East Coast - Patina

Nova Scotia always overwhelms me with inspiration, the landscape, the architectural character, the food.  On my recent visit we spent our days road-tripping thru the Annapolis Valley as well as the South Shore travelling a total of 1500 km.   With my camera always on my lap, the days were filled with 'stop the car' moments from beginning to end.  I'm constantly 'gasping' to pullover or turn around or drive down there,,,,,BF's become so used to this that most times I don't have to do anything except flick my camera on and he's already looking for a place to pullover.   With the patience of a saint, he'll happily make a stop as often as I want, usually snapping away with his own camera while he waits for me - he's amassed a huge collection of pictures of me taking pictures at the side of the road!   I'm sure passers by often wonder what I could possibly be so interested in.......

The seaside landscape here truly calls my name -  vast open water, changing skies, long wispy grass, cedar shake buildings,  (especially barns!) and the sculptural rocky shoreline all reflecting that time-worn, weathered patina created by coastal winds, water and sun.  When it comes to architecture there are two distinct palletes you'll see along these coastal communities, distinctly bold colourful hues or,,,, a more natural palette that blends into the surroundings.  Below are a few of my favorite images from this trip, each capturing the characteristics of these elements, from rustic abandoned fishing shacks to modern day masterpieces, the simplicity speaks.  (the resolution sizes have been reduced for ease of posting.)

Somewhere near 

Near Liverpool, Nova Scotia.

Green Bay, Nova Scotia

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Driving near LaHave, Nova Scotia, from far down the road I recognized this modern residence up high on a peak overlooking the ocean.  Its the work of local Architect Brian MacKay's firm.  I'm a big fan of their work and you'll spot their modern east coast structures all around this area.

Near Broad Cove,  Nova Scotia

Near East Port Medway Nova Scotia

Near Cherry Hill, Nova Scotia

All Photos by:  Carol Reed 

Cape Breton Houses

I spent a few days in Sydney on Cape Breton Island where the houses all have that classic East Coast style that I love so much.  Its rare in these parts to see homes constructed of brick or stucco, or to see them painted in dull neutral colours.   My favorite exterior colour combo for these character houses is a dark deep grey/black or deep blue with white trim and a bold colorful front door.   Walk down any street and your bound to see a different hue on every house.   I also love that these houses have a lot of symmetry - with they're crisp white trim and colourful siding they're just the perfect showcase for holiday decor.

Whether I'm at home or travelling one of my favorite past-times is to walk thru neighborhoods and check out exterior home designs.  I wasn't disappointed in Sydney, it was a treat to stroll up and down the streets and take in all the different colour combos and, what I thought were all beautifully appointed front doors.

Not the greatest photo but the wreath on the front door (and side door) of this yellow house was gorgeous along with a pair of potted topiary evergreens it was so tastefully done.

Here's an example of that high contrast colour combo I love so much,,the contrast of the dark siding with the crisp white trim really highlights the architectural details.   Check out that railing design!

Here's another great railing design similar to the house photo above - love this!!

Once you get outside of the *city*, the houses in the rural areas you can still find some colourful houses but mostly you see a lot of naturally greyed cedar shake or painted white farmhouses.  Now these are what really speak to me,,,,,like this classic cedar shake farmhouse.  It sits high on a hilltop with panoramic ocean views along the west coast of the island - hello, whoever owns this beauty, I want your house.  : )

All Photos:   Carol Reed