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CHARACTERISTIC STYLE WRITTEN BY ARAINA BOND • PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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f you ask Rob Imbeault about the lovely shark statue in his foyer, he will casually tell you that it reminds him of the time he swam with great whites sharks in San Francisco. Luckily, the world-travelling philanthropist and entrepreneur has a closer (and safer) oasis of calm in his newly renovated Ottawa condo. Not one to sit still for long, Rob is often found juggling work for his successful company 10Count with social networking and charitable 16 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2012
initiatives. Swimming with sharks and raising funds for cancer research were just two items on Rob’s long bucket list. “I came from a pretty humble background,” he explains, sitting at a beautiful glass table in his open-concept space. “So when all the success didn’t lead to happiness, I decided to pursue it in more meaningful ways.” And his condo is the perfect home base for all his adventures. Designed by his ex-wife and friend, Rnea Garrah, the condo
is a seamless blend of modern, minimalist style set within the quirky charm of a beautifully restored heritage building. Built in 1873, Wallis House boasts a rich and varied history. It has served as a hospital, a seminary, and an army barracks during Second World War, as well as an armoury and housing for veterans. After being slated for demolition, the building was purchased and brought back to its current splendour by local heritage restorer Sandy Smallwood with Andrex Holdings.