the new petro power paradigm - Diplomat Magazine

esidences|DELIGHTS
tion to the garden,” she says, “mediating
between the old and new.”
The west wing is considered the living
room wing with the ambassador’s quarters
above, while the east wing has the
dining room and services, including the
kitchen, with staff quarters above.
Almost all the interior design elements
come from Ireland and the overall look
is very contemporary. The dining room,
which seats 24, is fitted with a fascinating
“turf bog” oak table and matching
chairs with hand-painted seats and backs.
Opulent Waterford crystal chandeliers
hang overhead. The iconic Irish company
closed its doors in 1990 and Ms Murray
admits there was quite a scramble to find
appropriate Waterford chandeliers for the
residence.
Contemporary taupe-coloured Irish
carpets are designed with modernistic
splashes of burnt orange, the prevailing
colour of the furniture. Taupe/gray
walls dominate most of the hallways and
main floor reception rooms including the
library, while the living room and dining
room are a creamy yellow shade. The contemporary
wood furniture and most of the
artisan pieces in the residence come from
the award-winning Dublin furniture makers
zelouf +BELL and their craftspeople.
Columns in the living room, used to break
up the large space, were made in Ottawa
while a mammoth living room fireplace,
decorated with Celtic knots, was made in
Toronto.
Cultural pieces include a display of
Waterford crystal glasses. “I’d love to add
a bottle of Irish whiskey to that cabinet,”
laughs the ambassador with a twinkle
in his eye. Along the loggia wall, a series
of bright and charming pictures, some
of the historical ships that carried Irish
immigrants to Canada, attracts visitors’
attention.
Obviously enjoying his multi-milliondollar
residence, the ambassador is keen
to show it off every chance he gets. The
embassy’s annual St. Patrick’s Day reception
draws about 500 guests. He has
also opened his front door for charitable
groups, including a springtime fundraiser
for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. A
state-of-the-art conference room located in
the basement is used frequently for meetings
and get-togethers.
Ambassador Bassett has hung an Irish
harp over the front door. Now, he says,
more people than ever slow down to admire
the symbol and his beautiful home.
Margo Roston is Diplomat’s culture editor.
During the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this room, at the end of the main entrance, is
emptied and used for musical performers.
Designer showroom & professional
workroom on premises
COMMITTED TO QUALITY
INSPIRED BY DESIGN
COMMITTED TO QUALITY
INSPIRED BY DESIGN
1134 Bank Street
(near Sunnyside)
613.730.9090
www.elitedraperies.ca
Artful
interiors
• Custom window coverings • Shutters • Blinds • Furniture
• Upholstery • Slipcovers • Bedcoverings • Hardware
Elite's talented team of designers and technicians can
take on any project of any scale — from expertly handcrafted
draperies to interior design to complete custom home
renovations. Elite has the depth of experience and capabilities
to make your dream project a reality.
diplomat and international canada 73