Walking In A Winter Wonderland
PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL ST. LOUIS
STORY SARA MARTIN
We’re reminiscing, taking readers on the 2019 Collingwood Holiday Home Tour, a fabulous day of giving that started at the Craigleith Ski Club. More than 1,000 ticket holders purchased raffle tickets for amazing gift baskets and started their holiday shopping in the Vendors market. many grabbed a coffee and muffin and sat down for an informative chat by renowned designer Rebecca Hay. Participants headed out to tour six incredible holiday homes. as always, homeowners and designers created a magical holiday atmosphere that raised more than $32,000 for local charities.
As with many of this year’s fundraising events, COVID-19 prevents Royal LePage locations north from hosting an in-person tour this year, but stay tuned for alternate plans.
As always, OUR HOMES, the official media sponsor, is proud to showcase highlights from the beautiful tour to inspire your Christmas.
A love of the series Downton Abbey inspired the renovation of this home and the holiday decorations, both beautifully executed by Trish Matthews. The main level transported visitors into an English home just in time for afternoon tea, served by the butler. Oriental carpets and antique furniture add to the manor-house style. The lower level feels like a cosy English pub, complete with a bar, a brick- lined wine cellar, home theatre and roaring fire in the stone fireplace. Ticket holders lingered, wrapped in the warm and welcoming spirit this home emitted.
This enchanted home revealed three levels of holiday splendour. The homeowner and designer, Gillian Crone, captured the warmth and luxury of a historic country estate in Northern Ireland. The fireplace glowed with warmth and stockings hung from the mantel with care. Fresh greenery glowed against the white walls. Warm fur throws were draped over deep seating and candles flickered in glass containers. A deep sense of comfort and joy enveloped everyone who entered this home.
Ellen Oelbaum and Abigail Hitchens collaborated to create an avant-garde, European holiday style. Naturalistic greenery arrangements contrasted with cool white walls and dramatic marble in the kitchen. Yummy treats begged to be eaten. A brass hare with a looking glass presided over the fun and offered some of the inspiration for the style, décor and food at this luxe location.
This home was full of holiday charm: gorgeous Christmas trees, nutcrackers in all sizes, poinsettias, snowflakes, warm flannel bedding, cedar, pine cones and a Grinch-inspired bedroom that had adults wishing they could wake up there. Artwork everywhere highlighted winter in all
its beauty.
This home is set for a romantic night forMum and Dad, before the festivities begin on Christmas morning. Black candles are lit, and the soft flame on the contemporary fireplace adds elegant ambience. Presents, wrapped in white paper and tied with black ribbon, wait under the tree and on table tops for excited family members to open. Everything is ready for Christmas Day. It’s time for a hot toddy before the celebrations begin.
A beautifully decorated dining table guided the design of this home. The black tablecloth highlighted the towering red, purple and green floral arrangements and large orchids sat on each place setting. Gold cutlery, chargers and a gold runner added to the sophisticated holiday atmosphere. Intimate seating spots, perfect for enjoying a holiday-themed martini, were decorated with candles, lights and greenery. The shimmering Christmas tree dazzled, and red Santa sacks filled with surprises waited for Christmas morning.
