Watercolour Westport Stories

What makes a place feel like home? In this episode of the Watercolour Westport Stories podcast, Bill and Donna Garland share how Wolfe Lake and Westport became the heart of their family's story. From decades of summers at the cottage to building their retirement home, they reflect on the traditions, friendships, and sense of belonging that keep generations coming back. Join us for an inspiring con...

What happens when someone who sees hundreds of homes every year decides to buy one for themselves? In this episode of the Watercolour Westport Stories Podcast, we sit down with Watercolour homeowners Dez and Nancy, a husband-and-wife photography and videography team who have spent years capturing homes across Eastern Ontario. Having toured and documented hundreds of properties annually, they had a...

What happens when a lifelong dream finally gets its chance? In this episode of the Watercolour Westport Stories Podcast, we sit down with Tracey Phillips, owner of Westport Village Pharmacy, entrepreneur, community builder, and longtime summer resident turned full-time Westport local. After a successful career that culminated in a role as Vice President of Pharmacy at Rexall, Tracey made a life-ch...

Join Noah Garcia, Finishing Coordinator and Handyman at Landark Homes, as he recounts the series of "divine appointments" that prompted him and his family to transition from their Ottawa renovation business to a fresh start in Westport with the Landark team. He discusses the steep learning curve of building Net Zero homes and the specialized training Landark provides, including a trip to Denver to...

New homeowners Bob and Michelle join us to share the incredible journey that led them to Watercolour Westport. After 36 years in Oshawa, this retired educator couple searched coast-to-coast across five provinces for a community that met their must-haves: an energy-efficient builder, sustainability, walkability, and easy access to nature. They discuss how Landark Homes’ vision for a net-zero-ready,...

What can a farm teach us about community? In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories , Matt from Stealing the Bloom shares the story behind his regenerative farm just minutes from Watercolour. The farm is home to sheep, cattle, chickens, peacocks, a miniature donkey, and Marmalade, the podcast’s first animal guest. From farm tours and mobile petting zoos to deeper reflections on stewardship,...

What makes a village feel like a village? Meet Pam from the Westport Public Library,  and learn how the library is a quiet but essential part of daily life in the community as well as the upcoming EcoFest in the village. From its early beginnings to the way it continues to evolve today, the library is more than a place for books. It’s where people gather, learn, connect, and find support in ways y...

Season 2 begins with a story about finding the place that finally feels like home. Hear this wonderful story from Mike, a homeowner who  shares what led him from life outside Orillia to Watercolour Westport, and why walkability, community, and everyday connection made the decision feel easy. From local restaurants and farmers markets to nearby golf, music, and village life, this conversation is a...

What keeps a small village thriving? In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories , Kacee Kudrinko shares the story behind some of Westport’s most familiar local businesses, from Kudrinko’s grocery store to Rosie Yumski’s and the Lower Mountain Mercantile. It’s a conversation about reinvestment, local food, environmental stewardship, and what it means to grow alongside a community over time. Fr...

What makes Land Ark a home builder like no other.  In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories, the conversation explores what happens when design, sustainability, and long-term thinking come together. It’s not just about homes, it’s about creating spaces that feel better to live in, and communities that are built to last. From materials and performance to the bigger picture of how we live day...

What does it take to build something that lasts for over 40 years? In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories , the founders of The Cove Inn share the story behind one of Westport’s most recognizable places. What began with uncertainty, risk, and a leap of faith slowly became something much bigger, a place rooted in hospitality, music, and community. From early struggles and unexpected setbac...

What does it take to leave the city and start a new chapter in a small town? In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories , Amanda, a recent homeowner, shares the journey that led from a multi-level house in Ottawa to a richer, more connected life in Westport. Having never been to Westport before and looking at many other builders and communities, they discovered the hidden gem of Watercolour:...

What happens when an old house, a love of pottery, and a desire for community come together in just the right place? In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories , founder of Stone Manor Studios , Kim, shares the story behind a space where people gather to explore creativity, learn new skills, and connect. What began as an unexpected life transition has become a welcoming studio where art and c...

This episode takes us inside Lake + Main, a thoughtfully curated skincare shop in the heart of Westport. Founders Alyson and Lisa share how a longtime love of clean products turned into a small-batch business and eventually a popular local storefront. They open up about transparency in the beauty industry, sustainability challenges, and what it really takes to scale handcrafted products while stay...

In this episode, Paul Millar, a longtime Westport resident, community leader, and now a member of the Land Ark host team, shares his personal journey of moving often throughout his life before finally setting down roots in Westport. Paul reflects on why so many people describe this village as a place of “restoration,” what makes small-town living different, and how thoughtful community planning, e...

In this episode, meet Joe Germann, Construction and Service Manager at Watercolour Westport. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into building a Land Ark Home. From airtight construction and triple-pane windows to service after you receive your keys, Joe shares how thoughtful planning, strong trade relationships, and attention to detail create homes that are healthier, more efficient, and bu...

In this episode, Wafa learns from a trusted Land Ark homebuilding advisor Carmen for a practical, insightful conversation about buying new versus renovating — and how to make decisions that truly support the next stage of life. Drawing on decades of experience in homebuilding, sales, and finance, Carmen shares what buyers should consider when downsizing or right-sizing: maintenance, monthly costs,...

In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with local realtor Zach Shea, our realtor from Rideau Realty, who has been on the journey with Land Ark since Phase 1. Listen to the evolution of buyers making a move to Westport and the Rideau Lakes region. Zach shares his journey into real estate, what makes this area so unique, and how many buyers are choosing to simplify — whether that means right-siz...

Meet the creative, inspiring co-owner of Pinecone here in Westport. Her thoughtful design is woven throughout the village in a number of ventures.  Listen to what drew her family to Westport, why small-town living feels so special, and how local shops, art, and shared experiences help create a strong sense of belonging. From walkable streets and trails to supporting artists and building meaningful...

In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with Watercolour homeowner Kent to talk about what it really means to slow down and come home again. After decades in Toronto, Kent and his wife made the move back to small-town living and found more than they expected. Kent shares his journey from city pace to village rhythm, what drew them to Westport, and how community, walkability, and thoughtful home...

You’re invited to meet a Watercolour Westport homeowner, mom of three, and homeschooling parent, to talk about the unexpected journey that brought her family here. Samantha shares what it was like leaving city life behind, adjusting to a slower pace, and discovering a deeper sense of peace, connection, and community than she ever imagined. From raising her children close to nature to finding joy i...

In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with the owner of a beloved Forno Bakery and Pizzeria to learn about the inspiration and vision for this new successful bakery in the village.  From living in Portugal and falling in love with naturally leavened bread, to returning to Canada during the pandemic and building a business rooted in care, craft, and community, this conversation explores what i...

In this special holiday episode, Wafa and Stephen take a moment to pause, reflect, and say thank you. Recorded from the Crosby Loft model home as snow settles outside, they share their gratitude for the guests, homeowners, entrepreneurs, and our producer who helped shape the Watercolour Westport Stories podcast this year. They look back on the connections formed through the podcast, share a few gl...

In this episode, Kevin Rankin, General Manager of Watercolour Westport, sits down with Gord Cooke from Building Knowledge Canada to explore how great building science shapes the way Watercolour homes feel — quieter, healthier, more resilient, and more comfortable. Gord shares why decades of Canadian research, better materials, and stronger trade partnerships have made it possible to build Net Zero...

In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with the Mayor of Westport, Robin Jones, for a warm, thoughtful conversation about what makes this village so special. Together, they talk about the authenticity of small-town life, the vibrancy of the greater Westport area, and how newcomers and long-time residents alike help shape a community rooted in connection. The mayor shares her journey from a 34-...