{ 1929 }

Today we’re doing something a little different with our regular Home Tour feature…

Here in the Comox Valley we have some lovely historical architecture. I’m not sure about you, but one of my favorite things to do is drive around and gaze at some of the classic old timers. Old orchard area in Courtenay, or downtown Cumberland are two of my favorite spots for this.

In Comox sits one beautiful historical gem of a home. You’ve probably seen it: The Filberg Lodge located at the Filbeg Park.

This home was supposed to be the guest house for the Filberg family. Construction started in 1929 and by 1935 the family loved it so much that they decided to make it their own.

Kari’s here to give us a few historical design lessons circa 1929.

Enjoy!

My Family and I love going to the Filberg Lodge – it’s one of our favorite places to stroll around on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  During the summer we enjoy listening to the performers in the park while lapping up oodles of ice cream at the Tea House lunch counter.  I feel so privileged that my family has the opportunity to enjoy this amazing property that captures the essence of life in the 1920’s.

Let’s explore this home – art deco style…

This beautiful bedroom overlooks the ocean and has a stunning view of Goose Spit.  I’m sure many hours of contemplation were spent lying on this lovely upholstered bed.  Fabrics like Rayon were one of the first man-made fibers introduced in the 20’s, and began replacing cotton as a sought after new and “modern” material.  It promised better durability and a silk-like properties adding elegance to  simple damasks.  For additional warmth in the bedrooms upstairs, modest wood and mosaic tiled fireplaces were constructed to provide necessary heat and the tiles added hit of colour to each room.

These were practical times and with the focus being on the war, military influences started appearing in various architectural details and home decor.   The en-suite bathroom just off the master suite displays mosaic tiles laid in a geometric chevron pattern.  Institutional materials like high polished chrome made their way into decorating details representing the introduction of The Machine Age.  Popular colours like teal, pink and black became mainstream pallets, and were inspired by nature.

Through this gorgeous hand-planed wood door, the kitchen displays a stunning reminder of the intricate tile inlay used during this time which creates an overall marvelous mosaic floor.  The kitchen layout is functional, and differs from today’s kitchens by incorporating important features like a separate entrance for daily deliveries of food and household supplies.  A private staircase off the back of the kitchen leads to the maids quarters at the top of the stairs…man, my house doesn’t have this feature…bummer!

What an awesome day we had at Filberg Lodge, Bethany and I had a great time trying to re-capture the spirit of this 1920’s classic beauty…if only we had a time machine!

Ever heard of Bathtub Gin? This last photo is our way of playing on the rumour :)

The remainder of the photos are HERE

Special Thanks to Courtenay Costume Rentals and The Filberg Lodge for helping us out with today’s feature.