No-fuss Australian style and entertaining in the heart of Ontario’s summer playground
No-fuss Australian style and entertaining in the heart of Ontario’s summer playground
THE ShOW
Did you hear the one about the Australian living in Port Sydney?
In this light-hearted lifestyle series, interior decorator and Melbourne-to-Muskoka transplant, Rebecca LeClaire, shares her love for demystifying interior design and entertaining. With a laid-back Australian attitude – something that belies her usual breakneck pace – and a good helping of acerbic wit, Rebecca tackles projects (from classic Muskoka cottage updates to stunning new builds) that showcase the area’s beauty and history. The series follows her adventures as she brings the best aspects of her down-under style and love for Melbourne’s rich food culture to bear on Muskoka living and entertaining.
THE HOST
Ten years ago, before meeting her Canadian husband in a tawdry Toronto bar, Rebecca hadn’t the slightest inkling that she’d ever leave the bustling, subtropical metropolis of Melbourne to live year-round on a quiet lake in Muskoka. With typical Aussie grit, she quickly embraced her new surroundings, including the joys and perils of Ontario’s seasons.
With “love the space you’re with” as her mantra, the one-time accountant followed her passion and built a successful decorating business. She is sought after for the simple elegance and every-day functionality of her cottage designs.
Sample episode – The icehouse cometh (part 1)
Designer Rebecca LeClaire is hired to gradually renovate Hilarity Hall, a historic Muskoka cottage. The home has been in the family for generations and holds lots of secrets and stories. At the foot of the property, feet from the water, stands an old icehouse. The family’s hope is to turn the ramshackle building into a tiny house with a little income potential when they don’t need it for their own guests.
“The Ice House Cometh” is a 3 episode arc. In each episode, Rebecca takes on a new challenge, starting with the renovation of Hilarity Hall and culminating with the reveal of the icehouse.
THE ICEHOUSE COMETH (PART I)
the companyACT 1
Rebecca’s Home/Cottage
Rebecca pulling herself out the door with James (10) in tow. She talks about the project while James asks random questions (like why are we driving there – it’s next door)?
Hilarity Hall – Mary Lake
Rebecca gets to the site and meets the clients. They do a walking tour of the property and she learns the rich history of Hilarity Hall. Cutaways add historical context of the town/lake.
Clients explain what they want (with a big focus on preserving historic qualities) – what works for them, what doesn’t, how they intend to use the space.
It’s decided that the project will start with a complete reno of the old country kitchen.
The clients lead Rebecca down to the ice house, a funny looking shack close to the water’s edge. Their dream is to turn it into a guest house with a little income potential.
ACT 2
Rebecca’s Home Office
Rebecca in home office, viewing CAD mockups on computer.
Hilarity Hall
And another walk around with the client; a brief discussion of permits which are tricky for even the simplest renos in Muskoka.
Rebecca’s Kitchen
Rebecca and her friend Steve (a contractor who now consults on projects) are discussing permits. Steve is skeptical about the whole project, especially the ice house which is close to the waterfront. Rebecca decides he’s just hangry and whips up a 4 ingredient shrimp carbonara and opens a bottle of white wine.
ACT 3
Hilarity Hall
Demolition of kitchen at Hilarity Hall.
Steve is called to consult on an issue with the old beams which they hope to save.
5 weeks later, the kitchen is a blank slate. Measurements are confirmed for the cabinet maker and Rebecca and the client arrive with swatches and paint samples.
Rebecca’s Home
Rebecca prepares a casual dinner for her client/friend – a few simple Australian favourites – while her husband regales the company with stories of finding their boat on the bottom of the lake.
Hilarity Hall
At site for installation
Big reveal followed by a party in the new kitchen
THE ShOW
Did you hear the one about the Australian living in Port Sydney?
In this light-hearted lifestyle series, interior decorator and Melbourne-to-Muskoka transplant, Rebecca LeClaire, shares her love for demystifying interior design and entertaining. With a laid-back Australian attitude – something that belies her usual breakneck pace – and a good helping of acerbic wit, Rebecca tackles projects (from classic Muskoka cottage updates to stunning new builds) that showcase the area’s beauty and history. The series follows her adventures as she brings the best aspects of her down-under style and love for Melbourne’s rich food culture to bear on Muskoka living and entertaining.
THE HOST
Ten years ago, before meeting her Canadian husband in a tawdry Toronto bar, Rebecca hadn’t the slightest inkling that she’d ever leave the bustling, subtropical metropolis of Melbourne to live year-round on a quiet lake in Muskoka. With typical Aussie grit, she quickly embraced her new surroundings, including the joys and perils of Ontario’s seasons.
With “love the space you’re with” as her mantra, the one-time accountant followed her passion and built a successful decorating business. She is sought after for the simple elegance and every-day functionality of her cottage designs.
Sample episode – The icehouse cometh (part 1)
Designer Rebecca LeClaire is hired to gradually renovate Hilarity Hall, a historic Muskoka cottage. The home has been in the family for generations and holds lots of secrets and stories. At the foot of the property, feet from the water, stands an old icehouse. The family’s hope is to turn the ramshackle building into a tiny house with a little income potential when they don’t need it for their own guests.
“The Ice House Cometh” is a 3 episode arc. In each episode, Rebecca takes on a new challenge, starting with the renovation of Hilarity Hall and culminating with the reveal of the icehouse.
THE ICEHOUSE COMETH (PART I)
the companyACT 1
Rebecca’s Home/Cottage
Rebecca pulling herself out the door with James (10) in tow. She talks about the project while James asks random questions (like why are we driving there – it’s next door)?
Hilarity Hall – Mary Lake
Rebecca gets to the site and meets the clients. They do a walking tour of the property and she learns the rich history of Hilarity Hall. Cutaways add historical context of the town/lake.
Clients explain what they want (with a big focus on preserving historic qualities) – what works for them, what doesn’t, how they intend to use the space.
It’s decided that the project will start with a complete reno of the old country kitchen.
The clients lead Rebecca down to the ice house, a funny looking shack close to the water’s edge. Their dream is to turn it into a guest house with a little income potential.
ACT 2
Rebecca’s Home Office
Rebecca in home office, viewing CAD mockups on computer.
Hilarity Hall
And another walk around with the client; a brief discussion of permits which are tricky for even the simplest renos in Muskoka.
Rebecca’s Kitchen
Rebecca and her friend Steve (a contractor who now consults on projects) are discussing permits. Steve is skeptical about the whole project, especially the ice house which is close to the waterfront. Rebecca decides he’s just hangry and whips up a 4 ingredient shrimp carbonara and opens a bottle of white wine.
ACT 3
Hilarity Hall
Demolition of kitchen at Hilarity Hall.
Steve is called to consult on an issue with the old beams which they hope to save.
5 weeks later, the kitchen is a blank slate. Measurements are confirmed for the cabinet maker and Rebecca and the client arrive with swatches and paint samples.
Rebecca’s Home
Rebecca prepares a casual dinner for her client/friend – a few simple Australian favourites – while her husband regales the company with stories of finding their boat on the bottom of the lake.
Hilarity Hall
At site for installation
Big reveal followed by a party in the new kitchen
What People are Saying
Why is this not a show yet?
– Producers Everywhere
Rebecca who now?
– Person who hasn’t had the AM experience yet
You like me. You really like me.
– Sally Field
What People are Saying
Why is this not a show yet?
– Producers Everywhere
Rebecca who now?
– Person who hasn’t had the AM experience yet
You like me. You really like me.
– Sally Field