Designer Guys do Dawson.
Just came back from the big reveal at the Berton House where the interior decorators from the Toronto television show ‘The Designer Guys’ opened the door to about fifty people shivering outside waiting in minus -18 temperatures to get a glimpse of the makeover.
The Berton House is of course our writers in residence that was once the boyhood home of Pierre Berton in Dawson City.
About ten years ago I pitched in to get the house ready for Russell Smith, the first writer to spend time there. He was on his way to town with Pierre Berton, his wife and sister Lucy. Racing against the clock we were unpacking particle board chairs and tables from Canadian Tire and nailing up sheets over the windows for privacy. A far cry from from the chic interior I witnessed today. Very well done and very cozy. Maybe I should be a writer so I can live there.
Our revered historian and childhood friend of Berton’s, John Gould mentioned that there used to be a nice big Morris chair in the house. Now that would have been a nice touch.
As the crowd pushed their way into the living room elbowing each other and the hapless camera crew, someone we all know and love for her candor demanded to know why track lights were installed on the ceiling, “I hope you’re going to take down those lights! They’re ugly! I’m furious, they would never have had those!”
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How fun! I am so happy to have found your blog. I visitied Dawson City once – my Aunt and Uncle live there – though they are in the process of moving down to Vancouver Island. I LOVE Dawson City, and even though I have only been there once, I often brag about it. I shall keep checking your blog.
My husband and I are staying at Berton House right now (July through September, 2007). The only unfortunate thing about the track lighting is the bulbs are rather expensive, and one is burned out at the moment — so it lasted less than one year.
We LOVE the place! Thanks, Dawson!
woud dearly love to spend time and write in Berton’s childhool home. My son Timothy Taylor and his fiance Marie Eve Owen have just moved to Dawson City to teach at the Robert Service Highschool. I’m hoping to visit them before the end of my sabbatical in January, 08…what a truly remarkable place to have a writers retreat. Sheryl Taylor, Mansonville Quebec.