Your Host

Love of the Orient

Having lived in some of the major cities of the world (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Toronto, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta), your host sought serenity and a small town community, finally settling on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada in the fall of 2003. The decor of Emerald Lakes reflects her globe trotting and love of Oriental art and antiques. Bronzes of Indian and Chinese goddesses, wood and ivory carvings of Chinese emperors, incense burners, Chinese ancestral scrolls, and fine Kutani and Imari porcelain set this home apart.

The Gardens

Although the house caught her attention during her search, it was the gardens that won her heart. The gardens at Emerald Lakes celebrate the four seasons.....the rhododendron and strawberries in spring, the roses, hydrangea, and raspberries in summer, the pear, apple and brilliant maple and oak trees in the fall, and the blue spruce and holly in winter.

Your choice of style

Mary has made each of the four rooms at Emerald Lakes very distinct in style and decor.....the warmth of the fine birch beams of the Mandarin Room, the high ceiling with crystal chandelier of the Emerald Room, the power of the Samurai Room, and the delicacy of the Lotus Room.

Love of Desserts

Your host is a gourmet cook who carries the love of entertaining in style of her heritage and delights in setting elegant tables and in producing mouth-watering delicacies in her remarkable kitchen. There will almost always be cookies in the cookie jar.

Cooking Classes

Many of her guests at her former location had asked about cooking classes. Mary will definitely be organizing these in the spring of 2005. Do let her know if you are interested in attending these classes. The classes are a great way for a group of friends to get away for a break from the normal routine. They will be aimed at those who love to cook and those who are new or prospective B & B owners.