Love that lasts a lifetime

It has been said that love at first sight is the only way to love at all. One look seems all it takes to seal a lifelong relationship. But if love comes with the first look, the lifetime commitment comes from not being able to live without each other’s love and support.

Businesswoman Princess Zulueta Aquino was house-hunting when she came across the Victorianne in La Posada – a neo-Victorian inspired row of picture postcard homes conceptualized by maverick real estate developer Brittany Corp. She was, in fact, meant to see a different property when a navigational error led her straight to these delightful homes that immediately evoked happy childhood memories. If love at first sight is not a myth, this was definitely it!

Apparently, she stumbled into a home that is everything one would like to have in a long-term relationship. The San Francisco inspired architecture responds to her discriminating taste for the finer things in life. The well-crafted neo-Victorian home provides protection, security and comfort. And with the property set in the midst of an ingeniously master planned community, she has no doubt about living there for a long, long time. Truth be told, it is her doll house come to life but with the support of a firm foundation laid out by Brittany Corp.

"Welcome to my doll house!" I would tell my friends when they come to call on me," explained Aquino. "And soon enough, they would ask me if they could visit my doll house again because they don’t only find it very pretty but very cozy as well."

This enchanting home’s interior design was largely left in the capable hands of her daughter who, she disclosed, will eventually become the mistress of the house. Her daughter, Misty Viola, is an interior designer working for a high-end architecture and design magazine.

The task, though not an unhappy one, had its share of difficulties. Misty revealed being partial to clean, modern lines. Her mother, on the other hand, favored the old European styles. Much of the furniture came from a previous home and consisted largely of highly-cherished antiques that the Aquino has been collecting for years. These items were "non-negotiables" and part of the designer’s task was to find a way to integrate these precious possessions into the new home. The result was a happy mix of the two-crafted in such a way that the opposing styles would not clash.

Upon entering, the warmth of the yellow walls immediately evokes coziness within the room. To the left is the living room with its bright red curtains literally popping from the windows in contrast to the yellow walls. Shelving units flank either side of the bay window and is filled with knick knacks that Aquino has collected from years of traveling. A piano is set immediately beside the door and making up the rest of the living room are two sofas – one antique and one modern – and a wingback chair in a deep green shade.

Towards the right side of the door is the dining area dominated by a large mirror with bronze details. Below it is a service cabinet with matching tray tables on either side. Another antique china cabinet is set an angle beside the sliding doors leading to a small veranda.

The kitchen is a stark contrast to the rest of the rooms on the first level. It is painted in Mediterranean shades of blue and yellow, and every last square inch is a reflection of the modern style of design. Though small, it is well-equipped with more than just the kitchen essentials. It is well-ventilated to ensure that the rest of the house would not smell like a kitchen. The sliding doors allow the cook a breath of fresh air along with a chance to wave hello to the next door neighbor whose kitchen window is directly across.

On the second floor are the bedrooms with the master suite immediately to the right of the stairs. The bay window serves as the focal point of this room. A large wood-framed bed with an orange sofa at its foot provides a comfortable view of the television that sits on an ornate camphor chest that Aquino inherited from her grandmother. The room also has its own private toilet and bath inspired by the soothing qualities of the Japanese Zen tradition.

The attic, however, is where all the action takes place. Painted in a light blue shade, it is the hideaway of Aquino’s grandson M3. The room, with its sloping walls, is divided into two areas. The play area is a veritable toy room with every imaginable children’s play stuff stashed within its confines. Glow-in-the-dark stars were even pasted on the walls for an added playful touch. But Aquino’s antique frenzy has influenced this room as well. The child’s mother can rock her son to sleep in an antique rocking chair and keep his clothes in small, antique wood chest of drawers.

While the home itself is more than enough reason to move in, Aquino discovered soon enough the other advantages of living at Victorianne. Working in Quezon City, the home provides a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to give up the modern conveniences.

Amenities offered by the property include underground cabling for power, communication and CATV, available wiring for high-speed internet connection, high level security alarm system, swimming pool, shower rooms, tea garden, lily pond, multi-function hall, children’s playground, and game courts.

Just a few steps away is The Wharf, presently the newest happening place south of Manila, which presents delightful dining options. The Wharf makes an excellent choice for a relaxing Aquino family brunch on a lazy Sunday.

Located south of Manila within La Posada in Brittany Bay, it is a mere 15-minute drive to Makati and just 10 minutes from Alabang – making it an accessible alternative to the chiché of living in an urban jungle.

Victorianne has two model units available. Duetto, a four-level structure, has two units back-to-back to ensure the homeowner’s privacy. The Quadrille, on the other hand, is a cluster of four units sharing two of the four walls to maximize the space. A separate entrance and view guarantee’s the homeowner’s privacy. The Duetto and Quadrille occupy a total of 146 sqm. of floor space on an 86 sqm and 126 sqm. floor space on a 70 sqm lot, respectively.

For inquiries and property previews, call 850-2868 or 850-3084, or visit www.brittany.com.ph.