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An extra day just for you...& you're going to do what, for yourself? - 02/29/12 09:28 AM
February 29, 2012.
Yes...it's still February! Love that Leap Year addition. A gift of an extra day...and you are going to do what? Maybe it's the day to spoil yourself a little? As we ease from winter to spring, we need to remember to care for ourselves. Is it a spa day? An individual yoga session? A massage to slough off winter tenseness? Is it a day to stay quietly at home, to fast a little, herbal teas instead of snacks...a moment in time to stop a cycle, to interrupt it with the kind of care we would be happy … (13 comments)
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Homes by one of Salt Spring's best builders...acreage to develop, too! - 02/28/12 08:56 AM
Beautiful Homes by a Salt Spring top builder! Plus a rare rural acreage for them to create your dream! 1. Panoramic ocean view, sunny private acreage, in one of Salt Spring's prime areas (Pringle Farm), with superbly designed and custom built, light-filled residence. This fine home displays an exemplary blend of function and style, with many special features, both interior and exterior, to promote ease of living and enjoyment. Attention is paid to ensuring high quality in finishing, appliances, and sustainable eco-friendly building materials. Perfect for family living and entertaining, this beautiful home exudes a sense of warmth and welcoming natural … (8 comments)
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Vineyard for sale on Salt Spring Island! Award winning wines! - 02/27/12 11:32 AM
Looking for your next adventure? Here it is! Superlative opportunity! In the heart of the Fulford Valley/Burgoyne Valley, with excellent sun exposures and dramatic valley, mountain, and ocean viewscapes...a short stroll to beach and to miles of riding and walking/hiking trails...this land is superb. The gift? This ten acres is the home of renowned Garry Oak Vineyard...award-winning wines, often showcased at Hastings House and other luxury venues, and featured in fine dining establishments. The home is a custom architect designed gem (Osborne & Clark, from Vancouver...famed for their country ethic)...you will be immediately eased into the Salt Spring lifestyle as you … (9 comments)
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Southern Gulf Islands beauty properties...awaiting your pleasure! - 02/25/12 09:21 AM
Gulf Islands Gems...dreams to consider: 1) Stroll your private beach...warm ocean swimming here...expansive views, dramatic sunsets. Appealing country home...orchard, flower & veggie gardens...pastoral charms. Ahh...peace that restores. Welcome to Thetis Island! 2) Create your dream on Pender Island...sunny Browning Harbour vistas, swimming beach, privacy...walk to shops...quiet area of fine homes. Best buy oceanfront opportunity! 3) Oceanfront point on tranquil Thetis Island...deepwater dock plus gentle crushed shell cove...great swimming, here! Stylish modern ethic in the authentic West Coast Contemporary design format. Master wing, guest wing...Zen inspired living...just move in & call this sunny & private beauty "home". 4) Private Island treasure...just off … (7 comments)
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Things to do & see, end of Feb/start of March, on Salt Spring Island! - 02/24/12 09:25 AM
February 24, 2012.
The annual Galiano Literary Festival begins today & goes through to Sunday. A much awaited event, and with a stellar line-up of writers. Well done, Galiano Books, for your stellar support of this much awaited annual event! Salt Spring's Velo Village event will see a bicycle only ferry on June 23rd. Looking to be involved/get more info? Call the Island Pathways group, & see how you can help create a successful event. Three cheers to the Salt Spring Island Farmers Institute & their creative idea for a Granville Island style year-round indoor farmers market on the Ganges Firehall … (2 comments)
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Dreams of summer...great for a Pacifc Northwest Coast inhabitant! - 02/23/12 03:53 PM
As we segue towards the close of February, those of us who live on the famously "wet coast", in the great Pacific Northwest, dream of summer...the grey days, continuing rain squalls, pineapple express winds & storms mixed in with the occasional Arctic Front (which reminds us of what the rest of the country has to put up with!), they all conspire to make us focus on the summer season...it gives us all heart!
What to do at this time of year? Helps to wander the art galleries in town, full of image and colour and flair...be inspired. The live … (14 comments)
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Be self-sufficient, on special Salt Spring Island...choose arable land! - 02/23/12 09:35 AM
Looking for land that is arable, with the opportunity to become self-sufficient? Good sun, privacy, land that grows veggies & supports an orchard? Here are some possibilities...call me, & let's go view! Time to develop your dream...to create your space out of all this global confusion, and to enjoy your life. Here's a small holding, ready for your development ideas: with access to both Lang's Road and Howard Road, & just steps from St Mary's Lake, this is the authentic "diamond in the rough". Have you got your polishing cloth ready? What about this 25 acre parcel, with barn structure, retreat … (4 comments)
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Amazing Blue Sky Architecture home on Salt Spring Island! - 02/22/12 09:27 AM
Blue Sky Architecture is a dramatic and accomplished firm, with several unique properties on various Gulf Islands & other coastal locales. This gem just happens to be on special Salt Spring Island...on 26 pristine acres, enjoying privacy and a natural coastal environment...Fir, Cedar, Hemlock, Maple, Alder...Arbutus. A WOW view...a 270 span of ocean, islands, mountains! On a clear day one really can see forever...and this includes the Lower Mainland mountains, Mt Baker, Mt Rainier, and a whisper of the Olympics. Beauty everywhere! The home lives up to and surpasses the unique property. The very best of the heritage of Frank Lloyd … (6 comments)
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Boomers take note...always things to do, beyond "the career"...second chances? - 02/21/12 09:37 AM
Salt Spring Island has many people who call the Island "home", who are also out there doing and creating...often after a previous career...Boomers take note? Always a door through to another room, one waiting to be discovered! And your dream is? Meantime, some paths:
Well done, Grant Wickland! At a different point in time, Grant built many docks on the Island. Now he creates beautiful banjos and guitars...yes, that's Grant at the Saturday Market in the Park. Grant has been invited to attend the Montreal guitar festival, on Canada Day, to showcase his amazing instruments. Excellent, Lisa Sliwowska...to have successfully … (2 comments)
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Hmmm...International Tourism down in Canada? - 02/20/12 11:27 AM
Was interested to read that the Canadian Federal Government is concerned at the drop in tourism across Canada...the government is going to be seeking ways to address this, as tourism is a huge revenue producer. In the past three to four years, locally, Salt Spring businesses noted a significant drop in tourism, too. The Chamber of Commerce's tourist info centre tracked this, and there was anecdotal evidence from the Market in the Park vendors, the accomodations group, the studio oriented artists, plus small businesses of all descriptions. The renewed Chamber of Commerce is bringing forward several initiatives to encourage visitors … (6 comments)
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Ways to advertise a listing on Salt Spring Island...the mls system still the best portal! - 02/18/12 09:14 AM
Did you know? The only venue for advertising real estate listings, on Salt Spring, is a supplement, placed in the weekly community newspaper, 7 issues a year. The current supplement has been "out" from early December and will be replaced on February 28th. A realtor can also advertise via display ads in the weekly newspaper. There is no local t.v. station, here (of course, we pick up the Victoria & Vancouver stations, and get cable/satellite options). There is a community radio station, but it doesn't have a classified style advertising option for real estate showcasing. The community newspaper is a … (4 comments)
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2011 Census results coming in...Salt Spring Island population is growing! - 02/17/12 08:33 AM
The 2011 Census results are coming in: Between 2006 and 2011, Salt Spring Island's population grew more than 6%. There were 10,234 people calling Salt Spring Island their personal & year-round residence. There were also, in 2011, 5,653 private dwellings, with 4,662 (82%) occupied by year-round residents. Along with Salt Spring, only North Pender saw growth...the other Southern Gulf Islands saw population decline. The economic downturn does not perhaps offer the luxury of living and working on the Islands...this could explain the drop in population...residents moving to places that offer consistent work or exposure? Or, more summer season oriented islands … (4 comments)
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More things to enjoy on Salt Spring Island...easing from Feb into March! - 02/16/12 12:47 PM
February 16, 2012.
More places to visit, things to enjoy, on special Salt Spring Island: Treehouse Cafe has re-opened...enjoy Early Bird Breakfast Special, Monday to Friday, 8 to 10 a.m. Another great breakfast idea? Harbour House Hotel, of course! Open at 7 a.m. After March 2nd, breakfast will be offered by Hastings House...call for details! Enjoy Jim Byrnes and the Sojourners at Monday's Salt Spring Folk Club presentation...doors open at 6:15 & great show at 7 p.m. Live music at Treehouse Cafe on Friday (Ken Lunn & Donn Tarris)...6 to 9 p.m. Harbour House Hotel showcases Sweetwater & Co on … (2 comments)
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Things to see & to do, on special Salt Spring Island.... - 02/15/12 05:10 PM
February 15, 2012.
Salt Spring Chamber Players at 7:30 p.m., at ArtSpring...lucky islanders! Something new to tempt the palate: a new Tapas & Tasters menu at Market Place...graze, share, combine. Enjoy! Mahon Hall is the place, February 17, starting at 6 p.m. It's the 3rd annual Battle of the Airbands...a fundraiser for a class trip to Horne Lake. Hosted by Salt Spring Centre's senior class. Have fun! Galiano Island's annual Literary Festival is on Feb 24 to 26...Books: Windows to the Future. More info: 250-539-3340. Today, catch Simply Organic's presentation of so talented Don Conley & his celebration of all things … (0 comments)
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Ocean? Lake? Salt Spring Island has it all! - 02/13/12 06:18 PM
It's a WOW...a serenely pastoral lakefront, 1.12 acres, with terrific dock at water's edge, and mature landscaping/pleasing lawn...fruit trees...a very English Country ambiance! Excellent all day sun exposures (e/s/w...enjoy the sunrises across the lake, and the warm sunsets in your garden patio and at the dock!). This Tripp Road location is a prime one, on St. Mary Lake's shoreline...panoramic lake and mountain views (see the Lower Mainland mountains from here, too). The bungalow style home is a perfect summer/weekender for now, and the property is ready for your building ideas when it's time to retire to Salt Spring's amazing year round … (12 comments)
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Some Valentine thoughts.... - 02/13/12 06:07 PM
Looking for some light-hearted & romantic films for Valentine's Day, at home? Some suggestions: The Butcher's Wife Moonstruck Cold Comfort Farm Local Hero My Favorite Year Sleepless in Seattle Just some choices...and your suggestions are? Always welcome! Crisp salad, pasta primavera, chocolate for dessert... Spring flowers, best china, maybe a glass of champagne to start, dine by candlelight...soft music...feed the soul and the heart! Whether together or on your own, enjoy the gift of this day...Valentine's Day arrives with a welcome to Spring...enjoy it! Hope you sent the surprise of a card to someone...we can all always use the gift … (4 comments)
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Spring Flings...at last! - 02/13/12 05:57 PM
Have you noticed? Days are getting longer! Nothing nicer than a Pacific Northwest Coast early Spring... This month, Victoria will have its annual flower count! On the Southern Gulf Islands & on Salt Spring Island, we enjoy a microclimate called "cool Mediterranean"...some describe it as the Hawaii of Canada! Not. Winter is short, though, if it happens at all...more like a long late Fall or a lengthy early Spring...depends on one's point of view. Still, with the longer days and the welcome renewed warmth in the sun, it's a time to unfurl like the trees...to breathe the softer air...ahh, Spring! … (2 comments)
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Just moved? Some things to do to become a part of your new community.... - 02/13/12 02:54 PM
Just moved, and looking to discover your new Island home? Looking to meet people? Think about volunteering...there's always a need at the Lady Minto Hospital...or at Greenwoods Extended Care. Drop by and see what you might offer...or how about helping out at the Food Bank? Meals On Wheels? Always wanted to learn the Tango? Or Scottish Country Dancing? Maybe add Zumba Dancing to your exercise routine? Join these and other dance groups...have fun, & feel fit! Evening classes...learn Spanish or digital photography tips...always something interesting to explore. Volunteer at ArtSpring, become a part of the Salt Spring Arts Council, interested … (2 comments)
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My Vancouver Boat Show promotional booth...thank you for attending! - 02/13/12 12:54 PM
Enjoyed the experience of having a promotional booth at the recent 50th Anniversary Vancouver Boat Show! At B.C. Place, my booth (#31), from Feb 8 to 12, showcased Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands.... So important to let people know just what it is that makes Salt Spring Island & the Gulf Islands so special! Whether in an inquiry at the Boat Show or on Island, or via email or Facebook message, it's essential to know that this is a classic buyers market time in my region. Check out my listings...from 150,000 to 15,000,000...motivated sellers & expansive choices … (2 comments)
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Did you know? Always answers to every question! - 02/07/12 12:17 PM
Did you know? The MLS system in Canada is geographic. It doesn't matter where the listing agent lives or which Board the agent works under...what counts is the location of the property that is listed. Thus, if a Calgary realtor has a listing on Salt Spring Island, for example, that listing will appear under "Salt Spring". A Victoria listing appears under Victoria, Duncan under Duncan, Parksville under Parksville, Sechelt under Sechelt, Kelowna under Kelowna...etc etc etc. Thus, all Salt Spring Island listings are immediately available to a consumer doing an internet/MLS search...doesn't matter where the realtor is located, or what … (2 comments)
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Love authentic character homes? Here's a gem in Maple Bay...beauty! - 02/05/12 01:00 PM
Love authentic character homes? Looking for a rural lifestyle? Here's a gem! Maple Bay is a treasured part of Southern Vancouver Island...a pastoral ambiance that soothes the soul. This lovely home began life at the turn of the 20th Century as a state of the art barn. In the early 1980s, it was lovingly converted to a stylish home. Meg Tilly apparently once lived here... Current owners have enjoyed this fine home since 1989...maintained & restored "in tone" with its yesteryear ambiance, it's a blend of English Country and French Farmhouse charm. Enticing.... Country kitchen with breakfast area, formal dining, music … (5 comments)
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Off Island voyaging...always great to come home to Salt Spring! - 02/04/12 01:04 PM
Thinking of an off-island jaunt, & feeling some early Spring restlessness? On Feb 18 (noon to 5 p.m.) & 19th (11 to 4), enjoy the 6th Annual Victoria Tea Festival. Held at Crystal Garden, across from Victoria Conference Centre. Taste. Discover. Shop. Experience. A fundraiser for Camosun College Child Care Services. On Feb 8 to 12th, it's the 50th Anniversary of Vancouver Boat Show...at B.C. Place. Come by my booth (#31) and say hello...discover Salt Spring Island & Gulf Islands properties. Call me. How may I help you to buy your dream Island property? liread33@gmail.com Early Spring at Butchart's Gardens...be … (6 comments)
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Things to do & to enjoy on special Salt Spring Island... - 02/03/12 12:47 PM
February 3, 2012.
Choices, choices! Late February offers a writers extravaganza...the annual Galiano Literary Festival takes place Feb 24 to 26, on Galiano Island. A stellar line-up to inspire you! For info or registration, call 250-539-3340 or GalianoLiteraryFestival.Wordpress.com(Books: Windows to the Future is the theme). Same dates, Feb 24 to 26, on Salt Spring Island, is a new event: Words Without Borders, put on by the Salt Spring Forum, & held in celebration of Freedom to Read week. Visit their website (www.saltspringfestival.com) for details. Galiano has been presenting this important writers venue for some years, now...wish the new kid on the … (4 comments)
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Some "market thoughts" for my area, early February.... - 02/02/12 03:58 PM
February, 2012.
January & February are the "winter holiday" months...skiers love the mountain escapes (Whistler, Telluride, Vail, Aspen) & sunseekers are finding delights on beaches (in Hawaii, Southern California, Florida, Caribbean islands, and Mexico).
It's a time when the Pacific Northwest Coast enjoys its "lull" time....we are a seasonal marketplace. Property inquiries right now are mainly by phone, text, email, & Facebook, from potential buyers who are "elsewhere"...important then, as a seller, to be "out there"...have to be "seen" in order to be picked up on the Ethernet circles...that initial discovery is what brings interest, which is what brings a subsequent … (0 comments)
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Appreciated receiving an award for "social media savvy"... - 02/02/12 03:06 PM
In October, 2011, I was very pleased to receive an award for prowess in Social Media Marketing. The award was presented by the prestigious international group, Luxury Real Estate. Based in Seattle, with their head office in the tech savvy "Emerald City", the LRE group membership is truly global.... In this post-Internet era, which has completely changed the landscape of real estate marketing & sales, it is essential to acknowledge that we are now in that Global Village time (thank you, Marshall McLuhan, for your wise forecast words, back in the 70s)...technology has changed the face of all business, and … (4 comments)
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Spring flings on the Pacific Northwest Coast...Feb 1st, in the sunshine! - 02/01/12 02:02 PM
February 1st...if you live in the great Pacific Northwest Coast region, then you know what this date means. Early early Spring, of course!
This has been such an odd year, weather-wise. A true La Nina pattern, delivering unusual, not normal conditions all over the world. This typically "wet coast" environment has experienced Arctic Cold, Pineapple Express monsoon style rains/high winds, and all in about a three week period!
Today, everywhere, it's one of those mountains jumping into the sky days, sun splashing us into energy, vistas to soothe the soul...coffee places with patios are suddenly busy as we all turn … (2 comments)
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Li Read
Salt Spring Island,
BC
More about me…
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring)
Address: # 4 - 105 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2V5
Office Phone: (250) 537-8763
Cell Phone: (250) 537-7647
Email Me
real estate, b.c. real estate, salt spring island real estate, Canadian real estate, luxury real estate, waterfront specialist, private islands specialist, estate style properties, secondary home marketplace, active rain, Li at Sea to Sky Premier Properties, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, Pender Islands, Saturna Island, Salt Spring Island, southern Vancouver Island.
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