Capital Home Winter 2018

W I N T ER 2018 / 19

CapitalHOME HOW VICTORIA LIVES

EDITION

HOME IN THE SKY:

Penthouse paradise a slice of heaven on the Songhees

AN ARTIST’S LAIR:

Colour, light defines a Cowichan Valley masterpiece FOOD: Delicious duck confit TRAVEL: Let your imagination run wild in the land of ice and fire

<33

=?<32@@6<;.9 ?.;42@

<33 /B69A 6; 0<<86;4 16@5D.@52?@ .;1 ?23?642?.A6<;

<33

.99 <A52? 0.A24<?62@Â&#x152; Â&#x152;

"

2ePYbQV[T .PPR``\_VR`

.116A6<;.9 @.C6;4@Â&#x152; <; A52 =B?05.@2 <3 <? :<?2 :.7<? .==96.;02@ 2ePYbQV[T .PPR``\_VR` Â&#x152;

9beb_f N]]YVN[PR` S\_ aUR Na U\ZR PURS \[ QV`]YNf V[ CVPa\_VN RePYb`VcRYf Na

Proudly selling, installing and servicing appliances in Victoria since 1984. We service what we sell! Offer valid until Dec 31, 2018.

Unit B-3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria 250-382-0242 .PO 'SJ BN QN t 4BU 4VO BN QN westcoastappliance.ca

1802 Government Street 250.386.3841 | www.sagers.ca mon-sat 9:30-5:30 COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICE Follow us on Instragram

Personal Real Estate Corporation

& (# $

% '

! (",

!

(

%

#

"(/ $ '

$'$ ! $ ) !" &* %! & #

(.'& '

'(' . '

! !

!% %

+ &)-'' (",

"&

)'

'&

'( ', . '

$% (( ' ! $ ' $ !% ! $!

!

** (!'(& '+(*

$ ( " (

"$ , &

$! $ (

$

&! !% $!

" & * (+) * ( $ ) * * * ( &) * "'&)

Buying or Selling: Lisa Williams* is Your Negotiating Advantage ( 2 5 0 ) 51 4 -1 9 6 6

LI SAWI LLIA M S .C A

* Personal Real Estate Corporation

$ $ #

! # # ! ! " % $ " ! $ ! # #

{ In this issue }

14 p.

HOME IN THE SKY

10.

MUST HAVES Go ahead, spoil yourself this Christmas

42.

DUCK CONFIT

30

Eric Akis takes you through the process of preparing this French dish. The work is worth it.

p.

AN ARTISTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LAIR

48

p.

ON THE COVER: Everywhere you look, the view is fantastic from the decks of this penthouse home on the Songhees.

But just wait until you see all the artwork inside.

PHOTO BY DARREN STONE

ESCAPE TO ICELAND

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 7

ALL ABOUT THE ART

THE MINIMALIST: If you’re a minimalist, chances are you don’t want a busy colorful painting to take over your carefully edited space. Instead, pick monochrome pieces with texture or graphic interest. Black and white doesn’t have to mean boring.

THE SHUTTERBUG: If you enjoy snapping away on vacation or even around your city, have your own photography blown up and framed, or collect the photography of other artists.

THE NATURE LOVER: Take your pick of greenery from painted landscapes to stunning nature photography, and live your very own Planet Earth.

THE STREET: Channel the cool in you, and give your home an urban edge. If you love all things street art, skateboarding and alternative music, it is having a revival.

I

t’s been a privilege this issue to explore the homes of art collectors and artists.

Art is an integral part of any home, whether it be paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs — even antique and historical pieces.

Step inside Mark and Shellie Gudgeon’s penthouse high above the Songhees, and you’re pulled equally between the jaw-dropping views from all sides and the generous sprinkling of stunning artworks.

Local artists are everywhere here. There’s colour and history, shape and form, pieces of deep personal meaning and family history.

And lots and lots of First Nations art from the famous Hunt family.

Steer north to the Cowichan Valley and enter the artist’s lair of Richard Roblin, the internationally acclaimed abstract painter who has turned an unassuming home in a Duncan subdivision into a wonderland of colour, spheres and lines.

“His architectural inspiration comes from the simple, clean lines of American Frank Lloyd Wright, Mexican architect and engineer Luis Barragán and Japanese architect Tadao Ando — as well as the French artist Matisse. Influences are evident throughout the modernist, 1,900-square foot home that fuses Roblin’s love of painting, sculpture and design with his passion for architecture,” says writer Grania Litwin.

Art adds personality to our living spaces.

Without it — let’s face it — our homes would be dull places.

Gabrielle Savoie of Domaine.com says your personality has much to do with how you decorate our homes.

“People often get nervous when buying art. Will it match my decor? Will I like it over time? Is this an artist worth investing in?”

“Throw all those questions out the window —focus on your personality,” says Savoie.

She says no matter what your interests or character traits, there is an artist out there who perfectly represents who you are.

Savoie plays curator by dissecting a few personality types and making art recommendations based on those tastes and interests.

THE COMEDIAN: If people praise your sharp sense of humor, transfer this over to your walls with some humorous, quirky art.

THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER: You probably love clean graphic lines. Transfer this to your walls with a series of graphic prints.

Color co-ordinate artwork with your decor, or run wild with bright eclectic prints.

THE SARTORIALIST: From Anna Wintour to Kate Moss, you live and breathe fashion. Your walls could also use some of your sartorial sense of style.

THE EXPLORER: You often dream of faraway places, and you’re constantly a hop and a step away from your next trip.

Collect photographic souvenirs, and cover your walls with photography from past trips or from trips you’re hoping to take.

It’ll be like escaping a little every time you get home.

THE COLLECTOR: In every aspect of your life, you’re a collector. You know what you love, but you’re also smart about your purchases, and you want to invest in pieces that will increase in value over time. Do your research, and invest in promising up-and-coming artists. Just don’t forget to love what you buy.

THE TRADITIONALIST: You’re a traditionalist as far as decor goes, and you might be reticent to add more contemporary art in your decor, but that’s exactly what you should try to embrace.

Classic decor comes to life when mixed with bold modern art.

Start slowly with monochrome pieces that will make an instant statement in your home. CH

CapitalHOME PETER BAILLIE / ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR PABLO MIRANDA / SALES MANAGER

DAVE OBEE / PUBLISHER/EDITOR DARRON KLOSTER / EDITOR GORDON FALLER / GRAPHIC DESIGN

8 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

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: Dave Obee dobee@timescolonist.com To advertise, phone: 250-380-5328, or email Sales Manager Pablo Miranda at: pmiranda@timescolonist.com.

#

! ! "

205-1400 Lynburne Pl.

# "

+.+(/ ") % .' (" % %&* '(" '&"%*

#

1276 Filmer Road

#

2915 Glasgow Street

( # )) & , #+ & /&+( !&$ /&+ -"## #- /) % 0* (&$ &+( !" ! % ) (,"

#

#

% $ 809-1400 Lynburne Pl.

# !

! $ ! " # !

! ! ! # !

! #

1042 Donwood Drive

+(( %*#/ ( '( ) %* %+$ (&+) '(&' (*" ) *!(&+ !&+* " *&(" )' %%"% , (/ '(" '&"%*

4826 Spring Road

Luxury: a condition or situation of great comfort, ease, and wealth; something that is expensive and not necessary.;

something that is helpful or welcome and that is not usually or always available. – Merriam-Webster

THIS YEAR'S LUXURIOUS

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS FOR THAT IMPOSSIBLE-TOBUY-FOR PERSON

4826 SPRING ROAD, VICTORIA Ken Murray custom built home, 6,356 square feet on 4.94 acres with city, ocean and mountain views.

Features flagstone patios, pondless waterfall, rock beds and grottos, sauna, wine room, whisky barrel oak floors and your own putting green.

Listed by Sotheby’s International Realty

3,940,000

$ 10 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

WISH LIST THE FOREVERMARK TRIBUTE COLLECTION DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS Dangle earrings set in 1K white and rose gold featuring two 0.24 carat total weight ideal square cut diamonds, accented by 10 0.84 ctw pear shape cut Argyle pink diamonds, two 0.64 ctw marquise shape diamonds and two 0.34 ctw round brilliant cut diamonds.

Center diamonds mined and polished in Canada. Includes Forevermark diamond certificate.

8,600.

$

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 41 The Rolex Datejust is the modern archetype of the classic watch, thanks to aesthetics and functions that transcend changes in fashion.

Aesthetically, the Datejust has spanned eras, while retaining the enduring codes that make it, notably in its traditional versions, one of the most recognized and recognizable of watches.

14,900.

$

CANADIAN DIAMOND BANGLES Proudly crafted in British Columbia with 1.3 Carat round brilliant-cut Canadian diamonds and Royal Canadian Mint gold. Perfect for stacking and layering to achieve beautiful and chic look. Available in rose, white or yellow gold.

Available at Lugaro, official Rolex retailer, 1102 Government St.

1,488.

$

>

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 11

WISH LIST PARADISO CHAIR

POWELL SIDEBOARD

With top-grain black leather, a gold finished frame, this chair is all luxury.

1,699.

1,975.

$

$

Crafted from the top-quality, solid American walnut and veneers. It features four uniquely angular doors that open up to plenty of storage to help organize your space.

BIRMINGHAM SOFA Strong details are apparent in the chesterfield’s tufted back, rolled arms, and meticulously placed brass detailing. Pairs nicely with an Old Fashioned.

4,239.

$

Available at Moe’s Home Collection, 523 Fisgard St.

THE BRAND IS COCLICO, which speaks to a personal identity that extends beyond style and luxury to our way of living in the world — consciously, artfully, elegantly.

Materials are sourced in Europe, near a small, family-run factory in Mallorca, Spain. The clog boot reimagined. Bootie with a strap. Solid wood platform and leather-wrapped wood heel. Inside-zip closure.

465.

$

12 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

Available at Footloose Shoes, 637 Fort St.

MONOGRAM 30-INCH PIZZA OVEN Prepare a little slice of Italy in your own home.

9,900.

$

Available at WestCoast Appliances, 3090 Nanaimo St. CH

!

"

$

" ' ! & ! ( $

( % & " ' $ # $ % ! & & " ! ! & $ ! & ) %& ! "$

14 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

TEXT: GRANIA LITWIN

PHOTOS PHOTOS: DARREN STONE

WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE CAPITAL AND A SHOWCASE FOR THEIR ECLECTIC ART COLLECTION, A VICTORIA COUPLE FIND THEIR LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN ON THE SONGHEES

G

he views are staggering, the layout flows as smoothly as a stone stream that runs down the middle of the dining table, and a seemingly endless deck wraps round three sides of this top-floor residence.

But what makes The Shutters condo even more special is the fact the original owners decided to combine it with another suite next door, creating a truly flagship condominium.

Former city councillor Shellie Gudgeon and her husband, businessman Mark Gudgeon, bought their home in the sky three years ago and were amazed to learn no one had ever lived there, despite the building having been completed a decade before.

“It’s an unusual and interesting story,” said Shellie, explaining it was first bought unfinished by an English

THE LIVING ROOM HAS GLASS WALLS ON TWO SIDES, AND THE SHUTTER EFFECT ON HIGH WINDOWS FILTERS HARSH LIGHT WHEN THE SUN IS AT ITS PEAK IN THE SUMMER MONTHS.

> Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 15

MORE SPACE. MORE POSSIBILITIES. BIGGER ADVENTURES.

Introducing the brand-new 3-row, family-sized SUV as envisioned by Subaru â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Built on the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the Ascent offers seating for 7 or 8 passengers, a supremely comfortable ride and generous interior space.

2019 SUBARU ASCENT WELL-EQUIPPED FROM

$37,795 * INCLUDES FREIGHT & PDI

JPSubaruVictoria.com | 1784 Island Highway, Victoria, BC | 250-474-2211 *Pricing applies to a new 2019 Subaru Ascent Convenience (KT2C8) with MSRP of $37,795 including freight & PDI ($1,800). Documentation fee ($395), A/C levy ($100), tire levy ($25), taxes, license, insurance, and registration are extra. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. Vehicle shown solely for purposes of illustration, and may not be equipped exactly as shown. See Jim Pattison Subaru Victoria for complete details. Dealer #40319.

16 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

SHELLIE LOVES HER NEW CONDO, WHICH HAS WRAPAROUND DECKS AND VIEWS FACING EAST, SOUTH, WEST, AND PARTIALLY NORTH. “I STILL PINCH MYSELF EVERY DAY, WE FEEL SO BLESSED TO LIVE HERE.”

couple as an investment. They owned it for several years then sold it to a second owner who finished the interiors, but never lived there.

“We were lucky to find it and I can still hardly believe we live here,” said Shellie, who purchased it near the bottom of the market, and perhaps benefitted also from negative press the building had about earlier water leakage, all solved now.

“I’m constantly taking pictures,” said Shellie.

“We can see the rising sun on one side, the setting sun on the other. It’s paradise.”

The unit had been on the market for 300 days and the price was lowered several times before the Gudgeons bought it, said Newport Realty’s Dolores Todd. “Shellie and I looked at pretty much every penthouse in the city, but this surpassed them all .... The square footage is quite something,” with 2,300 square feet >

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 17

A RAVEN, MADE BY METAL ARTIST KEVIN MACKENZIE, STANDS ATOP A WOODEN SPAR.

SOUTHEAST FACING DECK SEATING. WITH ANOTHER BIRGIT PISKOR STATUE, PLANTED IN A STURDY POT.

PATIO PLANTINGS WERE DESIGNED BY TERRY LEBLANC GARDEN DESIGN. IT’S A VERY CHALLENGING SITE BECAUSE OF THE WIND, SALT AND MARITIME CONDITIONS BUT, “TERRY DID A PHENOMENAL JOB OF FINDING THE RIGHT NATIVE PLANTS,” SAID SHELLIE GUDGEON.

A WALL DIVIDES THE LARGEST, SOUTH-FACING DECK INTO TWO, SO DEPENDING ON WEATHER AND PREVAILING BREEZES, IT IS ALWAYS COMFORTABLE TO SIT OUTSIDE SOMEWHERE.

inside and 1,500 of decks. Panoramas extend from Mount Doug, Mount Baker and the Olympics to the Sooke Hills and back almost to Mount Doug again on the other side — plus all the water and city in between.

“When we first went to look at it, we stepped off the elevator onto the eastfacing deck and were both speechless,” said Todd.

The condo is a showcase for art, and the Gudgeons collect all kinds. They are especially close to the Hunt family and have several rare works, including a pole made by master carver and hereditary Chief Tony Hunt, a chief’s setee (see sidebar), a blanket by his daughter Debbie Hunt and masks by Tony Hunt Jr. Topped by an eagle sitting on the fluke of an orca, the pole makes a dramatic statement against the backdrop of Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca, while below stretch the historic Songhees lands.

Decorating a condo with two walls of glass, significant First Nations art, contemporary paintings, metal sculptures, family heirlooms, antiques — and trying to downsize, too — was a challenge. The Gudgeons’ former 115-year-old heritage house in Esquimalt was almost twice as big, so they consulted interior designer Samantha Weeks “With such an eclectic feeling going on, we needed to create a really good balance so nothing would overpower anything else,” said the expert. >

FROM THE WEST FACING DECK, THE OWNERS LOOK DOWN UPON AN OLYMPIC SIZE SWIMMING POOL AND SIX-STOREY, CURVED WING OF SHUTTERS. THEY ENJOY BIG FAMILY DINNERS OUTSIDE

With Wi th help hel elp p from from Live Liv ivee Edge Edge Design Des esig ign n in D Duncan, unca un can n, Weeks Wee eeks ks created cre reat ated ed a custom dining table, with a riverbed running through it, then hung an airy light fixture above that looks like shooting stars. The table helps ground the condo by relating to both native art and antiques, while Herman Miller knockoff chairs sync with contemporary pieces. “We lacked wall space, so we had to focus on a few key things, and group artworks together.”

Shellie wanted to shop locally and support local businesses, so they found royal blue armchairs at Chintz and Co., modern > THE LONG COUNTER MADE OF NEOLITH, AN ULTRA COMPACT DURABLE SURFACE, DOUBLES AS A BUFFET DURING PARTIES. ANY COOK WORKING IN THIS KITCHEN HAS A SPECTACULAR VIEW.

the possibilities are endless…

“Serving Vancouver Island for over 55 years” Specializing in Fine Upholstered Furniture, Reupholstery and Window Coverings

2333 Government St. I greggsfurniture.com I 250.388.7365

20 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

A LIVE EDGE DESIGN CUSTOM SLAB TABLE HAS A RIVERBED RUNNING DOWN THE MIDDLE AND SEATS 12 FOR DINNER. ON THE END WALL, ABOVE THE NEW BARN DOOR LEADING INTO THE MASTER SUITE, IS A CHILKAT BLANKET HAND WOVEN BY DEBBIE HUNT, DAUGHTER OF CHIEF TONY HUNT.

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 21

IN T ER I OR S VICTORIA | 2269 DOUGLAS ST | (250) 385-6746 | FREE UNDERGROUND PARKING | JORDANSINTERIORS.CA

LOOKING DOWN, LIKE EXOTIC DINNER GUESTS, ARE MASKS CARVED BY TONY HUNT JR.

with a traditional twist, and added a few soft grey poufs to sit on the floor like large river rocks. They found a bed at Restoration Hardware and combined these with cherished antiques from Mike’s grandparents.

Because the unit was brand new, they changed almost nothing, but replaced two swing doors into the master suite with a barn door, and chose new see-through lights that wouldn’t obstruct the views.

One in the front hall looks like silver branches.

The Shutters project has two towers, a curving section with six floors, another with nine— and a 25-metre swimming pool between the two. The Gudgeon penthouse is in prime location at the south end with several enticing outdoor areas. The largest faces south and here they have added a large dining table and furniture groupings with a partial wall between. No matter what the prevailing wind, they are cozy.

Terry leBlanc Garden Design was hired because few plants can weather the salt and windy environment. “It can be horrific up here, but Terry did a remarkable job,” said Shellie.

The designer suggested turning the west-facing balcony into a sculpture garden — “The first planters I put there ended up slammed against the wall,” said Shellie — and secured pieces in heavy pots or beds of large smooth rocks. >

ON A HIGH WALL ABOVE THE KITCHEN, HANG ABORIGINAL MASKS BY TONY HUNT JR. THEY INCLUDE A BEAR, EAGLE AND TSONOQUA (WILD WOMAN OF THE WOODS). “WHEN WE SAW THE LIGHTS ALONG THAT WALL WE KNEW IT WAS PERFECT FOR THESE MASKS,” SAID SHELLIE.

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 23

“It was a real challenge with all-day, full sun and wild winds,” said LeBlanc. “The first day I filled patio containers with earth and the wind blew it out all over the deck,” but she conferred with a well-known gardener who specializes in burning hot, windy environments in the Southern Hemisphere, in New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia, “and I’m happy to say after a year, the deck garden has turned out to be very beautiful and unique.”

Shellie loves every room, especially her kitchen, which is ideal for entertaining, although the owner of Il Terrazzo often has her restaurant cater for large parties. “I just lay everything out on the table and the neolith counter, which is a dream,” said Shellie, who was born and raised here, and worked as a bartender before starting several restaurants.

She became interested in Aboriginal art after opening 5th St. Bar & Grill (she sold it six years ago) where Tony Hunt became a frequent customer. She collected his prints and one day he offered to make her a pole. “I was incredibly honoured.

We came to an arrangement and he included my husband in the carving …. It was a surreal experience.” >28

24 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

THE TOTEM POLE MADE

BY CHIEF TONY HUNT — WITH HELP FROM HIS SON, GRANDSON AND ALSO MIKE GUDGEON — IS FROM THE SAME 400-YEAR-OLD YELLOW CEDAR TREE THAT HUNT CARVED FOR A GOVERNMENT HOUSE POLE.

TC FILE PHOTO

TONY HUNT WAS BORN IN 1942 AT THE KWAKWAKA’WAKW COMMUNITY OF ALERT BAY, AND WAS THE OLDEST OF SIX SONS OF HENRY HUNT AND HELEN HUNT. THE YOUTH RECEIVED EARLY TRAINING FROM HIS MATERNAL GRANDFATHER MUNGO MARTIN. THROUGH HIS MATERNAL LINE, HUNT WAS A HEREDITARY CHIEF OF THE KWAKWAKA’WAKW.

The Chief’s Seat A TONY HUNT MASTERPIECE

CHIEF TONY HUNT SR.

waakw wakwaka’wakw artist arti is Tony Hunt made this se settee out of ttwo-inch i h thi thick red cedar, then painted and inlaid it with operculum shells.

Called a chief’s seat, or settee, it was used in traditional ceremonies from Fort Rupert to Thunderbird Park, recalled the hereditary chief’s partner, Gwen Gold, to whom he dictated notes to in 2015.

It has a split raven design on the back as well as raven heads and wings on the arms. He made four chief’s seats and the other three are in the Royal B.C. Museum, the Field Museum in Chicago and Denver Art Museum.

— Grania Litwin

Capital p HOME H OME E WINTER 22018 018 | 25

26 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

ROYAL BLUE VELVET CHAIRS FROM CHINTZ AND CO. FRAME THE FIREPLACE. THE PAINTING ABOVE IS HER FAVOURITE, CALLED NEST, BY ANGELA HEMMINGS. AT LEFT, TWO PAINTINGS BY TED HARRISON, AT RIGHT A PAUL JORGENSEN.

MIKE GUDGEON INHERITED THIS MING DYNASTY CHAIR (CIRCA EARLY 1700S) FROM HIS GRANDPARENTS. CHERISHED HEIRLOOMS SUCH AS THIS WERE AMONG PIECES THE OWNERS BROUGHT TO THE NEW CONDO. IT WAS REUPHOLSTERED IN CREAM VELVET. ABOVE THE DOOR IS A PAINTING OF AUTUMN TREES BY ROD CHARLESWORTH.

A VIOLIN PAINTED

BY TED HARRISON WAS BOUGHT AT A FUND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RAISING EVENT.

THE ENTRY HAS A BRIGHT PERSIAN CARPET, WALL-LEANING MIRROR, FUNKY HAND CHAIR AND A LIGHT THAT LOOKS LIKE TREE BRANCHES. Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 27

THE BED IS FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE AND THE MATTRESS FROM FAWCETT MATTRESS IN ROCK BAY. “THE BEST WE’VE EVER SLEPT ON,” SAID SHELLIE GUDGEON OF THE ORGANIC MATTRESS. BEYOND IS THE DRESSING ROOM, WITH A LARGE CRYSTAL-LIKE SCULPTURE ON THE TABLE, AND ABOVE THE DOOR ARTWORKS BY CHERYL TAVES.

Moving to The Shutters has been surreal, too, a journey from heritage to modern, from the ground to the sky. “We did a 180 degree turn, and went from black to white, but this is our forever home now. It feels timeless here.

“Our children were not happy about leaving the family home initially, but after our first dinner here they realized home is where mum and dad are.

“Our previous heritage house was drafty, expensive to look after and requiring constant fixing up.

“This is a lot less work,” she said with a chuckle. CH

GIANT MASTER ENSUITE HAS HIGH PIANO WINDOWS, TO GIVE LIGHT AND PRIVACY AS THE OUTDOOR CORRIDOR RUNS ALONG THAT SIDE. THIS SPACE WAS A HUGE SELLING FEATURE FOR THE OWNERS. A STEAM SHOWER IS AT LEFT, AND DRESSING TABLE AND STORAGE AROUND TO THE RIGHT.

28 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

ABOVE: AN ACRYLIC CUBE MADE BY BRUCE BEASLEY GLOWS MYSTERIOUSLY. SUSPENDED INSIDE, IS WHAT LOOKS LIKE A PIECE OF SHIMMERING ANTI MATTER.

2018 CARE AWARDS

of Vancouver Island

CONSTRUCTION ACHIEVEMENTS AND RENOVATIONS OF EXCELLENCE

2018 CARE Awards Gold Winners

The GOLD Awards were presented on Saturday, Sept. 29th

Abstract Developments Bowcey Construction Ltd. Christopher Developments Inc. Città Group Clarkston Construction Draycor Construction Ltd. Everise Developments Ltd. Goodison Construction Ltd. Griffin Properties Ltd. GT Mann Contracting Ltd. Hobson Woodworks Jason Good Custom Cabinets Inc. Java Designs Jenny Martin Design KB Design Limona Group Mari Kushino Design Michelle Matte Interiors

Mike Geric Construction Ltd. Pacific Coast Land Inc. Pacific Concept Developments Patriot Homes Philco Construction Roads’End Contracting Ryan Hoyt Designs Scala Developments Seba Construction Ltd. South Shore Cabinetry Spaciz Design Studio Terry Johal Developments Thomas Philips Woodworking Verity Construction Victoria Design Group Westhills Land Corp.

Zebra Group

Special Achievement Winners

John Sercombe, Limona Group Mike Dalton, Città Group Built Green Canada BC Housing in partnership with Vancouver Island Health Authority and Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Society

2018 Sponsors

GOLD

SILVER MEDIA

National Home Warranty/Aviva CTV | Times Colonist | Yellow Sheet Construction Data

www.careawards.ca

vrba.ca

ROBLIN S NEST ROBLIN’S

An Artist’s Lair COLOUR, LIGHT AND LINES PROVIDE A TRANQUIL FEEL TO COWICHAN VALLEY HOME 30 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

RICHARD ROBLIN’S PAINTING, FIRST SIGHT, IS HUNG HORIZONTALLY IN HIS STUDIO.

TEXT: GRANIA LITWIN

PHOTOS: DEBRA BRASH

A LONG, BROAD HALL LEADS TO THE STUDIO AND IS DIVIDED FROM THE LIVING AREA BY A TWO-METRE WIDE JAPANESE-STYLE SLIDING SHOJI SCREEN. RICHARD MADE THIS ONE, NOT WITH PAPER, BUT WITH OPAQUE GLASS. THE TALL BROWN BAMBOO BASKET IN THE FOREGROUND WOULD HAVE BEEN USED FOR CATCHING SHRIMP IN INDONESIA.

THE STUDIO HAS TWO LEVELS: ON THE MEZZANINE OR UPPER LEVEL IS THE OFFICE, WITH COMPUTER AND SHELVES, WHILE ON THE LOWER LEVEL IS THE WORKSPACE. A PIVOT DOOR IN THE DISTANCE LEADS TO A TERRACE. A LONG DESK COVERED IN FIR IS WHERE THE ARTIST WORKS ON HIS GIANT CANVASSES.

FAR LEFT: TUBES OF ACRYLIC PAINT, READY TO BE USED ON HIS DESK.

I

t’s not surprising to find the Cowichan Valley home of internationally regarded artist Richard Roblin is as boldly colourful and dashingly confident as the abstract painter himself, with golden floors, Milky Way bright walls and giant abstract swirls and spheres that drift along the walls like solar systems.

The interiors are like his paintings and feature layer upon layer of light and texture that play off each other, from the glossy stainless-steel counters and gleaming black hearth to a dropped fir ceiling that frames the living room.

The home’s exterior is unpretentious, almost folksy in its appeal, and it is tucked quietly into a Duncan subdivision, offering no hint of the subtle yet stellar style inside.

“We wanted it to conform perfectly to the neighbourhood architecture, so it is very > Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 31

We have representatives from across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island dedicated to helping clients accomplish their real estate dreams.

" **

))

&'$#!( # %'( "

&DQDGLDQ 2ZQHG DQG 2SHUDWHG ( 2 ( 7KLV LQIRUPDWLRQ LV IURP VRXUFHV ZKLFK ZH GHHP UHOLDEOH EXW PXVW EH YHULÄ&#x2020;HG E\ SURVSHFWLYH 3XUFKDVHUV DQG PD\ EH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH RU ZLWKGUDZDO

ROBLIN S NEST ROBLIN’S

modest outside — but brilliant, extravagant and coherent inside,” said his wife, adding with a chuckle that it’s a little like the charmed tent in the Harry Potter story, magically larger and more interesting on the inside than it appears to be outside.

Eve and Richard were born on the Prairies, but met in Montreal in 1975 and lived there for three decades before moving to the

Berkshires while he was exhibiting in New York. They lived there for seven years before moving to Cowichan Valley.

They have travelled extensively around this continent, Europe, India and especially Japan, from where they have drawn much of their inspiration. “The extraordinary richness that I experience in Japan has had a powerful impact on my life and work,” said Richard,

RICHARD ROBLIN’S CANVAS, WAVE LENGTH, HANGING ON THE DINING ROOM WALL, IS ALMOST TWO METRES SQUARE. THE COMPOSITION IS ECHOED IN AN INGO MAURER LIGHT FIXTURE THAT HOVERS OVER THE TABLE LIKE A SPACE SHIP AND SEEMS TO VIBRATE WITH WAVES, TOO.

THE ITALIAN DINING TABLE, WITH GLASS TOP AND LEATHER BASE, FLOATS OVER HIGHLY POLISHED, SOLID MAPLE FLOORS MADE FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS IN FRANCE.

> Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 33

Victoria Blinds & Closets 755 Vanalman Avenue Unit 8 Victoria

250-590-8060 vicbc.ca & * ! %( " & / " &

0

! # & ( $ & )& ' " # ")" $ ! $) (( . &$) (( . ) (( . $& $## (( . + ( $+ & +. $($& - ( $# # $+ & +. ) # & * & ( ! ( % &( % ( # & ( ! &' $#!, For full details, visit hunterdouglas.ca

34 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

PROUD SUPPORTER OF

who began drawing and painting as a young child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the impact of the Oriental aesthetic remains and can be seen in this home.â&#x20AC;?

Over the years, he studied many of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional arts, calligraphy and textile dying techniques, and developed a love of the simple shoji paper screens, which he has employed in his home along with ďŹ&#x201A;oors from sustainable forests in France. Richard built all his homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screens including a large one at the entrance to his studio, which slides wide allowing light to pass through the main hall.

While his canvases vibrate with colour and intensity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and have been exhibited and collected by galleries and museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Roblin

ROBLIN S NEST ROBLIN’S

KITCHEN CLOSEUP. “THIS IS THE BEST KITCHEN I’VE EVER HAD,” SAID EVE. “IT’S SO FUNCTIONAL, BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS WITHIN REACH, JUST A FEW STEPS AWAY.” HERE THE COUNTERTOPS ARE A PALE GREEN BAMBOO SHADE OF ARBORITE.

THE MIRROR-BRIGHT KITCHEN COUNTER IS MADE OF POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL. WHITE LACQUERED CABINETRY AND STAINLESS APPLIANCES CREATE A SMOOTH TRANSITION WITH THE LIVING ROOM. THE ANTIQUE JAPANESE TEAPOT IS CAST IRON. EIGHT WINDOWS ARE ARRANGED ACROSS THE WALL AND END IN CORNER WINDOWS, ALLOWING EXTRA VIEWS AND MORE LIGHT.

house is calm, intimate and serene, a perfect foil for his art.

Although the main living area is an open-concept design, he used various ceiling heights to “sculpt the rooms, creating both separation and connection.”

“Richard designed and envisioned every aspect of the home,” said Eve, who pointed to the living room carpets as an example.

They are from his Artwalk Series, a textile grouping that he designed and had made in Mongolia, woven from wool and silk in bold geometrics.

In every room the visitor’s eye is enticed by his love of the horizontal line: whether it’s the row of windows over the kitchen counter, the wide hearth, broad fir-topped counter in the master bathroom, or long narrow shoji screen beside the soaker tub.

“I love to play with colour and form, with the dynamics of luminosity,” said Richard, adding with a smile that when he creates a painting he feels like a dancer leaping onto a stage, where all possibilities take shape. > THE STAINLESS STEEL COUNTER ON THE KITCHEN PENINSULA IS HIGHLY POLISHED AND DURABLE, AND ADDS ANOTHER LAYER OF REFLECTION IN THE HOUSE.

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 35

'LOLJHQW ([SHULHQFHG 5HOLDEOH (YHU\ GD\ \RXU 5($/725 ® JRHV WR ZRUN IRU \RX

%X\LQJ D KRPH LV SUREDEO\ RQH RI WKH ELJJHVW Ã&#x20AC;QDQFLDO WUDQVDFWLRQV \RX·OO PDNH LQ \RXU OLIH *HW H[SHUW KHOS IURP \RXU 9LFWRULD 5HDOWRU WKHQ HQMR\ \RXU VSDFH Get started at vreb.org

ROBLIN S NEST ROBLIN’S THE BLOOD-ORANGE SOFA, CREATED BY INFORM INTERIORS, HAS OCHRE CUSHIONS AND CONVERTS INTO A BED. THE BLACK LEATHER ARMCHAIR IS A CLASSIC 1927 DESIGN BY EILEEN GRAY, CALLED THE TRANSAT CHAIR.

His architectural inspiration comes from the simple, clean lines of American Frank Lloyd Wright, Mexican architect and engineer Luis Barragán and Japanese architect Tadao Ando — as well as the French artist Matisse. Influences from all these are evident throughout the modernist, 1,900-square-foot home that fuses his love of painting, sculpture and design with his passion for architecture.

The living room’s black-framed fireplace, for instance, is satisfyingly offset on the chimney rather than placed dead centre, yet it remains balanced by its position on the midline of the wall itself. The gleaming black hearth below is generously wide, a cantilevered slab that runs from hall to wall.

The fireplace’s square outline forms one of three cubes aligned at an ascending angle on the wall, which pull the eye up to the vaulted ceiling and skylight, where a horizontal band of fir intersects, drawing the eye horizontally again.

This dropped ceiling circles the living room and kitchen. “We used to call it the catwalk,” said Eve, as their feline enjoyed travelling through the room on its own elevated highway. A slender element, it adds a comforting, snug feeling to the space and in the evening its hidden lighting system creates a soft halo effect.

Pure white walls are a perfect neutral background for the art and the building takes

RICHARD DESIGNED THE LIVING-ROOM CARPET, AS WELL AS THE DROPPED CEILING, WHICH INCORPORATES LIGHTING AND RUNS AROUND THIS ROOM. “WE USED TO CALL IT THE CATWALK,” SAID EVE, WHO HAD A CAT CALLED ANGEL THAT LOVED MEANDERING AROUND UP THERE. BEYOND THE FRENCH DOORS IS ONE OF SEVERAL OUTDOOR TERRACES.

>40 Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 37

ROBLIN S NEST ROBLIN’S

THE MASTER BATH IS PAVED IN PORCELAIN TILE AND BEHIND THE SINK AND SHOWER IS A WALL OF TURQUOISE GLASS. THE VESSEL SINK IS ITALIAN, AND THE FLOORS ARE HEATED. A SCULPTURE BY THE FERN IS FROM EVE’S GRANDPARENT’S GARDEN ON BEACH DRIVE. IT USED TO BE A FOUNTAIN.

A SLIM WINDOW NEXT TO THE SOAKER TUB HAS A SHOJI SCREEN, MADE BY RICHARD, THAT OPENS ONTO A ROCK GARDEN. HE AND HIS WIFE, EVE, ARE KEEN ON JAPANESE DESIGN AND AESTHETICS.

“I LOVE THIS BATHROOM, IT HAS JUST THE RIGHT PROPORTIONS,” SAID EVE, OF THEIR MASTER ENSUITE THAT HAS A LARGE, GLASS WALLED SHOWER AND LONG STORAGE UNIT.

38 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

ROBLIN S NEST ROBLIN’S A BOOKCASE IN THE MASTER BEDROOM IS TUCKED BEHIND THE DOOR. THE BLACK CHAIR IS BY VIENNESE DESIGNER JOSEF HOFFMANN, AND THE ART IS RICHARD’S PIECE CALLED AWAKENING, WHICH JUXTAPOSES THE ABSTRACT GEOMETRIC SHAPES OF A SPIRAL AND A SQUARE.

THE MASTER BEDROOM CLOSETS ARE BY IKEA AND FITTED WITH SEMIOPAQUE GLASS, THAT ADDS DEPTH AND REFLECTION. THE WOVEN BASKETS ABOVE ARE FROM AROUND THE WORD.

40 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

full advantage of natural light as it is constructed on an east-west axis.

The front door and kitchen face due east for morning sun, the dining room opens to the south, the living and bedroom face the setting sun, and the studio is oriented to that preferred direction of all artists: north.

“It is really fabulous living in this house,” noted Eve. It is a rancher style — except for the studio that is five steps down and combined with four-metre high ceilings — and Richard consciously designed the views from every room, to lure the eye into the garden and integrate nature into the house.

French doors in the dining room lead to a terrace, as do double doors in the living room. A large, pivoting glass door in the studio allows access to a bamboo-fringed courtyard, and the mezzanine office opens onto a trellised outdoor seating area. The master suite leads onto a Japanese stone garden and adjacent terrace.

The couple explained they wanted to experience the wonderful climate of south Vancouver Island “to the utmost,” by accessing it from every main room in the house., and although they live minimally in their tranquil home, they enjoy the extravagant natural environment to the fullest.

Romance

!

Amy and Tim

THE ROBLINS CHOSE GOOD TASK LIGHTING FOR READING, AND CREATED A BEDROOM WITH WHITE WALLS, BEDDING AND DRESSER. â&#x20AC;&#x153;WE ENJOY THE MANY KINDS OF LUMINOUS WHITE,â&#x20AC;? SAID EVE.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fully appreciate the Mediterranean climate of the Cowichan Valley and the congenial lifestyle here,â&#x20AC;? said Richard, who is still working at age 78 and was recently featured in a show at the Gallerie Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orsay in Boston, along with works by Spanish painter and sculptor Joan Miro. CH

THE ARTIST AND HOMEOWNER; RICHARD ROBLIN

160 East Burnside Road, Victoria |

wilkstove.com

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 41

DUCK CONFIT INDULGE YOURSELF WITH THIS FRENCH PALATE PLEASER

THESE DAYS IT’S MORE COMMON JUST TO CONFIT THE LEGS OF THE BIRD.

W

henever I see duck confit on a menu, I become distracted and find it hard to focus on any other dish listed. All I can think about is how moist, tender, rich and succulent that duck will be and my desire to have it as soon as possible.

Yes, duck confit can be that good, but ensuring it has all those palate-pleasing qualities takes time and some planning ahead.

It’s for those reasons that I normally enjoy duck confit out at a restaurant, or buy it prepared, ready to heat and eat, from a butcher shop or fine-food store selling it. When I get a craving for it, I want to have it now, not days from now, which is how long it can take to prepare.

On special occasions, though, such as when I’m hosting a festive dinner during the Christmas season, I do plan ahead and make it myself. My guests are always impressed that I took the time to do so and evidence of that are the happy smiles I see around the dinner table when they devour my duck confit.

According to Michael Ruhlman’s book, The Elements of Cooking, confit, the French term for preserving, refers to a very old cooking/preservation technique that sees meat salted a day or more. It is then rinsed, cooked gently in fat until tender, and then cooled, stored and preserved in that fat.

When ready to serve, the meat is removed from the fat and heated.

With regard to duck, traditionally a whole bird would be prepared in this fashion. But these days it’s more common just to confit the legs of the bird, which is what I normally do.

42 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

During the salting (also called curing) process, the duck is also flavoured with other ingredients, such as garlic, spices and herbs.

When the salting process is done, the duck is rinsed to ensure it does not have an overly salty taste when cooked in the fat.

That fat is usually melted duck fat, but I don’t regularly keep a bucket of duck fat on hand. If you don’t either, you’ll be happy to know that olive oil can also be used to make duck confit, as I did in my recipe.

To confit the duck legs, set them in a cooking vessel and cover them with olive oil. You then cover and slowly cook the legs in a 200 F oven for several hours. You use such a low temperature to ensure the oil does not rapidly bubble and cause the duck legs to fall apart

as they cook and become divinely tender.

When tender, as noted above, the duck legs are cooled and then kept in the oil/fat in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.

You can make a fancy plated dinner by roasting the duck confit legs and serving them with a sauce and side dishes, as I did in my second recipe: duck confit with potato pancakes, kale and mustard sauce.

You can also pull the meat off the duck legs and slice and use it in all sorts of other tasty ways. In the past, I’ve used that sublime duck meat on pizzas and hot crostini, in tacos and sliders, in pastas and risotto, and even scrambled eggs.

In other words, add it to any food you think will benefit from having, tender, tasty bits of duck in it.

c

S

CONFIT, the French term for preserving 1

2

3

4

5

How to Make DUCK CONFIT

I

n a sided dish, salt and ďŹ&#x201A;avour the duck legs as noted in the recipe.

Cover, refrigerate and cure the legs 24 to 36 hours.

Pull off any thyme (or rosemary), bay leaf and garlic attached to the duck legs. Now rinse each leg under cold water to remove excess salt on them.

Thoroughly pat each duck leg dry and then set, skin-side-up, in your cooking vessel.

Pour the warm olive oil over the duck.

Cover and cook the duck in a 200 F oven ďŹ ve hours, or until the legs are very tender, but still holding their shape. Cool duck in the oil to room temperature. Now cover, refrigerate and keep the duck in the oil until ready reheat and serve.

>

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 43

DUCK CONFIT in /LIVE /IL

A

day of curing, followed by slow cooking in olive oil, turn the duck legs in this recipe into a most succulent food. Roast and serve the legs as an entrĂŠe or use the meat from the duck in other dishes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus salting and refrigeration time Cooking time: about ďŹ ve hours 40 minutes Makes: six (one leg each) servings s TO GRAM FROZEN DUCK LEGS

THAWED SEE .OTE s 4BSP KOSHER OR COARSE SEA SALT DIVIDED DO NOT USE lNE SALT s TSP COARSELY GROUND BLACK PEPPER DIVIDED s FRESH SPRIGS THYME OR ROSEMARY EACH HALVED DIVIDED s LARGE GARLIC CLOVES THINLY SLICED DIVIDED s BAY LEAVES EACH BROKEN INTO THREE OR FOUR PIECES DIVIDED s LITRE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL PLUS MORE IF needed

Planning to build a new home?

Van Isle Windows manufactures in Victoria for new construction, residential and multi-family units too. Call Van Isle Windows and ask for Ted Bednarski, our New Construction Specialist.

44 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of the salt, and 1/2 tsp of the pepper, in the bottom of a sided dish just large enough to hold the duck legs in a fairly tight, single layer. Scatter half the thyme (or rosemary), garlic and bay leaf on top of that salt and pepper.

Thoroughly pat each duck leg dry (I used paper towel). Now set the duck legs, skin-side up, on top of the salt and other ingredients in the dish.

Sprinkle duck evenly with remaining salt and pepper. Scatter remaining thyme (or rosemary), garlic and bay leaf on the duck. Cover, refrigerate and cure the duck for 24 to 36 hours, depending on how much time you have.

When the duck legs are done curing, preheat the oven to 200 F. Pour the 1 litre of olive oil in a pot, set over medium-low heat and warm to about 225 F.

c

S

DUCK CONFIT with Potato Pancakes, Kale and Mustard Sauce

T

ENJOY TREATING YOUR GUESTS WITH THIS HOLIDAY FAVOURITE.

Pull off any thyme (or rosemary), bay leaf and garlic attached to the duck legs. Now rinse each duck leg under cold water to remove any salt on it. Thoroughly pat each duck leg dry, and then set, skin-side-up, in a casserole, Dutch oven or roasting pan just large enough to hold the duck legs in a fairly tight, single layer.

Pour the 1 litre warm oil over the duck.

Pour in a bit more oil if much of the top part of the duck is not covered by it. (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay if the duck is not quite completely submerged, as the legs will sink in the oil as it cooks).

Tightly cover and cook duck in the oven ďŹ ve hours, or until the meat is tender, but is still holding its shape.

Remove duck from oven and cool to room temperature. Now cover the cooking vessel, refrigerate and keep the duck in the oil until ready to serve. The duck legs can be stored this way for several days (see Eric options).

When ready to serve the duck, preheat the oven to 425 F. Remove the fat surrounding the duck and set the legs, skin-side-up, in a large, shallow sided roasted pan. Roast the duck for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and the skin is crisp and golden.

Note: Frozen duck legs are sold at many supermarkets and butcher shops. However, it is best to call ahead to the places you shop to ensure they have them. You can thaw them by setting them in a single layer on a sided baking sheet in the refrigerator overnight. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to do that, you could also thaw them by submerging them, still in their original packaging, in a sink of cold water.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take about two hours to thaw. %RIC S OPTIONS After the duck has cooled in the oil and been refrigerated overnight, you could freeze the legs, to thaw and reheat at another time. To do so, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, now remove the legs from the oil and set on the baking sheet, not touching. Set the baking sheet in the freezer.

When the legs are frozen solid, individually wrap them, date and label, and keep them frozen until needed. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep at least three months. The oil leftover from cooking the duck could also be frozen in tubs. I use that leftover oil for roasting or sautĂŠing potatoes and other vegetables.

ender, succulent duck served on a wilted kale topped potato pancake and adorned with a Dijon mustard-ďŹ&#x201A;avoured sauce. You could serve the duck with another cooked vegetable, such as small carrots with a bit of their tops still attached.

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: About 30 minutes Makes: six servings s PREPARED DUCK CONlT LEGS SEE $UCK #ONlT IN /LIVE /IL RECIPE AND %RIC S OPTIONS s CUPS CHICKEN STOCK s 4BSP ALL PURPOSE mOUR s 4BSP $IJON MUSTARD s CUP CRĂ&#x2019;ME FRAĂ&#x201D;CHE SEE .OTE s SALT AND WHITE PEPPER TO TASTE s LARGE KALE LEAVES TOUGH CENTRE RIB REMOVED

AND THEN COARSELY CHOPPED s PREPARED POTATOES PANCAKES

Set an oven rack in the centre of the oven. Position another one in lower part of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Remove the oil/fat surrounding the duck legs and set them, skin-side-up, in large, shallow sided roasted pan. Roast the legs, in the centre of the oven, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and the skin is crispy and golden.

Place the potato pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then set them aside for now.

While duck roasts, make sauce by placing the stock and ďŹ&#x201A;our in a small pot. Whisk well to combine.

Place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

Lower heat until sauce is gently simmering. Simmer ďŹ ve minutes. Whisk in the mustard and crème > Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 45

c

S

45> fraiche. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Cover sauce and remove from the heat (see Eric’s options).

Bring 1/8-inch of water to a boil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the kale, season with salt and pepper, and cooked until it wilts, but is still bright green, about two to three minutes.

Cover kale and keep warm over low heat.

When the duck has roasted 20 minutes, set the baking sheet with potato pancakes on it in the lower part of the oven to warm up.

When duck and potatoes are ready, set the sauce over medium heat and return to a simmer.

To serve, set a potato pancake on each of six warmed dinner plates. Drain liquid from the kale, and then top each potato pancake with some of it. Now set a duck leg on each pancake. Top each duck leg with some of the sauce and serve.

Note: Crème fraîche is sold in small tubs in the dairy case of some supermarkets. I used Liberté brand. If you can’t find it, replace it with sour cream or whipping cream. %RIC S OPTIONS You can make the mustard sauce many hours before needed. To do so, after you whisked in the mustard and crème fraîche, cool it to room temperature, cover and refrigerated until needed. When needed, bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat, season with salt and pepper and its ready to pour over the duck when plated.

If you don’t wish to confit your own duck legs to roast and use in this recipe, you could buy them ready to reheat at food businesses selling them.

In Greater Victoria they include Village Butcher, Farm and Field Butchers, Ottavio Bakery and Delicatessen, and Save on Foods.

I TO SERVE WITH DUCK CONFIT

Potato Pancakes

T

hese savoury cakes go great with duck confit, wilted kale and the rich mustard sauce served with them.

Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: six to eight minutes Makes: six pancakes s MEDIUM TO LARGE BAKING POTATOES ABOUT GRAMS PEELED AND COARSELY GRATED s GREEN ONIONS VERY THINLY SLICED s LARGE EGG BEATEN s 4BSP ALL PURPOSE mOUR s 4BSP LIGHT CREAM OR MILK s PINCH DRIED THYME s SALT AND WHITE PEPPER TO TASTE s VEGETABLE OIL FOR COOKING

asked Cook St. Liquor (cookstliquor.com) wine expert Ame De Paoli for suggestions on what wines to serve with duck confit. Below are her three top picks along with her tasting notes. All prices include tax and deposit.

LE GOULEYANT 2016 CAHORS ( $ 23.00) It makes sense to serve duck confit with a wine from the country this food method originated, such as this one from the Occitanie region of France. Cahors its made from Malbec grapes and produces a medium to full-bodied, fairly grippy wine. Served with duck confit, the tannin will soften from the protein and fat, leaving you with nice dark fruit and earth notes.

ARC DU RHONE 2012 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGE ( $17.00) This full-bodied wine is warm and rich with the structure to stand up to the duck confit. The acidity is balanced with earth, mushroom and black currant notes, matching up well with the big flavours of the duck.

TRAVIGNOLI 2015 CHIANTI RUFINA ( $ 23.00) This Italian wine has great acidity and will cut right thought the fatty, richness of the duck and take you gently through the end of the meal. It is also a great palate cleanser, with enough weight to stand up to the intense flavours of the duck.

46 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

COMING SOON 34 NEW HOMES

Place the grated potatoes in a bowl and rinse with cold water until the water in the bowl becomes clear. Set potatoes in a large sieve, thoroughly drain, and ďŹ rmly press and squeeze out the excess water in them. Now thoroughly dry potatoes on paper towel.

Place the potatoes in a clean bowl, add the green onions, egg, ďŹ&#x201A;our, cream (or milk), thyme, salt and pepper, and mix well to combine.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil on a large nonstick griddle set to, or over, medium, mediumhigh heat (see Ericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s options).

Place 1/2 cup amounts of the potato mixture on the griddle and spread them out into four-inch round cakes. Cook the potato pancakes three to four minutes per side, or until rich golden and cooked.

Drain the pancakes on paper towel, and then set on the baking sheet. Use as directed in the Duck ConďŹ t with Potato Pancakes, Kale and Mustard Sauce recipe. %RIC S OPTIONS If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a large griddle, you could cook the pancakes in a large nonstick skillet set over medium, medium-high heat, working in batches if needed.

The potato pancakes can be made several hours in advance, cooled, covered and kept in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.

Eric Akis is the author of eight cookbooks, including seven in his Everyone Can Cook series.

His columns appear in the Times Colonist twice a week. CH

AURARESIDENCES.COM This is not an offer for sale. An offer for sale can only be made in conjunction with a Disclosure Statement. E & OE.

EAKIS TIMESCOLONIST COM

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 47

TRAVEL Iceland

VIEW OF REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

PRIKID, IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN, IS BILLED AS REYKJAVIK’S OLDEST COFFEE HOUSE.

48 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

W

hen author George R.R. Martin called his Game of Thrones series A Song of Ice and Fire, I like to imagine he had just returned from Iceland, burning with inspiration and erupting with ideas.

For if ever there was a place that sang ice and fire in body, soul and sagas, it would have to be Iceland.

This island country, inches from the Arctic Circle, is all about glaciers, volcanoes, gushing geysers, waterfalls and the intrepid Vikings who happened upon this dramatic landscape more than 1,000 years ago.

But it’s no longer the remote location first settled by that early Nordic culture.

After the banking crash of 2008 left the country’s economy in tatters, Iceland put much of its energies into building its tourism sector. Locals would often tell us Iceland now gets two million visitors a year. And with a construction boom in the capital, Reykjavik, they’re eager to welcome more guests to their shores.

The national airline, Icelandair, is expanding its reach and that’s how our family of three from Victoria — two middle-age parents and our almost-17year-old son — found ourselves on a week’s holiday in Iceland in late August.

Somehow, it was the one place on the planet the three of us could agree opon, partly based on the fact that we are all Game of Thrones fans. We knew that several scenes from the hit HBO series were filmed in Iceland, so A Game of Thrones day-trip was high on our must-do list.

We took Icelandair out of Vancouver on a direct, overnight flight to Reykjavik.

Landing at dawn and taking a shuttle bus into town from packed Keflavik International Airport, we passed through a surreal landscape of vast lava fields and moss-covered plains as we skirted the darkly intense North Atlantic. It felt as if we’d landed on another planet.

Coming from Victoria, which had been under a smoky sky from B.C.’s

TEXT: ROOPA GHOSH

LETTING YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD IN THE LAND OF ICE AND FIRE

wildfires, meant the clean, fresh sea air of Iceland was a welcome antidote. It was ironic to learn that Reykjavik translates to “smoky bay.” Luckily for us, Mount Hekla (a.k.a. “Gateway to Hell”) and her sister volcanoes were all calm during our stay.

Driving the coastal Ringroad circling the country is a popular activity (the interior is largely barren and uninhabitable), but we filled most of our stay with guided tours covering the south and southwest coast. It is Iceland’s main tourist zone, but don’t let that be a turnoff.

The Golden Circle’s Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and, further on, Solheimajokull glacier, the black >

HEADING TOWARD ICELAND’S MAIN CHURCH, HALLGRIMSKIRKJA, WHERE VISITORS ARE GREETED BY A STATUE OF LEIFUR EIRIKSSON, CONSIDERED TO HAVE BEEN THE FIRST EXPLORER TO REACH NORTH AMERICA. Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 49

ICELANDIC HORSES, ADORABLY PONY-SIZED BY NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS, ARE A UNIQUE BREED AND ARE WELL PROTECTED TO ENSURE THEIR SURVIVAL.

100% pure wool, take-anywhere Glerups give a warm welcome to cold feet.

glerups.ca

637 Fort Street, Victoria, BC

MOST FARMING ON ICELAND IS ABOUT RAISING ANIMALS BECAUSE GRASS IS ABOUT ALL YOU CAN GROW ON THE THIN, POOR SOIL.

sands and basalt columns of ReynishverďŹ and Vik, and vast stretches of volcanic desert all offer the drama of an otherworldly experience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty impressive when a teen can be awestruck by the umpteenth waterfall of the day, with names such as Skogarfoss and Seljalandsfoss .

Most Icelanders are ďŹ&#x201A;uent in English and we were grateful for that. The Icelandic language is hard!

Reykjavik, where most Icelanders live, has the advantages of North American lifestyle and European charm. Its intimate layout made for easy viewing, and although cars, public buses and taxis were plentiful, we had no need for them.

The standout church, Hallgrimskirkja, is a convenient city marker, with just about any place you want to get to in the capital an inviting walk past lakes, grassy knolls and colourful shopping districts. When you tire, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always an inviting cafĂŠ just around the corner.

We came across a wide selection of boutique hotels, hostels and guesthouses in the city centre.

We were booked into the Radisson Blu Saga, across the street from the expansive University of Iceland. The 12-minute stroll to the city centre took us past a neighbourhood bakery â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where we indulged in the Icelandic version of doughnuts (crispier than North American ones) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; then on >

50 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

NESTING PUFFIN COLONIES WERE THE HIGHLIGHT FOR MY BIRDER HUSBAND.

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 51

TRAVEL Iceland THERE ARE MANY DRAMATIC 7!4%2&!,,3 ). 3/54(%2. )#%,!.$ VIEWPOINT FROM BEHIND SELJALANDSFOSS.

GULFOSS - THE GOLDEN FALLS. FAMOUSLY USED IN THE OPENING SCENE OF THE MOVIE PROMETHEUS.

“FOSS” IS ICELANDIC FOR WATERFALL 52 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

SKOGARFOSS, WITH A DROP OF MORE THAN 60 METRES, SPREADS A THIN MIST.

SAVARTIFOSS, VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK

to the National Museum for a well-designed introduction to Icelandic history. We passed through a lovingly tended cemetery, with graves dating to the early 1800s, where we had fun reciting Nordic names.

Approaching the city centre, we came upon the Settlement Exhibition, a modest building that houses impressive remnants of an early Viking farmhouse. The display showcases what Reykjavik looked like about 1000 AD. The land had been home to widespread birch forests until the Vikings came and chopped most of them down.

When the people arrived in Iceland from Norway, they did not have to conquer, colonize or overpower because there was no native population to subjugate. It is amazing what they have created out of this rough, wild, beautiful land, and today’s Viking descendants still seem proud to remain true to their roots — big on farming and fishing, knitting iconic sweaters and paying homage to their sagas.

One of the big late-summer traditions was starting — the roundup of huge numbers of sheep to be brought back to their home farms after a season spent grazing in the mountains. Icelandic lamb is justifiably famous and it gave rise to what is one of my favourite advertising slogans: “Roaming free since 874.” >

Greater Victoria’s Builder of Choice Custom Homes and Renovations Beautiful and functional spaces are our specialty.

Let LIDA Homes design team create the interior of your dreams!

778-440-5432 www.lidahomes.ca

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 53

THE GEOTHERMAL FIELD THAT IS HOME TO GEYSIR, ON THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

RUSTIC AND SIMPLE SECRET LAGOON, JUST ONE OF MANY GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS DOTTING THE COUNTRY.

We were surprised at how exquisite the food in Iceland was, much of it thanks to extensive greenhouse farming. Whether it was the Blu Saga’s breakfast and dinner buffets or the smorgasbord-style lunch stops on our day trips, the focus is on fresh fish and seafood, smoked salmon, soups, open-face sandwiches, delicious breads, cheese and, of course, lamb. It was the first time we’d heard of lamb bacon. Wow! For anyone with a sweet tooth, skyr — the Icelandic version of yogurt — desserts using apples, jams of local rhubarb and blueberry and chocolatecovered licorice are mouthwatering.

Our standout day trip was, of course, the Game of Thrones tour — a thrilling day of picturing Daenerys Targaryen flying her dragons and plotting revenge, the Hound at the Bloody Gate with Arya Stark and Jon Snow getting passionate with Ygritte.

54 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

What was truly exceptional about the tour was our guide, “Raven,” who looked as if he’d just returned from fighting White Walkers north of the Wall, with his long dark hair, flowing black cape and warrior gear. (Hello, Jon Snow!)

Raven kept us riveted for 12 hours with sassy banter, renditions of Icelandic sagas, filming highlights and battle tactics of ancient Vikings.

Turns out, he’s originally from Utah, now married and settled in Iceland, doing Viking-extra parts on films — and being the star attraction of our tour, to boot.

OTHER MOVING SITES WERE: s Althingi, at Thingvellir National Park, where the earliest version of parliament took root about 940. s The rift valley where the North American and Eurasian continental plates meet, allowing you to have a foot on each continent.

YOU CAN STAND ON TWO DIFFERENT CONTINENTS IN THE RIFT VALLEY.

s The performance of a Mexican pop band at a remote hiking lodge. s Black-sand beaches near Vik, where puffin colonies were nesting, the highlight for my birder husband. s While the Blue Lagoon is the best-known of Iceland’s many geothermal springs, we opted for the smaller, more rustic Secret Lagoon.

It’s not hard to relate to the deeply held belief among Icelanders in the Huldufolk — elves, dwarves and spirits that are said to live amid the rocks and cliffs, guardians of the oftenharsh and destructive landscape. These “hidden people,” have the power to reward or punish humans for their behaviour.

We left Reykjavik with the hope that the Huldufolk will consider rewarding our family with a return trip to Iceland. Skal!

land

s )CELANDAIR OFFERS DIRECT

overnight flights from Vancouver to Reykjavik, several times a week. s )T S AN EASY AND SCENIC 45-minute shuttle bus ride into Iceland’s capital from Keflavik International Airport. Tickets can be purchased as you exit the airport. Passengers are dropped off at a central station for a quick transfer to hotel buses. s #ONSIDER THE AIRPORT SHUTTLE bus — both to and from the city — that does a detour stop at the Blue Lagoon. A relaxing dip in the famous geothermal springs seems like the ideal way to prepare for an overnight flight back to Vancouver. s "E PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES in the weather, especially to

wind and rain. Layer up (even in August) and pack good walking shoes and boots.

TROLL ROCKS SPROUT FROM TURBULENT WATERS CRASHING ON TO BLACK-SAND BEACH NEAR VIK, AT ICELAND’S SOUTHERNMOST POINT.

s #HESS FANS WILL WANT TO consider stop in Selfoss, a service town not far from Reykjavik, where former world chess champion Bobby Fischer lived for a few years and is buried there.

A museum dedicated to Fischer is near his gravesite. s (ANDKNIT )CELANDIC SWEATERS are iconic, beautiful and worth the price (about $200 Cdn). s )F YOU RE INTERESTED IN WHALE watching or catching the midnight sun or seeing the northern lights, make sure you’re travelling in the right season.

August was a bit late for the midnight sun, a bit early for the northern lights. CH

Roopa Ghosh is an editor for the Victoria Times Colonist and loves to travel every chance she gets.

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 55

0(5,7 $:$5'6 5HWDLO 1HZ 6RRNH %UHZLQJ &RPSDQ\ 2WWHU 3RLQW 5RDG 0XOWL )DPLO\ &RQGR 2Q 7KH 3DUN (OIRUG 6WUHHW 3DQGRUD $YHQXH &RPPXQLW\ ,QVWLWXWLRQDO Al Charron Rugby Canada National Training Centre 3019 Glen Lake Road 0L[HG 8VH 0XOWL )DPLO\ 5HQWDO 8UEDQLWp 4XDGUD 6WUHHW 0L[HG 8VH 0XOWL )DPLO\ &RQGR /HJDWR <DWHV 6WUHHW ,QGXVWULDO 1HZ %&$$ $XWR 6HUYLFH &HQWUH 9LFWRULD %D\ 6WUHHW

(;&(//(1&( $:$5'6

5HWDLO 1HZ 7XGRU +RXVH /LTXRU 6WRUH $GPLUDOV 5RDG

0XOWL )DPLO\ &RQGR 0DGGLVRQ 2DN %D\ $YHQXH

0XOWL )DPLO\ 5HQWDO 0DGURQD $á&#x201A;&#x2021;RUGDEOH +RXVLQJ DQG +DUERXU 5RDG

&RPPHUFLDO 5HQRYDWLRQ &UDLJGDUURFK &DVWOH 9LVLWRU &HQWUH -RDQ &UHVFHQW

0L[HG 8VH 0XOWL )DPLO\ 5HQWDO <HOOR RQ <DWHV <DWHV 6WUHHW

0L[HG 8VH 0XOWL )DPLO\ &RQGR /DNHSRLQW 2QH &RQGRPLQLXPV /DNHSRLQW :D\

&RPPXQLW\ ,QVWLWXWLRQDO 3DFL¿F &HQWUH )DPLO\ 6HUYLFHV $VVRFLDWLRQ *ROGVWUHDP $YHQXH

7RZQKRPHV 6XQ7HUUD 7RZQKRPHV 6WUDQGOXQG $YHQXH

,QGXVWULDO 6WUDWD /HLJK /HLJK 5RDG

,QGXVWULDO 1HZ $SSOLHG %LR QRPLFV :HVW 6DDQLFK 5RDG

7KDQN \RX WR RXU 6SRQVRUV *ROG 6SRQVRU

0HGLD 6SRQVRU

6LOYHU 6SRQVRUV

7KH &RPPHUFLDO %XLOGLQJ $ZDUGV DUH SURXGO\ VXSSRUWHG E\ WKH 9LFWRULD 5HDO (VWDWH %RDUG¶V &RPPHUFLDO 'LYLVLRQ %URQ]H 6SRQVRUV

3URXG 6SRQVRU

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

REALTORS’ Corner

VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD

– 5 things your REALTOR isn’t telling you ®

E

very profession has its secrets, and the professional real estate industry is no different.

What secrets lie behind closed brokerage doors? Here are five things your REALTOR® probably won’t mention the next time you do business.

They really, really want to find you a home you’ll love - Even if this means you’ll never need them again! Your REALTOR® wants to connect you with the home of your dreams, BUT they know if you buy the perfect home, you may never move again.

Although they’re sad to see you go, they’re genuinely happy they could help.

They’re still in school. To stay licensed and insured, REALTORS® must pass required courses every year to make sure they have the most up-todate knowledge and skills. Many REALTORS® also take additional courses to learn more about various subjects. In Victoria, popular topics include taxation, oil tank awareness, and Environmental Protection Act areas.

They’re not working 9 to 5. They might spend all night picking the perfect marketing materials for your home. Sure, they value their time with friends and family, but they are also up late reviewing flyers, photography and different techniques to help sell your home. They also spend days and weeks working with advertisers and colleagues to ensure your home is well represented in the market.

You are their priority. They’ve helped hundreds of people sell and buy homes, but right now, you’re their VIP. They know your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll make in your life, and they are there to make that process safe and stress free.

They’re not private investigators, but some work they do is similar. In addition to their day job, REALTORS® are part of the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in Canada. They’re responsible under FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) for reporting suspicious transactions to the authorities.

VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

IMPROVE YOUR HOME WITH RETROFIT REBATES

I

f you have been waiting for an opportunity to improve the warmth and comfort of your home and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, now is the time.

A new retrofit rebate program called EfficiencyBC at efficiencybc.ca provides incentives for draft-proofing, insulation, new windows and doors, heating and cooling systems and even appliances.

Thousands of rebate dollars are available to upgrade your home.

The Victoria Residential Builders Association has advocated such a program for years which has the biggest impact on improving energy efficiency.

While regulations such as Step Code for new homes only marginally improve energy efficiency, retrofit programs offer the greatest benefit by significantly decreasing the number of air changes in older homes.

For example, many older homes have 10 to 40 air changes per hour – that’s a lot of wasted heat. Retrofits can reduce those air changes to 3 or 5, representing big savings in annual bills.

But before jumping into the program, you will want to take advantage of the free energy coaching services offered by EfficiencyBC. An educated consumer makes the best decisions and achieves the best value for their money.

Energy coaches may be contacted by phone or email, visit efficiencybc.ca/connect/.

THOUSANDS OF REBATE DOLLARS ARE AVAILABLE TO UPGRADE YOUR HOME.

If you plan to tighten the building envelope, you will want to be especially aware of issues like radon gas. Radon levels may be detected with a radon test kit available at most hardware stores. Every homeowner should test for radon

gas regardless of the home’s location, building envelope and energy efficiency rating.

When you are ready to retrofit your home, how do you find a contractor? VRBA has made this much easier through our online Expression of Interest form at vrba.ca/hire-a-vrba-member/.

There is no cost or obligation to use this form, which we send to our contractors. It is the most effective, efficient way to find a professional contractor. Available contractors will contact you directly and you can start your interview process and review of references.

Many of our contractors are certified members of Built Green Canada (builtgreencanada.ca) with education and experience in energy efficient renovations and new homes. Their projects include award-winning homes at our annual CARE Awards (careawards.ca).

Sponsors of the EfficiencyBC program include B.C. Hydro, FortisBC and B.C. Housing – all members of the Victoria Residential Builders Association.

Good luck with your retrofit and feel free to contact us at vrba.ca for more information.

Capital HOME WINTER 2018 | 57

COMING UP NEXT ISSUE OF CAPITAL HOME

SMALL SPACES

J

ohn and Jan Drinkard have been married 41 years. You might not think this impressive factoid would factor into the interior design of their contemporary high-rise condominium, but actually it has implications both aesthetic and admirable as the couple transitioned from a large home to a smaller living space.

Join us in the spring as Capital Home takes a look at condominiums and life in some smaller places, as well as some magnificent larger homes in beautiful settings.

As usual, Eric Akis will bring you some delicious dining ideas and our travel writers will pull at your heart strings to pack your bags and travel our country and across the globe.

Watch for it, and enjoy!

“WE PERCH OUT HERE AT DINNERTIME,” JOHN DRINKARD SAYS OF THE GLASSED-IN CORNER SUNROOM OF THEIR CONDOMINIUM.

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY ABSTRACT STONE 21

JORDANS VICTORIA LTD 22

VAN ISLE WINDOWS 44

ATLAS AUDIO VIDEO UNLIMITED 17

LIDA HOMES 53

VICTORIA BLINDS & CLOSETS 34

AURA RESIDENCES 47

LISA WILLIAMS/ SOTHEBY’S INTL REALTY CANADA 6

VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD 56

BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT COMMUNITY 13

LUGARO JEWELLERS 60

VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD/COMMERCIAL DIVISION 36

MACDONALD REALTY LTD 51

VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 29

PROPERTIES IN VICTORIA PROFESSIONALS 51

VICTORIA ROYALS 39

FOOTLOOSE ON FORT 50

SAGER’S HOME LIVING 3

WESTCOAST APPLIANCE GALLERY 2

GREGGS FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY 20

SCAN DESIGNS 59

WILK STOVE 41

INCREDIBLE CLOSETS 4

SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY CANADA 32

JIM PATTISON SUBARU 16

THE PEARL RESIDENCES 5

BREEZE BY THE SEA 26 BRIGGS & STRATTON AND ASSOCIATES/ SOTHEBY’S INT’L REALTY CANADA 9

58 | Capital HOME WINTER 2018

6 - 201 97

AN

NI

t

RY

1

42

8

t

V E RSA

The dynamic appearance of the Skovby dining table #39 is emphasized by an undivided patented tabletop.

A light push to the tabletop reveals the hidden extension leaf, which is easily put into place in continuation of the tabletop.

COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248

SCANDESIGNS.COM

RICHMOND 12551 Bridgeport Rd 604.273.2971

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.6361

SCANDESIGNSFURNITURE

KELOWNA 1912 Spall Rd 250.860.7603

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.475.2233

SCANDESIGNSFURNITURE