Todd Talbot is a man of many talents. Not only is he one of Canada’s most beloved male television hosts, actor, and he also designs and builds houses. Yes, that’s right. Todd has re-designed and built his stunning Lions Bay home. What started as a small 70’s chalet has been completely transformed into a sprawling West Coast contemporary house perfect for a growing family.
Todd’s recently renovated garage is the quintessential Canadian man cave. It was transformed to look like a hockey rink, but the best part of this renovation is the details: the autographed Wayne Gretzky stick from an uncle, the first pair of ski boots, and a beloved vintage sink. What makes this space extra special is that Todd wanted to create this for his two gorgeous children that don’t have much of a backyard to run around in. Get ready to be inspired.
We sat down with Todd to discuss his real estate experiences and what he loves so much about his home:
1. Think back to the first place you lived in on your own, what were your walls decorated with?
TT: I’m not a big wall art kinda guy. Still to this day our walls are pretty sparse. I like windows over art and creative architecture that becomes the art in the house. As a kid I hung ski posters and hockey stuff. My first place I owned I had bought three pieces of art from New Orleans each of a different jazz band – white line drawing on black paper. I thought I was so cool and it was all part of the bachelor pad vibe. There were a couple others but I can’t remember. The suite was custom painted with different coloured accent walls in each room – very early 90s! That helped with the lack of art.
2. What did you love most about the first place you purchased?
TT: That it was mine! It gave me a weird sense of confidence. I like that I had my own underground parking stall. That felt really grown up.
3. How would you describe your interior design style now?
TT: West Coast contemporary with a bit of “family mess” thrown in just to keep it real. I’m a big fan of an eclectic mix of furniture while keeping a house warm and inviting. Pretentious rooms annoy me – they seem like a waste of space.
4. What room do you spend the most time in now?
TT: Realistically my bedroom… but other than that probably my office. I like to be outside working on the property so while it’s light out that’s where you will find me.
5. What is the #1 feature you’d look for in your next home?
TT: Lots of parking. Quiet. Waterfront.
6. What does your dream home look like?
TT: I really have an eclectic taste in homes. I can appreciate anything that is well built with a custom flair. But if I had to choose it would be somewhat linear West Coast post and beam construction. I was heavily influenced by my parents building a spectacular home on Salt Spring Island when I was a youngster that was in that style.
Todd’s favourite property on sothebysrealty.ca right now:
A real estate entrepreneur at a young age, Todd has owned and renovated multiple properties. He has also created and operated several real estate companies in marketing, design, and staging and has worked with many clients to buy and sell homes. His other calling as a performer came when he was a teenager with a starring role on the hit TV series, Fifteen on Nickelodeon. From there, he attended theatre school in England and ultimately found his home on stages across the country. A veteran of the Canadian theatre community for more than two decades, he has starred in dozens of award-winning productions, a path that helped set the stage for his latest role as TV personality. With his many accomplishments and interests, Todd is never happier than with his family or when he has been tasked with renovating or building his next project.
Visit http://www.toddtalbot.ca/ or follow @ToddTalbot on Twitter & Instagram and @ToddTalbot.Acting.RealEstate on Facebook for more information.
Photography by Kristine Cofsky. Kristine is an actor, filmmaker and self-taught photographer based out of Vancouver, BC, with a tendency towards mischievous moment catching and a deep love for the way the world looks through a lens. Visit http://www.kristinecofskyphotography.com/ or follow @kristineilana on Twitter, Instagram & Kristine Cofsky Photography on Facebook for more information.
