poppy view: Architecture

Showing posts with label Architecture. Show all posts

Monday, June 2, 2014

The Allure of a Picture

Downtown Galt, Cambridge, Ontario, photo by Linda Fegan

Have you ever been so utterly enchanted with an image, that you found yourself, literally, being drawn into it? This is exactly what happened to me, the second I spotted the gorgeous photo above.

A small stream, Churchill Park, Cambridge, Ontario

I felt an inexplicable and immediate connection with Cambridge, a pretty town in Southern Ontario, that compelled me to cross the Atlantic and see it for myself! And, that's exactly what I did!

source (edited)

So, I got on a plane, and

jetted 8385 km (5210 miles)

across a very big pond,

Charming, downtown Cambridge, Ontario

to another continent, and the city of Toronto,

from which I drove a further 108 km/67 miles,

until I reached the banks of the Grand River,

The Living Levee Trail, Cambridge, Ontario

where I walked along its flowing trail,

past leafy pathways and shuttered, stone houses,

charming, cottage-y gardens,

Queen's Square Terrace Retirement Living

and stuccoed, shingle topped stunners,

Central Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Ontario

piercing, sky-scraping steeples,

and shops painted in happy, pastel-y hues,

to finally STOP.

My photo: a rainy day in spring, of the view that originally captivated me!

Then, in silence, I gingerly stepped,
into that bewitching of views -
this blogger's beautiful, magical muse!

A big thank you to my sweet brother-in-law,
Alex, for all the driving, and the giggles!

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy

Sharing at:
The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Create It Thursday, Saturday Sparks,
Say G'Day Saturday, Friday's Five Features, Flaunt it Friday,
Friendship Friday, Fabulously Creative Friday, Show & Tell Friday,
Simple & Sweet Fridays, Feathered Nest Friday, Wow Us Wednesday,
Tweak It Tuesday, The Scoop, Tuesdays at Our Home,
Brag About it, Treasure Box Tuesday, Inspire Me Tuesday
A Return to Loveliness, Be Inspired Features and Link Party,
Amaze Me Monday, Inspiration Monday, Make it Pretty Monday,
Inspire Me Monday, Sunday Showcase Party

Friday, April 25, 2014

Of Storybooks and Babbling Brooks

Do you live in a particularly pretty neighbourhood, where

window framed, 'still life' petals, scent the morning breeze?

Unionville, where my sister lives, is such a place, where picture

perfect houses seem like they've popped out of playful fairy tales.

Other abodes, appear to have multiplied in size,

from their mini, dollhouse dimensions,

to square footage fit for human lives!

Friends and family know about

my obsession with amazing architecture.

I sometimes forget that not everyone shares this sense

of wonder, admiration and respect for 'buildings'.

In fact, they often have fun with my enthusiasm for this art form by performing little sketches, spoofing my excitement over porticos,

wrap around porches, and other 'Poppy Passions',

like those of the interior design and decor kind!

Unrelenting, I continue with my observations:

'Brick, stucco, wood, and stone are materials that co ordinate well

together, creating interesting complements to each other.', I assert.

The house above can be found in the little village of Brooklin, Ontario.

Isn't it the epitome of whimsy and architectural flair?

And, if this isn't enough to make you sigh, surely

the sound of the brook, (hence the name of the place),

situated directly below it, does. How enchanting!

I leave you with another Brooklin beauty,

characterized by a lovely blend of styles and materials.

And so, off I go,

to dream about this hamlet's leafy lanes,

its heritage homes, and historical bones,

where, a part of my own heart, still remains.

I'm curious...which is your favourite?

Thanks for visiting!

Sharing at:

The Art of Home-Making Mondays,

Home & Garden Thursday, Wow Us Wednesdays, What's It Wednesday,

Be Inspired Features & Link Party, Tweak It Tuesday, What's It Wednesday

Inspire Me Tuesday, The Scoop, Brag About It, Roses of Inspiration,

Treasure Box Tuesday, Tuesdays at Our Home, Amaze Me Monday,

Make it Pretty Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Inspiration Monday,

Say G'Day Saturday, Friday's Five Features, The Inspiration Gallery,

Oh, the PLACES I've been!, Flaunt it Friday, Saturday Sparks,

Be Inspired, Feathered Nest Friday, Home Sweet Home,

Show & Tell Friday, Sweet & Simple Fridays, Friendship Friday,

Fabulously Creative Fridays, The Inspiration Gallery

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Scenes of Stone & Stucco

While waiting for the new sofa, which is suddenly out of stock(!), I thought we'd take a sneak peek at my aunt's beautiful stone house, back home, in the village. I was saving these photos for a new fireplace reveal, but things are slow and snowy here in Toronto and the only thing that keeps tweaking is the weather!

But back on the island, my husband is working on installing my aunt's new fireplace in the living room. It will be finished in stucco and topped with local marble, destined to be the coziest corner of this already warm and inviting space.

The original house, built around 1920, was uninhabited, with no interior bathroom or staircase, when purchased, around ten years ago.

After extensive renovations, which included stonework, a new kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, new wooden beams and floors, wainscoting, plastering, interior and exterior stairs and balconies, it is now a precious gem, nestled in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.

A gorgeous garden in the back provides delicious harvests of winter oranges and clementines, while the neighbour's plump pomegranates droop heavily over the patio, like glittery Christmas ornaments bending tips of fragrant firs.

And sometimes, somewhere between the beige-y tones of creamy stones and stucco, a cat in camouflage mode strikes a portrait pose for this camera crazed blogger!

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy

Sharing at:

The Inspiration Gallery,

Flaunt it Friday, Simple & Sweet Fridays,

Inspire Me Tuesday, The Sunday Showcase Party,

Inspire Me Monday, Amaze Me Monday,

Home, Tweak It Tuesday, A Return to Loveliness,

Wow Us Wednesdays, Open House Thursdays,

Home and Garden Thursday,

Home Sweet Home, Feathered Nest Friday,

Favorite Thing Saturday,The Creative HomeAcre Hop,

Tuesdays at Our Home, Say G'day Saturday, Make it Pretty Monday,

Show and Tell Friday,Metamorphosis Monday

Friday, November 2, 2012

TELLING STORIES

Crete Family Villas

I was told a little story the other day about my friend, Jocelyne. It’s a story that is indicative of her generous nature, of how her teacher traits played a revealing role, a story which, she herself, has never told.

Crete Family Villas

In an effort to motivate the children to take responsibility and keep their village clean, Jocelyne offered each of them an ice cream, if they assisted her in picking up all the litter that they could find.

In the village, drying grapes to make raisins

Before another remnant of rubbish could be thrown, and within no time at all, a huddle of house- proud youngsters could be seen, happily walking the winding, waste-free roads of the village, indulging in their icy treats. Just like that: stimulus – response!

Crete Family Villas

My second story is about the villas, and how they came to be. Jocelyne gives us some fun facts about the vacation property, as well as a peek into her own personal preferences.

Crete Family Villas

I wish I could tell you that this interview took place in the gorgeous room above, but that would be a ‘tall’ tale, of sorts. What I can tell you is that we had the pleasure of having a wonderful coffee morning here, in one of the villa’s most stunning spaces, with breathtaking views of the sea in the near distance, and the pools and gardens at your feet, truly making it a luxury to be enjoyed, all year round.

Crete Family Villas

Crete Family Villas: An Interview

Jocelyne, you were born in Turkey, which is very similar to Greece in many ways. What inspired you to build on Crete, and especially, in our village?

We lived on the island in the 80's and loved it so much, and after many visits, we decided to build in this perfect village.

The villas are simply gorgeous! How would you describe them?

The villas are built in the traditional way using local materials. They are spacious with views over the vineyards, mountains and the sea.

Each villa has an interesting name. Could you please explain to our readers what they mean?

Eleftheria means freedom, independence

Kalithea/ good view

Irini/ peace

All three are stunning. Which one is your favourite and why?

Villa Irini is my favourite, as it has a better sea view from the second floor rooms.

How did you choose your colours, both for the interior and exterior?

We wanted to blend the villas with the village and the surrounding nature so they look more as one with it.

Did you have any assistance with the design and landscaping?

We used several of my brother’s ideas, having been in the travel industry for 30 years and travelled the world.

Crete Family Villas

The property is so beautifully landscaped. I love all the hot reds and soft whites in the flowers and the many fruit trees. Could you tell us a little bit about the gardens and why you chose certain plants, trees and flowers?

The landscape is still in progress. We mainly picked trees and plants which already exist in the area, as we wanted to blend all the villas and garden with the rest of the village.

Building a house of one’s own is a huge undertaking. You had to deal with three! What was your most difficult challenge with the villas?

Overseeing construction.

What do you miss when you are away from Crete?

I miss the weather, the views, the food, the peacefulness. But most of all, I miss the friendliness of our village, Pendamodi.

And when you are away from the States?

Well, I wished that all my family was able to share this beautiful place for the long period that I spend there, but unfortunately long vacations are not possible..for them.