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June 15, 2007
Inspired artwork by the sea
It's no surprise that Sooke Harbor House continues to impress.
BAILA LAZARUS
A soaker tub, a stunning view, a fireplace and gorgeous artwork
– if there's anything else a hotel room needs to feel luxurious,
perhaps it would be breakfast brought to your room as a standard
service. Leave it to Sooke Harbor House to provide that, too.
It's the sensibilities of Frederique and Sinclair Philip, who purchased
Sooke Harbor House in 1979, that have kept this auberge drawing
praise from around the world. They took it from five small guest
rooms to 28, and infused it with unique interior design (no two
of the themed rooms are alike), a gallery-like atmosphere featuring
the work of more than 50 regional artists, superior service and
a strong community spirit.
The latter is no surprise, given that Sooke Harbor House, which
hugs the Pacific Coast about an hour west of Victoria, was actually
used as a safe house for immigrants.
Published in Generation to Generation: A Collection of Jewish
Thoughts and Rememberances (1996), "A Safe Harbor"
by Annette Rose relates the story of a Mrs. Ashkenazi who, in the
1930s, rescued 15 German Jews and brought them to a farm outside
of Victoria, where they became a self-sufficient colony. That farm
is said to be the location of Sooke Harbor House.
"The last surviving member that I knew was Prof. Kreigel, who
taught German at the University of Victoria for many years. He died
recently and left a bequest to Temple Emanu-El in gratitude for
his 'safe harbor,' " writes Rose.
There's no doubt that hundreds of colorful and dramatic stories
have come out of Sooke Harbor House. Sitting around the large stone
fireplace after dinner, one has the sense of being in a Sherlock
Holmes novel, half expecting the good doctor to wander in from Whiffen
Spit, doffing his mist-spattered cape and calling for a brandy.
In the daytime, though, the atmosphere in the inn is less affected.
The location offers myriad activities: whale watching, farm and
garden tours, fishing charters, kayaking, bird-watching, scuba diving
and cycling along the Galloping Goose Trail are just a few ideas.
And, for the art lover, a good hour or two can easily be spent wandering
through the halls, up and down the hidden staircases, taking in
every square inch of the building, which is filled with and surrounded
by art – from the stained glass windows to the decorative "Ocean
Sculpture Fence," from the sculptures and paintings adorning
every hallway, to the gorgeous native artwork in the Potlatch Room.
What is particularly inspiring is Frederique Philip's ability to
incorporate stunning artwork into practical uses: Frank Armich-designed
burl mirrors, ceramic bowls by Alice McLean used as sinks, a stained-glass
shower stall by Marn Williams.
Add to this a five-star cuisine, spa services that are done in-suite,
two infrared saunas and a 2,000-book library, and Sooke Harbor House
offers a perfect getaway.
For more information, visit www.sookeharbourhouse.com,
call 250-642-3421 or e-mail[email protected].
Baila Lazarus is a freelance writer, photographer and
illustrator living in Vancouver. Her work can be seen at www.orchiddesigns.net.
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