Perfection personified in Charleswood

Dream home absolutely loaded from top to bottom

For just a moment, think about how you’d go about designing and building your dream home. First, you’d want a huge, private lot surrounded by mature trees to build the supersized structure on. Next, you’d equip it with every amenity under . . .

Posted: 2021-09-18

Fresh fall colour combinations to soften the season

When you think of fall colours, brown, orange, and yellow surely come to mind. But what are the best ways to use and pair these colours? These days, colour combinations for fall can be fresh, creative and modern. Some fall colours . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Common thread helps keep gardeners connected

Pollinator creates hand embroidery designs inspired by nature

There is a common thread these days that connects gardeners no matter where you go in North America. One gardener’s experiences mirror that of another as shared interest grows in planting native plants as well as the desire — call . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Walk-out balcony a lofty project

It's basically a deck set at a higher elevation

Some projects require a staggered approach. When the vision involves a design that is so grandiose, the changes cannot all be conveniently tackled at once. The homeowner at a rural property East of Selkirk has big plans in mind, which . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Fill area under porch with crushed stone rather than concrete

Question: Just saw your article online about cold storage rooms in basements and was wondering if it is recommended to completely fill it in with concrete? We live in an older house, with cold storage under the front porch, which is . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Fresh eggs are the only way to scramble

Question: I seem to have a talent for cooking chewy scrambled eggs. They turn out kind of tough, every time. Any tips would be useful? Captain Spike Answer: Here are a few tips for fluffy, restaurant-quality eggs. Start with fresh eggs, . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Living large in La Salle

Renting rural can make sense for downsizers

About four years ago, the management team at Cobblestone Homes looked at the 55-plus market and made an interesting observation. They determined not all empty nest couples wanted to buy a condominium after selling their home. Furthermore, many couples coming from . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Get into Wolseley without breaking the bank

Cool top-floor condo courtly and crisp

With many home prices in Wolseley starting near $400, 000, young professionals — singles or couples — are finding it difficult to get into a single-family home. Eric Neumann of Realty Executives First Choice says rather than despairing, first-time buyers need . . .

Posted: 2021-09-11

Growing beauty in Birtle

Gallery in the Garden never happened -- but don't tell Val Thomson

What’s the best garden tour you missed? Gallery in the Garden is hosted every July by the Birtle Centre for the Arts but like so many other garden tours this year that were cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, it . . .

Posted: 2021-09-04

Sunroom makeover gives backyard oasis new life

Screen replacement attractive and cost-effective

What does it mean when a homeowner asks you to perform a room refresh? This question brings a wide range of facelift possibilities, from a simple coat of paint to gutting a room and starting fresh. At a recent sunroom . . .

Posted: 2021-09-04