Elegance by the sea:

Sooke Harbour House excels

MapleLine Magazine: Aug.25, 2010

by Mary P. Brooke                                                              << Back to Fall 2010 issue

                                                                                  

Photo by Sgt. Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall, June 2010At the Governor General’s mansion in Ottawa this past summer, Frederique and Sinclair Philip received a Nation’s Table award for mentorship and inspiration in the culinary industry*. What does this 28-room boutique hotel have that intrigues visitors from around the globe?

Certainly the seashore proximity and views are part of the appeal, but many resorts have that. The top-quality cuisine is a notable draw, but other restaurants can also boast the work of creative chefs. Is it a hint of whimsy at the rambling art gallery that lines the hallways? Is it a connection with the dream and spirit of Frederique (Masters of Economics) and her husband Sinclair (PhD in political science and international economics) who tenaciously built a castle by the sea? Perhaps it’s the excellence with which everything at Sooke Harbour House falls in line with Frederique’s philosophy to live simply but with elegance.

Embracing the pleasures of taste, art, and relaxation does not equate to abandoning the advances of modern life which Frederique makes evident in every stroke of creative and hospitality genius that is Sooke Harbour House. At this small spot on the planet, dinner visitors and overnight guests connect with a live-well philosophy found imbued in every food serving, wine selection, coffee choice, art piece placement, herb garden picking, and flower arrangement.

There’s something breathtaking about the place, something people want to experience up close. Despite a difficult tourism year in this post-2008 second-wave recession, the staff hangs in there – like-minded souls who weather the ups and downs of this unique seaside business venture that Sooke would miss a beat without.  MM

* The mentorship ad inspiration category: Recognizing role models and those who inspire their peers and fellow Canadians about the ways in which we think about, appreciate and participate in the nation's table. (Category description as published on the Governor General's website).

 

This page sponsored by MapleLine Business Centre. See Fall 2010 Restaurant Review Writing Workshops.

 

This article first appeared in print on page 10 of the Fall 2010 issue of MapleLine Magazine. Copyright 2010 Brookeline Publishing House Inc. & MapleLine Magazine .

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