Every once in a long while I spy a home for sale and think “I could live there!” So when I ran into Annette at the Farm Gate Store and she told me her retreat house was for sale. I took her up on an offer to come have a look.
Off we went to an address within easy stroll to the lighthouse where I was painting en plein air last week. Or you could meander down to Reef Bay at David Cove where so many of my photographs and paintings have been inspired.
It is not the usual”for sale” sign we park beside. Annette’s young children have painted all the signs and posters that have been posted around the island. It has been one of their contribution to this creative family restoration project.
Doesn’t it look lovely.
Wood is so inviting. The new siding and much of the decking was milled from trees that were taken right from the property.
The yard is bright with a tropical feel. It can be low maintenance or a full-on garden – your choice.
There are lavish environmentally treated cedar decks to enjoy.
I particularly like the frames within frames at this vantage point.
Oh and there is the studio building with one room up and one down, completely separate and connected with a breezeway to the main home.
Don’t you just love it? It would be a great place to write, paint, make jewelry, or have a little home store for your wares.
It even has its own woodpile guard. It is not a very strenuous post (pun intended) on Mayne Island but the carving is great company just the same. There is a story here but you will need to ask Annette to tell you about it.
From the loft studio balcony you can even look down and see if your sweetie has dinner ready. In my case, I would be looking until breakfast the next morning but you never know…. This is a kitchen that will inspire gourmet delights.
As we climb the stairs to the spacious loft I admire the windows. What a nice glimpse of outside.
But that is it for my part of the tour. Now I am going to turn you over to Annette to see the loft and other photographs on the most incredible website she has set up for this property.
If you like, give her a call and chat further about this creative gem of a retreat. I know she would be delighted. And be sure to say “hello” from me.
Best of the weekend everyone… and you will not be seeing me around next week. I will be in Mill Bay and on Saturna Island while David minds the peas and carrots in the garden on the home front. After that things will pretty much get back to normal as I start to ramp up for the fall and more time with all of you. Until then!
Sprout question: If you are seeking a creative retreat what must it include?
© 2011 Terrill Welch, All rights reserved.
Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.
Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch
Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.
FromMayne Island,British Columbia,Canada
Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com
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- Good Morning En Plein Air (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
- Why I hung a $2,420 original oil painting for sale at our local Farm Gate grocery store. (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
Creative Potager 
God Terrill, Gilligan’s Island has nothing on this rustic oasis! And this dream home would validate one selling their homes and re-locating!!
Ha! Loved the room by room tour, ever cognizant of the outdoor beauties that showed through every window! I love the idea of identifying different landmarks and locations on the island. It reminds me of some of the great works of literature that uses the enclosed setting to marvelous effect, but beyond that it gives the place identification and character.
But that is some house! Wow.
Creative retreat must always include quiet and solitude, regardless of the setting, the way I perceive it.
Well Sam I must say you seem to have enjoyed your trip into the wilderness of Mayne Island more each time you come by – know that in the winter there is a movie shown each month at our heritage Agriculture Hall. It may not be a new release but it will be good 🙂
Well, I can dream. . . I took that tour on the Website the other day. Just gorgeous.
Yes dreaming is good Maureen. I like to dream too. One day you may just wake up and find your dream has come true.
Terrill – “Creative gem of a retreat” is definitely an accurate description of this home and lush surroundings. I haven’t been out to Annette’s website yet, but I’m going to treat myself to a visit there later this afternoon.
Sprout question: If you are seeking a creative retreat, what must it include?
Space, solitude, and trees.
Have a wonderful adventure next week! we’ll look forward to hearing about it when you return.
Laurie it is great to return and find your and other Creative Potager community comments awaiting me. Yes I can see this as a perfect creative retreat for you 🙂
Just lovely … thanks for sharing this creative abode! It has all the right ingredients, Terrill. And I’m sure your artistic eye caught those instantly. My creative self would feel quite at home in a place like this. When looking for a spiritual retreat … I look for nature, silence, beauty. Enjoy your upcoming week, sounds fun. –Daisy
Oh we had so much fun Daisy. I am absolutely ready energized for the fall. I have a new post up today and will have a few more over the next couple of weeks. I am sure Saturna Island would meet your criteria for a spiritual retreat.
Now you know I’m going to love this. Nature, wood, creative, inspiring space, gorgeous and innocent. One would almost expect Snow White to emerge, whistling a happy tune and stirring a bowl…I’m off to the website…
Pea what a wonderful mixing of fairy tales but I do understand perfectly what you are getting at. I hope the website provided further pages of inspiration for your story 🙂
Just took another look and really enjoy your photos and your way of looking at the world. This home -for -someone is a work of beauty. You’ve done it proud.
Thanks Amber. I hope so…. it is a place that deserves a good looking through.
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I’d love to live there.
It is lovely Renée… not sure if it is still on the market but it might be.