MUSKOKA CASUAL FINE DINING TRADITION Thank you for 25 years of <strong>com</strong>munity support! We look forward to serving you for many more • Exciting new items on our handcrafted menu • Enjoy our outdoor wrap around patio • Traditional Prime Rib everyday • Fridays – Fresh Catch of the Day 88 Manitoba St. TOP OF THE HILL, DOWNTOWN BRACEBRIDGE 705-645-9776 WWW.OLDSTATION.CA
Woodchester Villa to be closed for season By Andrew Hind Woodchester Villa, the Bracebridge museum renowned for its unique octagonal shape, will be closed for at least a year while vital structural repairs are made. Built in 1882 by Henry J. Bird and named after his birthplace in England, Woodchester Villa reflects the businessman’s wealth and prestige. His woollen mill, the first in Muskoka, was established alongside the falls in Bracebridge and proved remarkably successful, providing one of the industrial pillars of the growing town. Today, Woodchester Villa is one of only a handful of octagonal buildings left anywhere in Ontario. An asset of the Town of Bracebridge, it has been a museum since the 1970s, and for the past few years has been operated and managed by Muskoka Arts and Crafts on behalf of the Town of Bracebridge. “Woodchester Villa is an important asset for the town in terms of tourism and, even more importantly, in terms of heritage,” says John Sisson, chief administrative officer for the Town of Bracebridge. “It’s an incredibly significant building, not just because of its heritage designation but because of what it represents to Bracebridge in terms of our history and our town’s overall development.” Woodchester Villa sustained structural damage during the snowstorm of Dec. 11, 2009. The upper verandah of the building collapsed under the weight of the snowfall. As it collapsed, a section of the verandah broke through a porch window. “In addition to the collapsed porch there are other structural issues that we believe need to be addressed at this time,” explains Sisson. “We’re going through the analysis of that right now, and are in the process of getting bid information from contractors.” While it’s early in the process, Sisson anticipates the restoration will take more than one year to <strong>com</strong>plete, meaning that Woodchester Villa may not be open in time for its traditional Victoria Day opening in 2011. Muskoka Fashion At Beauty Comes Naturally in Bracebridge, clients know feeling rejuvenated and looking your best takes neither extreme nor excessive measures. Instead, all that is required is a personalized and relaxing approach that enhances one’s sense of wellbeing. Owner, aesthetician and skin care specialist Kerry Foreman had this in mind when she moved her day spa to its new location on Ball’s Drive, beside Re/Max, in April. “I wanted an intimate space,” says Foreman. “One that offered our clients a more private experience, rather than the hustle and bustle of our previous open concept.” The new location allows Foreman and her team of experts to provide more concentrated service for each client. “When you <strong>com</strong>e in, your needs are entirely attended to,” she says. “Whether you want your hair done or you want a facial treatment, our full attention is on you and what you want to achieve.” Indeed, the sole focus of the professional staff is enabling both men and women to look and feel their best – naturally. “We use the finest organic and natural products in the industry,” Foreman says, including Yonka skin care, An intimate space awaits at Beauty Comes Naturally Kerry Foreman, owner of Beauty Comes Naturally in Bracebridge, wel<strong>com</strong>es clients to her new location. Aveda’s plant-based line, and G.M. Collin professional treatments from France. The benefit of these products, she notes, is the active yet non-invasive techniques they use. Organic skin, hair and body care “For instance, we use the Botinol clinical treatment from G.M. Collin on expression lines, fine lines and wrinkles, which is a relaxing alternative to needle injections,” she says. “Our Collagen 90-11 treatment helps correct the visible signs of aging without using any potentially harmful chemicals, and clients notice results after just one treatment.” Foreman, who specializes in skin care treatments, will be concentrating on those services, including laser hair removal, electrolysis, plant-based cosmeceutical skin care, and photo facials, which use light to reduce the visibility of spider veins and skin spots. The spa also offers plant-based hair products. “We want to provide healthy organic hair colouring, with fewer toxins and fumes,” she says. From hair care to skin care, from nail care to full-body care, the overall experience at Beauty Comes Naturally is one of self-indulgent attention to detail. “Taking care of your physical self in a natural and holistic way always leads to feeling better mentally too,” says Foreman. “At Beauty Comes Naturally, we truly believe that investing in this important time for yourself is essential when it <strong>com</strong>es to your own well-being.” It’s an investment for men as well, she notes. “We have some gentlemen who <strong>com</strong>e in regularly,” says Foreman with a smile. “They recognize the merit of a good pedicure! Always a Friendly Atmosphere Now at our NEW LOCATION! 23 BALL’S DRIVE • Creative Colouring • • Corrective Colour • Mani’s & Pedi’s • • Ion Cleanse • Tanning Bed • Waxing • • Ear Candling • Make-up Applications • • Specializing In Long Hair Updo’s & Cutting • (705) 645-8574 www.sunbursthairdesign.ca 85 Manitoba Street Bracebridge, ON P1L 2B3 645-4441 www.beauty<strong>com</strong>esnaturally.ca • beauty@vianet.ca 31 Dominion St., Bracebridge (705) 645-9600 www.elementssalonandspa.ca www.whatsupmuskoka.<strong>com</strong> May 2010 21