April 2008

You are currently browsing the monthly archive for April 2008.

Miramichi farm

Horizons of Friendship Annual Homes, Gardens & Music Tour

 Homes, Gardens & Music Tour

A Summer afternoon of garden parties and tours at eight unique homes and gardens in Cobourg and countryside including a lavender farm in full bloom!  Chilled drinks, refreshments, and live concerts.  Proceeds support Horizons of Friendship, the only Canadian charitable organization working exclusively with Mexican and Central American partners on sustainable development projects. 

Sunday July 6th, 2008 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $30 (tax receipt $22)  

 Available at:

Horizons of Friendship, 50 Covert Street Cobourg. Cash, cheque or credit cards accepted.

Victoria Hall Box Office, 55 King Street West Cobourg, and in front of the building on Saturday July 5th, 10am-4pm and Sunday July 6th, 10am-2pm. Cash, cheque or credit cards accepted.

Sasha Pico Home Decor, 42 Walton St Port Hope. Cash or cheque accepted.

 Or call 905-372-5483 or 1-888-729-9928

 The Elegant Homes and Gardens

1. Silver Birch home and garden

Sunshine-yellow and rose-red are the cheerful inspirations for the colour scheme in this suburban home in Cobourg where the owner wanted to bring her garden indoors. French doors and the palladian windows connect the interior to the garden which features an elegant stand of silver birches, perennials, annuals and the owner’s favourite, roses. Enjoy a rare sighting of a fully restored 1970 Alfa Romeo round-tailed Spider.

2. Urban Contemporary home and terrace

East meets West in this eclectically styled row home, where Asian and Western inspired art display the owners’ diverse interests and tastes. The contemporary and urban atmosphere of this home may feel like New York City, but it is located somewhere better, Cobourg’s prized harbor front!

 3. Turn of Two Centuries home and garden  (1906)

This property features a Century home transformed into an oasis of light and tranquility in Cobourg’s busy beach-front area. Built in 1906, the front of the house retains its original façade, but an ingenious addition both preserves the original features and introduces modern luxury, retaining the themes and ambiance of a historical home.

4. Garden Retreat

Enjoy an extensive downtown garden that has been lovingly restored from a vine-choked wilderness to a very personal and whimsical retreat. Curved beds contain a wealth of perennials and shrubs. Hidden among them are found artifacts and iron work. This garden is a treat for the senses, and will leave you inspired to reinvent or revitalize an outdoor getaway in your own backyard. 

5. A fisherman’s cottage and garden (mid 1800s)

A picturesque artist’s cottage and garden located in one of Cobourg’s oldest lakeside neighbourhoods. Enveloped by a white picket fence, this mid 1800s two storey home exudes period charm. A wrap around veranda invites you to lounge with a cup of tea and enjoy the outdoor delights that the beautiful garden and surrounding “village” homes have to offer.

6. Miramichi Farm

A tree-lined drive and breezeway lead the visitor to a courtyard surrounded by a horseshoe shaped residence with strong architectural lines that are mirrored in the design of the gardens. A terraced garden faces south and features a panoramic view of Northumberland hills and Lake Ontario. Also featured in the southern garden is a Celtic cross motif, scythed into a hay field where bobolinks nest.

7. Scott’s Barn (1924), gardens and lavender field

A trip to Scott’s Barn presents a wealth of visual experiences, including a restored barn, a French potager, a dry river bed garden with rare trees, a Quebec style cottage and a one acre landscaped pond. A charming lavender field gently perfumes the property, and transports the visitor to the French countryside. 

 

8. Reproduction regency farmhouse and garden

A modern reproduction of a Regency farmhouse, featuring old charms and modern conveniences. The home has both back and front porches that offer fantastic views of Northumberland’s rolling hills. This view can also be enjoyed from the great room that was designed for family get-togethers. Following this family-centred theme, the garden features a delightful children’s play house complete with its own wisteria-draped pergola, constructed by a loving grandparent, homes for the grandchildren’s rabbits and English game chickens, and a small orchard and vegetable garden. 

 

The Musicians

Some of Northumberland’s most talented musicians will perform in our Homes and Gardens throughout the afternoon. Enjoy beautiful surroundings while listening to the sounds of jazz duos, ancient music, classical   ensembles, Celtic tunes, and folk favourites.

A few of the participating musicians are listed. We acknowledge their contribution with thanks:

~ A Recorder Duo, featuring Fred Cory and Julian Nelson

~ Simply Strings Ensemble

~ Shelagh Purcell and Arlene Smith, on piano and vocals

~ The Silver Key Duo, featuring Nancy Foote and Jackie Corcoran

~ Cheryl Casselman

~ Brian Casteels

~ Marianne Marusic and Singers

~ Rob Page and Diana Cohen, on guitar and vocals

~ Greg Ward on oboe, recorder, and flute

 ~ Brian McNamara on guitar