Open House: My Sweet Paradise

Thank you, polar vortex...  first the ice storm, where we lost power for 2 days, and thank goodness we got it back in time for Christmas!  Now, we're hearing government agency warnings saying, "exposed skin may freeze in less than 5 minutes."  These crazy sub-zero temperatures we've been having make it hard to believe that we are only two weeks into winter!  To say it is "bone chilling" is not an exaggeration!  So now I am dreaming about living somewhere warmer and perhaps one day owning a house in Bermuda.  Given the restrictions the Bermuda Government has for buying property there, it is a plausible thought-- because my husband is Bermudian, born in Bermuda but raised in Canada. But is it possible?-- well, if you know anything about Bermuda, real estate is not cheap and neither is it cheap to live there... we'll need to start making a shitload more money! Anyway, a girl can dream... I found the perfect house and it's up for sale now listed by Sotheby's.

It is just over 2,500 square feet, with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.  Located in Pembroke, it is described as "the quintessential Bermuda house with panoramic views over the North Shore."  Have a look!....

It's picture perfect!

I am indifferent about the verandahs on the new homes being built in Toronto.
But here, it makes so much more sense.  I love this wrap-around verandah!

A gorgeous view of the Atlantic ocean.  Some beautiful sunsets can be watched here!

I would redecorate the principle rooms... make it lighter and fresher.

I'm picturing a colour scheme of pastel blues and greens... think Sarah Richardson style.

Aside from adding some accent pieces to tie in with my new colour scheme
for the house, I wouldn't change anything in this kitchen  I love it!

The master bedroom could use some tweaking.  Just some
cosmetic changes.

Isn't it pretty?  I love the shutters!

The million dollar view...

The price tag for this home is $1.85 million USD.  You can view the listing here.


For now, I will just imagine being in the warmer climate and reminisce our last vacation there.  Let me share the warmth....

And, yes, the water really is that blue! ....no filter.

Regards,

Imelda

We are currently booking stagings for January.

Please contact me at (416)464-1781 or imeldasmithhomestaging (at) gmail (dot) com

for a consultation if you plan to list your home in the near future.

Open House: Toronto's Downton Abbey

Well if you're a fan of the British period drama series, Downton Abbey, the Spadina Museum in Toronto has a tour especially for you. The Spadina House is a historic mansion that was owned by the Austin family who were a part of the Consumer Gas Company and were also involved in the early years of the Dominion Bank (later TD Bank). The house has has been restored to exactly what it looked like in the 1920's and is considered to be Toronto's own Downton Abbey.

This past Mother's Day I got to visit the museum and went on the special Downton Abbey tour. The tour is designed so you can imagine yourself in a world very similar to that of the aristocratic Crawley family.  As you walk through the 55 room mansion (I know.. not as colossal as Downton but still impressive), the tour guide makes reference to similar rooms and settings as seen in the show, reflecting how the lives of these two families, having gone through the same events in history, would have been similarly affected.  The only difference would be that it is a piece of history that was actually endured by the Austin family.

These are pictures I took to give you a little peek of this magnificent house...

Staircase

Great Hall

Drawing Room

Dining Room

Bedroom

Servants' Quarters (Bedroom)

Kitchen

There are many other rooms in the house to enjoy..  but it's much better to see the all the details of the fixtures, furnishings and decor in person.  Oh, and I must not forget to mention the lovely gardens outside!  Why not take the tour this weekend? It would be a perfect time to go in honour of Victoria Day!

You can find the museum on facebook.  For tour information, click here.

Open House: California Chic Cottage

Being a stager, I often like to go online and look though pictures of real estate listings to see inside the homes. I am always curious to know if work has been done into making sure the house shows well.

Last night I came across a listing that I have totally fallen in love with! It's a gorgeous California style, mid-century modern house, located on the waterfront along Kempenfelt Bay. It would make a fabulous weekend getaway cottage being only an 1 1/2 hours away from the city. However, if you're looking for a more rustic style cottage, this is not for you. For me, I'd sell my house and move in full time since it's only 50 minutes from where I am now! ...if only.

For $1,975,000.00 you get 3,660 sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathroom. The house was built in 1968 and designed by Toronto architect, Harry Bernard Kohl. The inspiration came from Pierre Keonig's famous Hollywood Hills Stahl House. Made of glass and steel, each room in the entire house encompasses beautiful views of the natural setting where it lies.













Fabulous isn't it? The terra cotta tile on the main floor wouldn't be my first choice. I would have liked to have seen a lighter colour with a more modern style. But after thinking about it, seeing we are in Canada, the dark colour creates a warmer feeling to the space which it would certainly need during the winter months. Other than that, I would change the dining room table and chairs and make some other minor tweaks in the decor, nothing huge. One other concern I do have is if there would be any heating issues during our Canadian winter months with all that glass. That aside, I love the idea of living California chic in Ontario cottage country!

So, are you ready to make an offer? Is this your style? Would you take this house?

Enjoy your Thursday! We're almost to the end of the week!

Imelda

P.S. Next to Spring, the Fall is a great time to put your house on the market if you're planning to sell-- and now would be a good time to contact me if you need a stager's hand! Don't forget, I also offer decorating help for your home to stay!

Photos: Bernice Whelan Realty Inc.