UPSIZING, or maybe a VACATION PROPERTY, with a COTTAGE, or a CONDO near the LAKESIDE, or a NEW HOME with a view of FARMLAND, or perhaps it’s your FIRST HOME, or your third APARTMENT BUILDING & you need PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, or a HOUSEBOAT, or if you’re DOWNSIZING check out an OPEN HOUSE, or maybe a COMMERCIAL LOCATION, or an INVESTMENT PROPERTY on the OCEANFRONT... ...wherever you are in your life and whatever you need, there is an expert Victoria REALTOR® who can make it happen. Start at VREB.org.

Capital home | 85

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 85

3/3/17 3:38:13 PM

² òö ÀÁÁÀÃÅÆ¿ºÅÊ

´ À ¾ º ¿ ¸ Ä À À ¿ Å À À ȱ ¿ À

Ķ² ÀÅŶà Á½²´¶ Â Æ ² ½ ºÅ Ê ½ º Ç º ¿ ¸ʁ À ȱ ¿ À ½ º · ¶ Ä Å Ê½ ¶

È È Èʇ Ä ¶ ² À Å Å ¶ Ã Á ½ ² ´ ¶ ʇ ´ À ¾

86 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 86

3/3/17 3:38:20 PM

LITERARY ADVENTURES selection of rare and antiquarian books. There’s also a fine selection of used fiction as well as many books from small presses.

It’s all attractively arranged in a 35-squaremetre space that feels cozy, not cramped, with old typewriters, table lamps, a couple of comfy chairs and a cat.

Many of the bookcases are on wheels so they can be moved to make room for the readings, art performances, art displays and community events that are a mainstay of the store.

“I do this because sharing a space freely with artists, especially in times like these, is vital,” said owner, Phyliss Cohen. “On a more selfish level, most of my time is spent in the shop. I love being surrounded by art and letting more people know about young Parisian artists working today.”

The wall next to the counter is plastered with bookmarks from bookshops across the world, collected by the booksellers and their loyal customers. The majority of Cohen’s customers are locals.

Cohen is an experienced bookseller who still appreciates the over-the-top romance of the idea of owning a bookshop in Paris.

“Many customers tell me their dreams of having their own little bookshop somewhere.

That is one of the best parts of the job.

Sometimes people come in, look around, smile at me and tell me their dreams.”

San Francisco Book Company 17 rue Monsieur le Prince; 6th arrondissement www.sfparis.com

Just around the corner from Berkeley Books is the San Francisco Book Company, where two of the Berkeley owners started out. It’s a chocka-block bookstore, with books piled to the ceiling and a fair bit of movement. It’s a great stop if you’re travelling and want to pick up a few books for the train.

It also has antiquarian books that will appeal to the reader who likes sorting through stacks and the thrill of a “find.”

Librarie Galignani 224 rue de Rivoli; 1st arrondissement www.galignani.fr

The store is run by descendants of an Italian family that was among the first to use the printing press to distribute their books in the 1500s.

They set up their first bookshop in Paris in 1801 on rue Vivienne, moving it to the busier rue de Rivoli in 1856 — the first English bookshop established on the European continent.

Now, the large bookshop offers a selection of English and French language books in all genres.

It’s in a handy location (near metros) and is an easy place to browse and forget about the crowds waiting nearby to get in the Louvre.

Merci 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais; 3rd arrondissement www.merci-merci.com

Enter this high-end department store that gives part of its profits to a development charity in Madagascar via a secondhand bookshop and tearoom. Read the secondhand books and magazines as you enjoy tea brought to you by a 60-something who looks like she just walked off a glamorous French movie set.

The department store is a destination in and of itself, housed in an artfully converted industrial building on the edge of the trendy Marais. It has a mixture of new and secondhand men’s and women’s designer clothes and furniture, vintage items, kitchen gadgets, tableware —even a vintage car. It’s sparse, expensive (even though most of the fashions are at least 30 per cent off regular prices) and fun to browse through.

the coffee table books on design, architecture, art, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle, photography and travel gives a smile and friendly “Bonjour, madame” to a Canadian in a fleece and Tevas.

This bookstore is straight out of a Vogue fashion shoot. But books being what they are, it still manages to look homey and welcoming.

It makes you want to learn how to arrange beautiful books just so, and to have those lightly scented candles that make the space smell like a rich library. And what about the 200-euro light fixture that opens like a book?

(A friend found one almost like it on Amazon for $50 Canadian.)

Assouline is a luxury publisher and book purveyor run by a former fashion model and a businessman. They work with top designers on everything for the library of a person with taste and money — a Goyard book trunk, a Chanel quilted leather book cover. There are cookbooks for the usual prices, but there’s also a limited-edition version of Gaia, Canadian Guy Laliberté’s images from space, available on watercolour paper featuring 90 illustrations and layered topographic embossing, all handbound and housed in a linen clamshell case, for $7,000.

It’s a fun spot to soak in the physical beauty of books and the stunning spaces they can create. CH

La Belle Hortense 31 Rue Vieille du Temple 3rd arrondissement www.cafeine.com/belle-hortense

Imagine a tiny Paris café that is half wine bar, half library and you’ve got La Belle Hortense.

The “cave, librairie, bar litteraire” mixes an extensive wine list (many by the glass and not overly pricey) with a fine selection of books and magazines. Sit at the zinc-topped bar, one of the small tables or spill out to the front of the café in the busy Marais area. A good spot if you’re travelling on your own. Grab a book and you’re never alone.

Assouline 35 Rue Bonaparte; 6th arrondissement www.assouline.com

Only in Paris could there be a bookstore you feel you should have dressed up for.

But the very chic young woman arranging

this lovely light looks like a hardcover book, but open it up and the pages fan out into a light. it’s a little work of art.

Capital home | 87

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 87

3/3/17 3:38:27 PM

SCOTLAND Whisky, wool and walking in

Scotland WORDS AND PHOTOS: Michelle Locke

88 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 88

3/3/17 3:38:40 PM

Dreaming of Drams Forget the three Rs.

I

went to Speyside, Scotland’s “single-malt capital of the world,” to brush up on the three Ws: whisky, wool and walking.

Striding beside the River Spey on a misty afternoon, a warm sweater from a local mill wrapped around my shoulders, an even warmer dram of whisky awaiting me at my hotel ahead, I realized I’d reached peak Speyside status.

Educational mission accomplished. Or, to quote Scottish poet and noted whisky fan Robert Burns: “Gie me ae spark of Nature’s fire/That’s a’ the learning I desire.”

Dreaming of drams and doing a little whisky wandering of your own? Here are a few pointers to the Speyside region’s must-sees. >>

The ruins of Elgin Cathedral is an impressive sight, especially the 13thcentury west front.

The cathedral is across the street from Johnstons of Elgin, maker of fine cashmere.

Capital home | 89

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 89

3/3/17 3:38:49 PM

SCOTLAND GETTING THERE Speyside is located in northeast Scotland and the closest airport is Inverness.

From there you can rent a car or take the train to the Elgin, Aviemore or Keith stations, whichever is closest to your accommodations. If you are travelling from London, you may want to consider the Caledonian Sleeper that runs from Euston station to Inverness. It is a fun way to step back in time to a slower and more gracious form of transport.

WHERE TO STAY Dufftown is home to several distilleries and has rail service to Keith during the summer. You will find a number of B&Bs here. Book ahead, since rooms are limited. The pretty village of Aberlour has the Aberlour and Cardhu distilleries as well as The Dowans Hotel, which has a very good restaurant and well-stocked whisky bar, plus rooms ranging from small but well-designed singles that start at around $100 US a night to luxe suites. In the heart of the village, you will find The Mash Tun, a whisky bar and restaurant with four rooms. Also of note is the Quaich bar in the Craigellachie Hotel, home to hundreds of whiskies.

GETTING AROUND Highland cattle rest in a field near Balvenie Castle in Scotland’s Speyside region.

There are buses, but car is the easiest way to get around. If you’re not renting, you can book a driver by the day or take taxis. Since taxis are limited, it’s best to ask your hotel or B&B host to set up rides a day ahead.

90 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 90

3/3/17 3:39:02 PM

A whisky tasting at the Glenfiddich distillery, one of several in the Speyside region open to tours.

WHISKY Speyside is known for its single malts, whiskies made at a single distillery from malted grain, usually barley. Big names include The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and The Macallan.

More than a dozen distilleries are open to the public. Pick the ones that mean the most to you for whatever reason and plan accordingly.

See this website for a helpful interactive map: visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/ distilleries/.

The area hosts an annual Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival; the next is scheduled April 27 to May 1. >> A worker at the cooperage of the Balvenie distillery in Dufftown, in the Speyside region of Scotland, works on a whisky barrel. The distillery also has a working malting floor and offers tours and tastings.

Capital home | 91

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 91

3/3/17 3:39:10 PM

speyside - scotland

SCOTLAND Three distilleries to consider:

The ruins of Balvenie Castle in Scotland’s Speyside region. The original stone castle was built in the 13th century. The Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries are nearby.

Glenfidditch and Balvenie: These neighbouring Dufftown distilleries offer contrasting experiences.

At Glenfiddich, you will tour the distillery, visit the warehouses where the barrels age and finish up with a tasting. Tours start at around $13, and reservations are recommended. The Balvenie distillery has a traditional, working malting floor as well as its own cooperage on site. It’s recommended you book four weeks ahead.

Tours start at $50 and for an extra $30 or so you can bottle your own bottle of Balvenie. Glenfiddich has a restaurant and, just around the corner, are the atmospheric ruins of Balvenie Castle, open to visitors April to September. Check out the nearby field, you may see some Highland cattle with their adorably fringed faces.

The Macallan: The Macallan is in Craigellachie (pronounced Crey-GELL-ah-kee) and is the whisky James Bond likes to drink. Construction is under way on a new distillery; check the website for traffic information. The Six Pillars tour, about $19, offers an excellent and indepth look into what goes into making and aging a single malt whisky and finishes with a tasting of four whiskies. Reservations are required. The distillery is set in an extensive estate backing on to the Spey and visitors can walk around the area.

WALKS The Speyside Way runs about 100 kilometres from Buckie, on the northeast coast, to Aviemore, near the Cairngorm mountains. Bikes allowed on some parts of the route. Find out more here: www.speysideway.org/

WOOL

Bright orange yarn is set up on a machine at the Johnsons of Elgin wool mill in Elgin. Johnsons, known for luxury cashmere, offers mill tours and has a cafe and gift shop on site.

Elgin is home to Johnstons of Elgin, maker of fine cashmere. Free guided tours of the mill are available; reserve ahead to make sure you’re not disappointed.

Details at www.johnstonscashmere.com/us/mill-tour.

If you are at all into cashmere goods, this is well worth the time. You will follow the life cycle of cashmere, from fluffy ball of uncarded fiber to the colorful, chattering looms that weave fabric to the lush scarves, knitwear and other finished products. A restaurant is on site — the scones are highly recommended — and, of course, there’s a well-stocked gift shop. Just across the street are the stark-yet-elegant ruins of Elgin Cathedral, open April to September. In the village of Knockando (knock-AN-doh) you’ll find the historic Knockando Woolmill, which has been producing woven fabric for 200 years and has a pretty garden setting, a gift shop selling unique woven goods and an excellent small cafe. Closed during the winter, opens for the season in March. CH

92 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 92

3/3/17 3:39:25 PM

Speyside

A worker rolls in a barrel of whisky at the Macallan distillery in Craigellachie, Scotland. The distillery, famous for its single-malt whisky offers a detailed tour explaining what goes into making the product.

Capital home | 93

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 93

3/3/17 3:39:36 PM

Celebrity homes

FOR SALE

$9.99m

celebrity homes around the world form part of the high end real estate market. Here are a few of our favourites that are for sale.

David Broome, creator of “The Biggest Loser� competition show, has listed his home in Calabasas for sale at $9.499 million (Photo above and Left). The European-inspired estate, once leased by pop singer Britney Spears, sits on more than an acre with an inner courtyard and a glass-bottomed swimming pool.

The 10,600 square feet of living space includes a two-story library tower complete with an office, a wet bar and a fireplace. (Christopher Pelton)

94 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 94

3/3/17 3:39:51 PM

HOT PROPERTIES A Mediterranean style home in Hollywood

$1.374m Actress Eva Longoria sold a Mediterranean-style home in Hollywood Hills for about $1.374 million. The pink-hued villa-style home has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in 2,011 square feet of living space. Longoria, through a trust, paid $1.15 million for the home more than a decade ago.

(Chad Z. King)

Capital home | 95

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 95

3/3/17 3:40:01 PM

HOT PROPERTIES DJ Khaled paid $9.9 million for the L.A.area home of British singer Robbie Williams Found within gated Mulholland Estates, the estate centers on French Normandystyle house built in 1992. The 10,681 square feet of living space features a vaulted entry, a gym/media room and a centerisland kitchen. A recording studio adjoins the master suite. (Don Lewis)

$9.9m HEAVY DUTY

METAL TABLE LEGS FOR LIVE EDGE TABLES

1.6” thick x 3.15” steel with 7mm screw holes. Loading 181.5 kgs / 400 lbs per pair.

Black Powder Coated Finish.

Windsor Plywood Westshore 888 Van Isle Way 250-474-6711 • Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:30pm • Sat: 9:00am-5:30pm • Closed Sunday DOORS • FLOORS • MOULDINGS • AND SO MUCH MORE! 1 0 0 %

l o c a l l y

o w n e d

a n d

o p e r a t e d

96 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 96

3/3/17 3:40:14 PM

WORLD CL ASS SPORTS.

WORLD CL ASS DINING.

Join us as we welcome Chef Mahesh Bha Bhambure. Working with Executive Che Chef Mark Wadsworth, Chef Mahesh wi will oversee Bella and the Masters L Lounge.

With over a decade of int international experience presiding in the kitchens of some of North Am America’s finest and four star dining establishments, Chef Mahesh’s e distinguished culinary craft infuses dis locall fare with the influence of multiple cultures and nationalities.

Jennifer Lopez’s hidden gem delivers Luxury Living at it’s best.

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has relisted her Hidden Hills home after a pending sale for the property fell through. The 17,129-square-foot estate sits on more than three acres with a resort-style swimming pool, a play area and a lounge.

A breezeway connects the main house to a work/entertainment wing with studio space and a theater. Jennifer Lopez’s threeacre estate in the Ashley Ridge area of Hidden Hills centers on a Traditional-style main house of more than 17,000 square feet. (Simon Berlyn)

W W W. B E A R M O U N T A I N . C A Host of the 2017 Pacific Links Championship September 11-17, 2017

Home of Golf Canada’s National Development Centre

Official High-Performance Training Centre of the Canadian National Mountain Bike Team

Capital home | 97

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 97

3/3/17 3:40:23 PM

COMING UP NEXT ISSUE of J Capital Home

oin us for the next edition of Capital Home in June when we explore the glorious season of summer, water and fun. We will take you through some beautiful homes and outdoor spaces, where innovative designs expand our living areas to the great outdoors. We will also explore the latest in product designs to help you get more out of life. We’ll also bring you some delicious dining ideas and take you away to some of the world’s most beautiful and interesting place. Watch for it in June.

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 10 ACRES 91 328 TAPHOUSE GRILL 93 ATLAS AUDIO VIDEO 90 BAYVIEW PLACE 50 / 51 BC HYDRO 58 BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT 97 BELFRY THEATRE 79 BLACK & WHITE BY ABSTRACT DEVELOPMENTS 25 BRIDGEMAN PLUMBING & HEATING 35 CAPITAL IRON 56 CHEMAINUS GARDENS 93 COAST OFFICES 93 DIAMOND OPTICAL 48 DODD'S FURNITURE 14 DR STEPHEN M. BAKER, MD 61 EAGLEHURST HOMES 72 ENERHEAT 66 FIRST WEST CREDIT UNION 82

GREGG'S FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY 17 HEARING LIFE CANADA 32 INCREDIBLE CLOSETS 5 ISLAND OUTLOOK DEVELOPMENTS 36 JACK BARKER, RE/MAX CAMOSUN 60 JORDANS 9 LANGHAM COURT THEATRE 77 LANSDOWNE APPLIANCE 34 LIQUOR EXPRESS 76 LUGARO JEWELLERS 6 MACDONALD REALTY 77 MAX FURNITURE 23 MCLAREN ELECTRIC 100 MILES TAKACS, RE/MAX CAMOSUN 78 PACIFIC ROLLSHUTTERS AND AWNINGS 43 PENINSULA LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES 75 PROPERTIES IN VICTORIA 75 RIVER'S EDGE VILLAGE 59

ROYAL BAY COMMUNITY 16 RUFFELL & BROWN INTERIORS 19 SAGER'S HOME LIVING 3 SCAN DESIGNS 99 SEA OTTER PLACE 86 SELECT MORTGAGE 38 / 39 SMILE ESTHETICS 74 SOPHIA RESIDENCES BY HOMEWOOD CONSTRUCTORS 21 SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY CANADA 29 SOTHEBY'S, BRAD MACLAREN 45 SOTHEBY'S, LISA WILLIAMS 4 SOTHEBY'S, STRATTON & BRIGGS 12 THE FINISHING STORE 65 VAN ISLE WINDOWS 2 VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD 85 VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ASSOC 69 WESTCOAST APPLIANCE CENTRE 49 WINDSOR PLYWOOD 96

98 | Capital home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 98

3/3/17 3:40:33 PM

661 McCallum Road Millstream Village - Langford 250.475.2233

scandesigns.com

1711 Bowen Road Nanaimo 250.753.6361

VICTORIA • NANAIMO • COQUITLAM • RICHMOND • LANGLEY • KELOWNA Capital home | 99

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 99

3/3/17 3:40:41 PM

W hetheryou n eed to lig hta la rg e tree,orsm a ll orn a m en ta l shru b , ou rp a ten tp en d in g LED a ccen tlig htisfu lly a d ju sta b le,w ith m u ltip le b ea m a n g lesa n d w a tta g e con trolled d irectly on the fixtu re.

C om e in to ou rstore to see ou ren tire selection of la n d sca p e lig htin g a n d letou rkn ow led g ea b le exp ertsta ff a ssessyou rlig htin g n eed s.

In q u ire a b ou ton site con su lta tion s

VICTORIA 3400 Douglas Street 250-475-2561 mclarenlighing.com NANAIMO 2520 Bowen Road 250-758-0138 LEADERS IN LIGHTING LEADERS IN LED Capital 100 100| |Capital home home

CapHOME_Spring17_FINAL.indd 100

3/3/17 3:40:45 PM