Savary Island

Savary Island Cottages — Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:07:00 +0000

While the website has been updated several times, this blog has not. It's time!

Lots of news!

First, Andrew has significantly lowered the asking prices for each of his two Savary Island properties. Even sweeter, should someone wish to purchase both properties together (why not get together with a few friends / relatives!), he offers an unbelievable deal.

The three bedroom near-waterfront cottage (pictured above), furnished with Andrews beautiful woodwork, and including a large separate studio, is now only $298,500.

The utterly superb waterfront cottage, all 1722 sq. feet, is now offered for $800,000.

Buy both properties together, giving you waterfront, a huge cottage, a three bedroom cottage, a studio, furnished, for only $937,500!

Andrew is up on Savary right now painting the interior of the large waterfront cottage.

Visit the website, and get lots of information, see all the pictures, and then email or telephone Andrew to arrange a viewing.

One more thing! Andrew also is now offering the three bedroom cottage and the studio (sleeps two) for rent! See the Rental Page on the website for details.

Price Slashed, Savary Cottage, Gulf Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:04:00 +0000

The price on this fabulous Andrew Van Wersch furnished three bedroom Savary Island cottage has just been reduced from $350,000 to $298,500! Included is land, a separate studio, and even firewood for the winter. Visit the Savary website for lots more pictures and information.

Savary Island is a stunningly beautiful Gulf Island, minutes from the Sunshine Coast. There are also maps on the website and travel information.

Savary Island Website Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:01:00 +0000

Click on any picture to see them larger

The eating nook, with the wide custom French doors open to a beautiful day.

Andrew is just back home on the Sunshine Coast from putting the finishing touches on the Savary Island cottage and studio. He came home with some terrific new pictures, and they have now been posted to the website Carousel gallery.

The hardwood floors are finished, the custom neat shower is set to go, all the Andrew Van Wersch custom cabinetry is built (including the beautiful beds -- all included in the price). In short, it's looking utterly fantastic.

So if you are thinking of a Gulf Island vacation property, you really should see what Andrew has to offer. Way beyond the ordinary, and yet with a rather ordinary price. Absolute temptation.

Master bedroom. Custom Van Wersch bedside table and bed. Where else would you find a Gulf Island vacation cottage with this quality of construction and furnishings?

Savary Island Cottage Website Update

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:27:00 +0000

Just a little more shake siding, and done!

The Cottage is looking Great! And pretty much ready for some lucky new owner to start enjoying!

Andrew just came back from a long stretch working on the cottages and the studio, and he took quite a few excellent pictures. The website is all updated— if you haven't seen it in a while, check it out. Lots of pictures on the carousel picture gallery page. If you are in any way thinking of a vacation property on the Gulf Islands (or anywhere in British Columbia, for that matter!), you really have to see what Andrew is offering.

The first property now has not just the amazing, fully furnished deluxe Van Wersch three bedroom cottage, but this super beautiful art or music studio guest cottage! Everything is just about set for you to start enjoying-- there is even a full firewood shed!

The studio - guest cottage (cedar shingles will soon be on the top section, matching the main cottage)

The waterfront property is also coming along nicely-- look at this beach you get!

There are also many new pictures of Savary, and some spectacular sunset pictures, on the Savary gallery page.

Savary Island Cottage with a Fabulous Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:43:00 +0000

The deal gets sweeter and sweeter—

Andrew has almost completed the main cottage (see updated pictures on the website), and is well on his way to also finishing this sweet studio / guest cottage included in the package.

The main cottage is looking absolutely beautiful, with all the hardwood flooring installed, the walls painted, and the cedar shingle siding on. Zip over to the website to have a look at the great job Andrew has done.

Now Andrew has added this wonderful studio / guest cottage. It will also soon have cedar shingle siding. What a terrific addition! Whatever your interest, this will be much appreciated. Use it for your art or music studio, to house visiting friends and relatives, or for your older children.

So now you are getting not just a parcel of land on one of the most beautiful Gulf Islands, but an Andrew Van Wersch deluxe cottage, and a studio. All that for $350,000? Yes. Nice.

Your sunset

Savary Island, Gulf Island, Website Update

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:17:00 +0000

Click on the image to see it largerKitchen with fabulous cabinetry by Andrew Van Wersch~
Let the light shine in!

Andrew took time out from building to take some great pictures. The cottage is advancing very nicely!

Note that the maple flooring is now installed. The walls are also painted. This stunning cottage is just about ready for you to move in and start living the good life!

The website has new pictures, so if you haven't visited in a while, check it out. The website also has information now about the waterfront cottage. Even if you are not in the market right now for unbelievable vacation property, you might enjoy seeing a first class builder's work, and dreaming.

Savary Island Waterfront Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:39:00 +0000

Savary Island, known as Paradise for its white sandy beaches and warm water.

Most would find building one place on a Gulf Island a real handful. Not master builder Andrew Van Wersch. He is building two at the same time on neighboring lots: one non-waterfront, one waterfront— both amazing!

Andrew now has information on his waterfront cottage (1722 sq. feet of sheer beauty) on his website. Check it out by Clicking Here.

Cottage, Savary Island, Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Click on the picture to see it larger.

The cedar shingle siding is (mostly) on. Work is progressing nicely and on schedule for an end of June completion. To see other recent pictures, and to read more about this deluxe cottage for sale on the beautiful Gulf Island called Savary, Click Here.

Andrew Van Wersch, Master Builder, just got back from a couple of weeks working hard on the cottages (the one pictured above, and a waterfront larger cottage). As expected, he got more done than what a large crew of your typical builders might accomplish. He knows what he is doing, he works hard, he has the skills, and his heart is in it. I do believe that when you love what you are doing, things go better.

Such a sweet cottage. And proof that you can get away from it all, but still enjoy hot and cold running water, showers, flush toilets, electricity and so on. Be sure to visit the website to see all the updated photographs, both of the cottage, and of the property and waterfront.

Click on the picture to see it larger.

A bright, beautiful, sunny kitchen. Custom handcrafted window, and fir with black walnut cabinetry.

Savary Island: Special Island — Special Cottages

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:25:00 +0000

Savary Island Cottage:
Fine woodwork on a fine morning
(click on the image to see it larger)

Given Andrew Van Wersch's background, it's a safe bet that the two cottages he is currently building on Savary Island will be far from the ordinary. See, Andrew is not the type of builder who limited his training to banging together 2 X 4's. For years he supported his family by crafting high-end furniture and cabinets in his large workshop in Roberts Creek, on the Sunshine Coast.

He easily gained membership to the prestigious Wood Co-Op on Granville Island, in Vancouver. But primarily his business was word of mouth: I don't think he ever had to advertise. Andrew always had more work being offered than he could handle, so he could pick and choose, favoring complex, interesting projects. Whether very early in the morning, or late in the evening, as I walked my dog past his property his shop would be lit, and I'd hear Andrew working. To see some outstanding woodwork, check out this carousel picture gallery. Not exactly 2 X 4's banged together!

Just as Savary Island is a special Gulf Island, the two cottages Andrew is building are special cottages. If you are looking for vacation property beyond the ordinary, your search may be over.

Cedar Shingle Siding Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:16:00 +0000

Andrew Van Wersch, Five star builder,
Creator of Fine Furniture and Cabinets
in his shop at Roberts Creek, B.C.
See a Carousel gallery of a few of his fine works by Clicking Here.

Andrew has gone back up to Savary Island, and plans to get all the cedar shingles on the cottage. The cottage is going to look so different in the next series of pictures! Siding makes all the difference. He's also planning on finishing the outdoor decks. Ready for summer relaxation.

Imagine owning such a sweet, well made cottage on such an amazing island. If you don't know about Savary, you can see a few nice pictures of it here. I hope Andrew takes a break from building and snaps a few more of the island. Read, dream, and, who knows, maybe visit.

Sunset on Savary Island

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:19:00 +0000

Sunset, Savary Island, British Columbia

While Master Builder Andrew Van Wersch did not take the time to snap any pictures of the wonderful cottage for sale on his last working trip up to Savary Island, he did capture this beautiful sunset.

Look at those miles of beach waiting for you to explore. Pretty cool, huh?

He's going back to Savary this Monday, and promised he would take time off work to take pictures of the cottages. I know last time he made huge advances on the waterfront place, and one thing is for sure: it's going to be spectacular! I have seen Andrew very excited about his work, but I can't remember him ever being this excited! He was absolutely bubbling over with details of just how neat this place is going to be.

Well, that's Andrew. Loving his work.

Savary Island Cottage Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Having a ball, Andrew yielding a chainsaw to sculpt a large beam.

Five star builder Andrew Van Wersch returned from several weeks up on Savary Island building his two cottages. That's right: two. For most it would be an overwhelming challenge to tackle one cottage on an isolated island, but Andrew is building two. That's Andrew.

Many, many times I have seen Andrew excited about a building project. He loves it! But I am certain I have never seen him as excited as he is about this project. He really loves it!

He couldn't contain his excitement. You should hear him describing the waterfront cottage (I'm not sure when it gets this big and deluxe, 'cottage' is quite the word, but I guess it still is). His heart and soul are in this project, and you can be sure it is going to be one amazing place!

Sadly, but understandably as he described working from first light until dark, he did not take any time to snap the beautiful photographs I had been hoping for to update the website. When he goes up again, he plans to put the cedar shingle siding on the first cottage, and he has promised to take a lot of pictures once those are on. We will just have to wait.

In the meantime, here is a nice shot of the stunning woodwork for the waterfront place.

More Pictures Soon Savary Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Getting away from it all, on Savary Island, B.C.

The Master Builder Andrew Van Wersch has been up on Savary Island these past several weeks, working on the cottage. Knowing Andrew, I bet he made a ton of progress. When Andrew works, it is like magic. He knows wood and he knows tools like no one else I know.

How many times have I dropped by his shop in the morning for something, seen him getting ready to start some major project, and then dropped by the next morning and seen the project completed? Too many to count. It always reminds me of those childhood fairy tales, where the little shoe man or whoever goes to bed, and wakes to find the little people have done all his work. Accept I know there are no little people in Andrew's shop. Just Andrew doing his own magic.

I hope that Andrew took an hour or two off on one of the sunny days and snapped some more pictures. I will update the website with sunnier pictures that show the progress. Stay tuned.

A Cottage or a Boat?

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Some dream of boats ~ I have nightmares!

When it comes to holidays, there are lots of options. Some good. Some not so great.

I could discuss the car trips with kids. That's a good one for chuckles. Or the flights to Europe (three days to recover when you get there, and three days when you get back). Or looking for a hotel on a (surprise!) holiday weekend, in the dark, in the rain. But since this is a blog about Savary Island and cottages, I'll give my views on boats vs. cottages.

Having ~~wasted~~ spent many of my summer teen years on my parents' rather small Chris-Craft, the most important thing I learned about 'pleasure' boats is, avoid them! Here are a few facts:

First, there is nothing cheap about a boat. Just visit any marine shop, and check the price on that anchor junior dropped unattached over the side. Ouch.

Second, there is something boaters get called six-footitis. Every year or two, an uncontrollable urge overtakes them to get a boat just six feet longer. They think that will solve everything. It never does.

And third, the two happiest days of a boaters boating life are the day they get their boat, and the day they sell it. Period.

I could share endless unhappy experiences I had on my parents' boat. Like the time we almost collided (and I mean inches, not feet) with a HUGE tug in the middle of the night, in a storm, as we struggled to find a secure harbor. Or the time I ran into a little stick, and almost sank the thing. Or all the times the engines failed, and I got to squat on the swim plank and power the pig along with the tiny trolling engine, the sun cooking my head while my legs froze in the ocean waves. Oh, I have no shortage of misery to share from those boating days!

Surely there must have been happy times? Yes: When we were tightly tied to a dock and I could jump off onto land. I got to see many beautiful Gulf Islands, and as long as I was on land exploring those, I was at peace. My dream those days was if only my parents had bought a cottage instead of the %@#%%! boat.

And back then, they could have picked up a nice waterfront cottage for a nickle and a dime. Can you imagine what that would have done for their retirement portfolio? The boat was a one way vacuum for large amounts of cash. A cottage.... well, no point in crying over what might have been. The good thing is, they eventually wised-up and sold the boat. And yes, I do believe it was the happiest day of their boating life. I know it was mine.

From a kid's perspective, I always think it almost borders on abuse to keep them penned up on a boat for endless hours and days. I mean, even a large boat isn't very big. On the other hand, a cottage can be small (that's called cozy), but with the whole outdoors right there who cares? Go biking, go hiking, go for a swim at the beach, go find a peaceful spot and read. Now that's a sweet holiday.

Knowing the Right People | Building on an Island

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:31:00 +0000

So much lumber, hardware, tools~ and not a store on the island!

Buying land on an island is the easy part. Where do you go from there? No hardware store, no lumber store, no skilled workers waiting to take your check. And so much work that needs to be done to make your dream cottage reality! Now what?

Unless you really know what you are doing, and know other people who know what they are doing, that check you wrote for the property will be just the first of many, many checks. Oh yes, your check book is in for a workout!

That little cottage you planed to have up in no time can drag on and on, and come with a price sticker more inline with a royal palace.

That's one excellent reason that you should consider going with a place that is already built, like the one five-star builder Andrew Van Wersch is completing. None of the headaches, all of the pleasure.

Here is a sample of how Andrew manages things:

I got City Transfer to load the 53 foot flat bed and put it on a barge in Richmond, barge landed in Powel River and trucked to lund where I organized 3/5 ton trucks to off load flat deck and got a barge and tug boat to take the trucks across to Savary at high tide( you land on the beach). That is one big pile of building supplies when dumped on a freshly cleared property--looked like the first building supply store on Savary. I remember a huge load off my shoulders when the last truck unloaded, amazing wash of peace swept over me as I knew I could start building with absolutely no "waiting for material delays"

Brian, A friend of mine from Roberts Creek that runs an excavating business agreed to clear the two lots and put in 2 registered septic fields, it took very little enticing since he was curious about seeing Savary island while working--a paid holiday?

He was pleased to find the machine work was easy since there are no rocks on most of savary -- just like playing in a giant sand box, easy on the machine and quick to get anything done --- well drained--not mucky.

All the trees that needed to be cleared for building sites and septic areas were bucked into 12 to 20 foot lengths and decked into a huge pile. Just as Brian was pulling out Tony Tuba showed up with his woodmiser saw mill and cut 7000 board feet(12"x12"x1") of fir, hemlock, cedar and alder. Enough posts and beams to supply two cottages with all exposed beams and open rafters, clear fir for doors and windows and old growth clear cedar for trim and accents, some decking too. Tony did one heck a good milling job, cutting straight lumber that needed very little sanding later to get looking absolutely silky smooth.

Gulf Islands, Savary, What's Special?

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Enjoy the sandy beaches ~ Savary Island is famous for them!

Andrew Van Wersch, the five-star woodworker (see his furniture portfolio) is completing the fabulous cottage on Savary Island that is for sale. Recently he sent me a note about what draws him back time after time to Savary Island.

Andrew could have built on any of the numerous Gulf Islands, but he has always chosen Savary. Here is what Andrew writes about his enjoyment of this sandy paradise:

Savary island is more than a place for me to satisfy my cottage building craving; it has many trails throughout for hiking and mountain biking. I love jumping on my Kona Cindercone and hitting the single track trails that lead to a variety of hidden and secluded beaches

The trails range from true single track winding through old growth forests and salal to beach esplanade with great views out across Georgia Straight to Desolation Sound and beyond. Sunset trail is one of my favorite esplanade trails with a rugged quality and all the beautiful character cottages to enjoy along the way. Even though there is not much elevation gain I can still get a great workout with the sandy trails and the steady up and down over the ancient dunes.

I love hopping on my bike and finding the perfect beach to enjoy moments of relaxation and catch up on some reading. On any given day you can find a beach out of the wind (or in the wind) with the perfect sun exposure~ the beauty of a small sandy island!

Gulf Islands, Water, Drinking

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:32:00 +0000

Until it is scarce, or every drop has to be boiled, water is something most people don't spend all that much time thinking about. On many Gulf Islands, there is a limited supply, and people do think and worry and struggle.

I recall with a shudder my experience on Thormanby Island. The place was beautiful, the cabin neat, and after hiking around and getting in at dusk I was very thirsty. No problem~ just turn the gravity flow tap on in the kitchen and drink away. Since it was already pretty dark, I couldn't see all that well with the kerosene lighting.

A little later that night I went out for a little air, and saw the giant barrel water reservoir. Like quite a few island cottages, this place made use of abundant winter rains to collect drinking water off the roof. However, this reservoir was totally exposed (no cover), and shining my flashlight down into the water I nearly lost my cookies. It was an absolute soup of mosquito larvae and other aquatic bugs! That's the stuff I had been guzzling in the kitchen.

On many island properties water is a real issue. All rock, or sand with brackish water, are not conducive to great, easy well drilling. So if you are considering a Gulf Island property, checking out the water supply should be high on your list.

Andrew has a sweet water deep well on his Savary Island property. For me, that is a real plus. I don't enjoy drinking bugs.

Back to Savary, BC Gulf Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Andrew Van Wersch, Master Builder, on site on Savary Island. Doesn't he look Happy? He takes enormous pleasure working up there on the cottage.

I was down the road visiting Andrew the other day. He's not home very often these days, as he spends as much time as he can up on Savary Island, doing what he loves: building. The funny thing is that even when he is home, it's not like he isn't working on the cottage.

See, Andrew has a huge workshop on his property here. I'm pretty sure it's larger than his residence. It's got all sorts of amazing tools. For years, it was his place of work where he crafted high-end furniture and cabinets for clients (see the Carousel image gallery). Now he is building cabinets, windows, doors etc. for the cottage.

But what he really loves is heading up to the Savary, his van overflowing with things ready to install, materials to build with.

This passion for his work is reflected in the finished product. Whether it's a cabinet, a door, or an entire cottage, only something built with such love and enthusiasm could look so good. There are not all that many people who get so much out of their job. A lucky man. A master.

Savary Island Cottage, Website Launch www.savarybc.com

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:39:00 +0000

I am pleased to launch the official website for the Andrew Van Wersch Savary Island cottage. The site has lots of pictures of the cottage, the island, and some of Andrew's outstanding furniture and cabinet work too! Visit the site by clicking Here.

I really enjoy making websites. It's a different sort of challenge from my usual line of work, which is making things with my hands. I find making a website demands extreme concentration. But maybe that is just me!

It's fascinating to me how a small color change, or size of font, dramatically changes the look of a site. This shade of blue, or that? It really matters!

For this new site, because of the beauty of Savary Island and of Andrew's work, it was relatively easy to have things look good. If you start with quality, it is much harder to go seriously wrong.

From my observations, there are not many places in mid-construction that look as good as the cottage Andrew is building. All around here there is a construction boom, but until the siding is on and the yard tidied, most look more like disaster zones than real estate. Even though Andrew's cottage does not yet have its cedar shingle siding, and the property is clearly a little cluttered with building materials, it still looks charming in the pictures.

Why not have a look? You never know, you may just fall in love with Savary and this cottage, and be the lucky new owner!

Gulf Islands | Building a Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:35:00 +0000

You got your land.

Now what?

How do you go from the above, to this?

Expert builder Andrew Van Wersch's first Savary Island Cottage

I recall with a shudder how naive my wife and I were back about fifteen years ago, when we decided more or less on a whim to buy a little piece of land on a Gulf Island. We went shopping, quickly found what seemed a very reasonably priced lot, and put in a low offer. How lucky we were that the offer was refused!

We knew absolutely nothing. Real city slickers. We knew ziltch about wells, electricity, septic systems, building and health permits, transportation and labor costs. We were a real estate agent's dream ~~victims~~ customers.

Ha! Look at the picture at the top of this. Unless you are an expert builder with experience in building on islands, or you are fortunate enough to know such an individual (rare!), unless you know about even a fraction of what will be involved, watch out!

Oh, it can be done. There are tons of places, and lots of nice ones, that have been built. But there are also tons of stories of people paying far, far more than they ever dreamed possible to achieve their dream. And even sadder stories of those who bought only to find that they could not get septic approval, or who ran into other serious glitches.

So unless you really know your stuff, or know someone who can lead you, buyer beware. It may be best to consider a place set to go. One that someone else has handled the ~~nightmare~~ challenges of building on an island.

Building on an Island

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:30:00 +0000

The back of a large load of building supplies being barged over to Savary Island.

Anyone who has ever built, or had someone build for them, knows that even under ideal conditions it's a challenge. Even with the lumber store just down the road, it's not easy.

I recently hired some pretty good builders, but I have to smile when I think of how often they forgot this or that, or ran out of something and had to dart off to the hardware store. If you are building on a small island where there is no hardware store, you just can't get away with that sort of sloppiness.

Any builder on an island is either super organized and really knows their stuff, or takes a very long (read expensive) time to build.

My friend Andrew Van Wersch knows his stuff. He's never going to be the guy who gets up on his building site on Savary and discovers he left his hammer at home. Here is the sort of shopping list a great builder like Andrew puts together to get going on a new island house. It all gets loaded onto a 45 foot trailer (see picture above), and barged over to the site.

sht 180 osb 4x8 7/16
pce 550 precut 8' studs
pce 100 2*4 14'
pce 100 2*4 16'
pce 40 1*4 14'
sht 82 5/8" t&g
2900 ft sq R12 15" insulation
1500 ft sq R 20 15" insulation
1300 ft sq R20 23" insulation
pce 30 2*8 18'
pce 46 2*8 16'
pce 72 2*10 12'
pce 92 2*10 16'
rol 10 hal tex 30 min
12 iso board 2.3"
7000 lin ft 1*6 v groove pine t&g 14' & 16'
12 rolls 550 ft sq Bakor low slope 2 ply roofing
2000 sq ft 25 yr cedar tone profile asphalt shingle
4 bundles square butt matching colour for ridge cap
pce 600 ft 10 mm rebar
pce 22 2*10 Pressure Treated 16'
pce 20 2*10 Pressure Treated 14'
pce 3 6*6 Pressure Treated 16'
pce 3 6*6 Pressure Treated 14'
2000 ft sq 8' 6mm poly non uv
1500 ft sq 10' 6mm poly non uv
pce 12 crawl space vent natural aluminum( not brown or white)
50 ft ridge vent (cheap and effective)
100 ft soffet 2 "vent aluminum(not brown or white)
100 ft drip cap aluminum or brown
pce 6 3/4" pressure treated plywood
rol 2 15lb plain roofing felt 36" *144
5/14' pt 2*4
60 pcs brown step flashing
12 6" concrete saddles

Savary Island

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Savary Island on a sunny, warm day. If you click on the image, you will see it larger.

Last posting, I wrote about how Savary Island is famous for its sandy beaches and warm water, and then I went and put pictures from January. Those didn't look warm at all! Thinking about that, I decided I had better post a summer picture pronto.

While Savary has a full time population of around 90, that number can swell during the summer towards 2000. People wanting to enjoy those sandy beaches, that warm water! Of course, while different in the fall and winter, that difference is also beautiful. All that sweet smelling wet rain forest to romp around in, those deserted beaches to beach comb on.

Andrew, who is building a fabulous place there right now, frequently goes up and works during the winter. It's not very cold. Just a little wet sometimes, as you will see from the tarps in upcoming pictures. For now, let the sunshine on.

Savary Island ~ Sand and Surf

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:39:00 +0000

A blog about a place, about an island, about a man. A blog about building a beautiful place on a beautiful place. That's what I said in my first post. I also said there would be pictures~ lots of pictures.

Why not start with the place? The island. Savary Island. And why not start with pictures?

Famous for its sandy beaches and warm water (well, these pictures were taken in January, 2008, so the ocean would be as cold as it looks), it's green lushness, these two pictures will start to give you some inkling of why so many call Savary Island paradise.

You may click on the images to see them larger.

Savary Island

noreply@blogger.com (Tim) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:25:00 +0000

Savary Island, British Columbia, Canada. Click on the map to see it larger. The green arrow at the top points to Savary, and you can see Vancouver, B.C. in the lower right hand corner.

Savary Island is a Northern Gulf Island, located in the Strait of Georgia, about 90 miles northwest of Vancouver. This small island is famous for its sandy beaches and warm water. Those who know it often sum it up with one word: Paradise.

This will be a blog about a place, an island, a man, a dream.

The place is an island many call paradise. Paradise derives from a Persian word meaning a walled garden. On Savary Island, if you look at the ocean as a wall, the word suits well.

This blog will be about a man.

The man is Andrew Van Wersch. A musician, a magician, a dreamer, an artist, a five-star woodworker ~ a person who builds dreams on an island.

This blog will be about dreams.

Dreams coming true through hard work, through skill, through art, through love and sweat and determination. Where there was nothing, there was a dream. Andrew builds, and the dream becomes real.

There will be pictures. Lots of pictures. Pictures of Savary Island. Pictures of Andrew's dreams, both past and present and in the process.

If you—

have ever dreamed of getting away from it all

have thought of building a house

are thinking of buying a cottage

love the ocean and islands

enjoy beautiful pictures

love the Pacific Coast

are curious how one goes about building when there is no lumber store, no hardware store

then you should bookmark this blog and check back frequently.