Land of Dochia, Issue No. 7, June 2023

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1446 Don Mills Rd unit#230 Toronto ON M3B 3N3

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Letter from the Editor

The ever-repeating cycle of life is a source of endless joy

With the spring finally here, it is time to let ourselves be engulfed by its mesmerizing power For anyone with a cottage in the countryside or a friend that has such privilege, summer comes with a bundle of expectations on the subject

If you find yourself hosting or visiting cottages in the summer, would you consider a hotel-like approach to your stay? Where is that sweet spot of pampering and roughing it out in nature? We've become so accustomed to the conveniences of modern living that the best way to enjoy nature is by maintaining some of that A series of articles will look at one of our projects where we explore how it is done; how you make that perfect cottage for your family and friends to truly enjoy

We've had the privilege to work on this concept on a larger scale as well Behind the scenes - gives you a glimpse at the recent Award winning Ethnohotel project that Dochia won I look forward to showing you more in upcoming issues!

Happy reading,

smile in the corner of a mouth, h of wind whisperer of secretes from lands afar, the orchid of one's childhood, n proportions of an Italian villa perched among tall poplars on soft abundant hills, the sound of resonating music ed Sunday afternoon alleyway with it's many open windows and scents of dinners new shoes on the pavement as you pass fast, toward your own home, your expectation, excitement, ger for another day, a new day, filled h all the beauties in the world.

“Beauty exists not in what is seen and remembered, but in what is felt and never forgotten.”

Johnathan Jena

DOCHIA MEDIA

INTERIORS

DOCHIA INTERIOR DESIGN

It seems that the popularity of cottages, let alone the fact that they were popular already, has grown even more in recent years Reasons are plenty, and benefits follow

Guests tend to put up with what is offered; glad they can share the experience of this beautiful Ontario north or anywhere your cottage may be But what if guests had to put together a list of what they would like to have, and what if the owners would take that into account?

According to hospitality studies, Millennials want experiences, Gen-Zpersonalization, and Baby Boomersluxury Imagine a cottage built for guests, with guests in mind. It would have bedrooms with many identities; it would have different views; it would have comfort and quietness; it would have private rooms and shared rooms

This series of articles will take you through the six-bedroom guest cottage Dochia designed for such a family Each room unique, each guest pampered. They may have room favourites, but the choice is there to swap

First, let's see what they share The gorgeous setting and the lake itself can be enjoyed from the wrap-around porch with a blue ceiling The owners borrowed the use of soft-blue paint on the traditional American porches and carried the custom back to Canada. Its history date back 200 years, and it's deeply embedded in the Gullah tradition of expelling haints; these were witch-like creatures that are said to chase people to death by exhaustion. The Gullah used blue paint to deter the haint spirits from entering the homes Blue represented water, which the haints cannot cross. And so, the tradition transformed itself into an aesthetic that we still find today, soothing and peaceful, and, naturally, free of haints

The kitchen is where guests and hosts alike meet up for meal preparations and possibly eating - if the weather outside keeps you indoors. The kitchen is designed for easy prep and conversation The dining table is placed instead of the typical island, making it a much better work spot, should you choose to sit down when peeling the potatoes.

The colour scheme is friendly

Kitchenware collected over a long period of time and living on multiple continents is displayed on the shelves provided left and right of the cooktop You can see the curated selection and its subtle connection in colour and theme. Daily dishware is handy-placed right next to the dishwasher, and the soft black soapstone countertop gently shapeshifts and forms a farmer's sink,

beautiful and functional at the same time Overlooking the Muskoka Room, cleaning up is fun and easy.

To allow a clean and open kitchen, a pantry across from the refrigerator conveniently stores everything else There is nothing better than a separate yet easily accessible room where open shelving allows you to see everything and grab what you need It is not always possible in the city, where municipal bylaw regulations limit layout, but in the countryside, there is an opportunity here to be considered

And so, with everything ready, every day at the cottage is like being in an overnight camp, with laughter, great food, wonderful company, and just a healthy way of living

The kitchen is where guests and hosts alike meet up

According to hospitality studies, Millennials want experiences, GenZpersonalization, and Baby Boomers - luxury.

This series of articles will take you through the six-bedroom guest cottage Dochia designed for such a family. Each room unique, each guest pampered. They may have room favourites, but the choice is there to swap.

Transylvania, UNESCO building renovaton

Dochiawinshospitalityaward

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