PODCAST · leisure
Watercolour Westport Stories
by Watercolour Westport
Welcome to the Watercolour Stories Podcast — where heart meets home. Join Stephen Rolston, founder of Land Ark Homes, and Wafa Martin as they share the inspiring stories behind this one-of-a-kind community, thoughtfully designed around walkability, connection, and Net Zero Ready homes.From the visionaries who brought the neighbourhood to life, to the families who now call it home, you’ll hear real stories of what makes Watercolour Westport more than just a place to live; it’s a way of life.Looking for a better place to call home? You just might find it here.
Episodes
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A Conversation About Pets, People & Westport
Meet Kate from Wags, Whiskers & Wings and hear how her love of animals led her to open a pet store in Westport. From her own collection of pets to Spyro the store cat, wildlife rescue, sustainable pet care and Westport’s pet-friendly community, Kate shares what makes life with animals such a...
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The Keeper of Westport's Stories: A Museum Curator's Journey
Christine is the curator of the Westport Museum and a fifth-generation local whose family history runs as deep as the village itself. From a childhood promise made to a broken statue named Sally Grant, to the rise and fall of grand Rideau steamships, a hotel that burned down a week before…
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The Heart of Westport: Brewing Beer, Building Community & Life by the Harbour
What happens when a love of community, craft beer, and a beautiful waterfront location come together? In this episode, we visit Westport Brewery with owners Kevin and Tamara, who share the story behind their microbrewery and the community they’ve built over eight years. From a 150-year-old…
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Making It Yours: Home Selections with Kim from Spectrum Kitchens
Your home should feel like you. Kim from Spectrum Kitchens walks us through how she helps Watercolour residents bring their vision to life, from paint colours to finishes designed around how you actually live. 🎙️ _______________________ Connect with Us! Learn more about us on our website:...
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Roots, Retail & Community: Deanne Lyons on 40 Years of Serving Westport
In this episode, we sit down with Deanne Lyons inside The Farren, a beautiful bungalow right here at Watercolour, for a conversation that feels as warm and layered as Westport itself. Deanne and her husband Greg are part of the family behind Lyons Goodfellow Furniture. For over 40 years, the…
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Life on the Rideau: Len's Cove Marina with Sean Horsfall
Meet Sean Horsfall, third-generation owner of Len's Cove Marina in Portland, Ontario. From his grandfather's leap out of Toronto in 1958 to today's 180-slip marina, Sean shares the history of one of the Rideau's most beloved waterfront destinations, the magic of Lost Lake, why Eastern Ontario is...
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Building Community with Family & Service Groups | Bill & Donna Garland
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...
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Photographer to Homeowner. Why Dez & Nancy Chose Watercolour Westport | Season 2 Episode 7
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...
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Never Give Up on Your Dreams - Tracey’s Westport Story | Season 2 Episode 6
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...
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The Divine Appointment: Landark Homes' Noah Garcia on Community and Quality Construction | Season 2 Episode 5
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…
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The Coast-to-Coast Search for Community: Meet Bob & Michelle | Season 2 Episode 4
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…
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Regenerative Farming and the Life Around Westport | Episode 2.3
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...
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The Heart of a Village: Inside the Westport Library | Episode 2.2
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…
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Finding Home in a Walkable Village Called Westport | Episode 41
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...
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The Businesses That Help Make Westport Feel Like Home | Episode 40
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…
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After 50 years in New Home Sales, This is Why She Bought in Watercolour. | Episode 39
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...
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The Story Behind Westport’s Cove Inn: 40 Years of Community and Hospitality | Episode 38
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...
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Finding a Walkable Life in a Small Town | Episode 37
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…
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Creativity, Community, and the Story of Stone Manor | Episode 36
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…
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From Kitchen Counter to Main Street Westport | Episode 35
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...
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Finding a Home: A House is Not Always a Home | Episode 34
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...
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Behind the Build: Why Every Home in Watercolour is the Standard for the Future of Homes in Canada | Episode 33
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…
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Right-Sizing with Confidence: Building, Buying, and Planning for What’s Next | Episode 32
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,...
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Finding the Right Fit: Homes, Community & the Move That Makes Sense | Episode 31
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...
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Where Small-Town Charm Meets Everyday Beauty | Episode 30
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...
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Small-Town Living: Simplicity and Connection | Episode 29
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...
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Letting Go of City Life and Finding Something Better | Episode 28
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,...
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From Portugal to Westport: Sourdough Bread, Community and a New Beginnings | Episode 27
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...
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A Holiday Message from Watercolour Westport
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...
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Why Better Homes Start With Better Building Science | Episode 26
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...
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Choosing to Live Here and Lead Here | Episode 25
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…
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Don’t Waste Energy Living in an Obsolete Home | Episode 24
In this episode, Stephen and Wafa chat with Gord Cooke, building science expert and President of Building Knowledge Canada. Gord shares insights from his decades of experience helping builders across the country create homes that are healthier, more efficient, and built to last. Together, they...
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Moving to Watercolour Feels Like Starting Fresh | Episode 23
Meet a new Watercolour homeowner who celebrated the end of a 40-year career in Hamilton’s steel industry with a move to the calm rhythm of village life in Westport. George shares what it’s been like to settle into the community — from morning walks to hockey nights and pontoon rides on the lake —...
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From Niagara to Westport: Finding Home at Watercolour | Episode 22
In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with Petra, a homeowner who traded Niagara living for the charm and walkability of Westport. Petra shares how a spontaneous visit turned into a life-changing decision, what it’s been like settling into the Watercolour community, and how everyday moments…
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Finding Home and Community in Westport | Episode 21
In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with Leigh Verge, a homeowner and model home host at Watercolour Westport. Leigh shares her journey from city living in Mississauga to finding a new pace of life in Westport — where walking trails, live music, and friendly neighbours have become part of...
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Raising a Family and Growing Roots in Westport | Episode 20
In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with Pam Garcia, a mom of four whose family traded city life for small-town living in Westport. Pam shares what it’s been like raising a young family here — from homeschooling and gardening to finding calm, connection, and community in a walkable…
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Finding Purpose Through Community and Nature | Episode 19
Living surrounded by nature and walkable places means you can thrive. Watercolour homeowner and community leader Randall Goodfellow shares with Stephen and Wafa how living in Westport brings together nature, purpose, and connection. Randall shares his journey from Ottawa to Westport, his lifelong...
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A Special Conversation with Stephen & Wafa | Special Episode
In this special episode, Stephen Rolston, founder of Land Ark Homes, and Marketing Lead, Wafa, reflect on the journey of Watercolour Westport and the values shaping its future. Discover some of the places around North America that inspired community, to the thoughtful details that make each home…
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Living with Gratitude in a Net Zero Community | Episode 18
In this episode of Watercolour Westport Stories, Stephen and Wafa welcome LuAnne, a resident who shares why life in Watercolour feels so meaningful. From walkable neighbourhood design to the comfort and sustainability of Net Zero Ready homes, LuAnne highlights what makes the community unique —…
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The Story Behind Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery in Westport | Episode 17
Meet Allison Scheuermann of Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery to hear the inspiring journey behind one of Westport’s most cherished destinations. From humble beginnings and entrepreneurial experiments to planting vineyards, building a thriving winery, and welcoming thousands of guests each year,...
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Music in Every Season at The Cove Inn in Westport, Ontario | Episode 16
What makes a community thrive? In this episode, Stephen and Wafa sit down with Seamus Cowan, owner of The Cove Inn—a cornerstone of Westport’s hospitality and culture. Seamus shares the history of The Cove Inn, what it means to run a family-owned business in a small town, and how the spirit of...
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Returning to Roots: How Watercolour is the Urban Density Escape this Southern-Ontarian Needed | Episode 15
Too many roads, stop lights, traffic, and poor land planning have made escaping the GTA the next big migration. Keith spent his whole life in the GTA and Southwestern Ontario before moving to Watercolour, and he immediately noticed what had long since been missing from his hometown: no traffic,...
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Stress-Free Living Away From the City | Episode 14
Have you ever experienced the feeling of all the stress and frustration leaving your body, like a huge exhale? That’s what residents of Watercolour feel every time they return home. In this episode, Peter and Linda talk about their experience of living in Watercolour. As some of the earliest...
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Like Seaside, Florida, but better! | Episode 13
It’s the things you can’t see in Watercolour homes that make them so exciting. At least, that’s the case for Dave, a military veteran with a background in technology and a familiarity with the construction industry. Many things influenced Dave’s decision to move to Watercolour, but the exciting...
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What it Takes to Create a Net Zero Ready Community | Episode 12
When Stephen Rolston, founder and owner of Land Ark Homes, decided to get back into home building to create a new kind of community, he knew that he wanted to do things differently in all aspects of his business. The first person he called was Kevin Rankin, who now serves as Watercolour…
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Land Planning Legacies: How Watercolour was Designed with the Future in Mind | Episode 11
Every element of Watercolour Westport has been thoughtfully designed, from the length of each block to the parks and protected land. Each decision was informed by sustainability and a desire to preserve the natural beauty and historic feel of Westport for generations to come. In this episode,...
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A Friendly and Future-Proof Place to Live | Episode 10
What’s better than waterfront cottage living? How about the cottage lifestyle without the waterfront upkeep? Meet Lorne, who made the move to Watercolour with his wife Doris, after realizing that they no longer wanted the upkeep of a waterfront cottage property. Moving from Ottawa, Lorne has...
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Coming Home to Westport: How Watercolour Ticks All the Boxes | Episode 9
When cities became huge hubs of commerce and culture, neighbourhood communities were replaced with condos and green spaces were paved over. People began to spend more time commuting and less time getting to know their neighbours. For many, city living is now isolating and overwhelming. That was...
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Coming Home to Westport: How Watercolour Ticks All the Boxes | Episode 8
Living in a big city, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the people around you. But, in Westport, the small population of year-round residents band together for volunteer initiatives and community events to keep the town thriving and build relationships. Joe and his wife decided to downsize and...
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Eliminating Hurry and Experiencing Calm | Episode 7
Have you ever considered that where you live impacts how you work? Research shows that living in a quieter, more rural area and working remotely can be beneficial for productivity because it offers a better pace of life. In this episode, Stephen chats with Jamie, who has been in Watercolour for...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Watercolour Stories Podcast — where heart meets home. Join Stephen Rolston, founder of Land Ark Homes, and Wafa Martin as they share the inspiring stories behind this one-of-a-kind community, thoughtfully designed around walkability, connection, and Net Zero Ready homes.From the visionaries who brought the neighbourhood to life, to the families who now call it home, you’ll hear real stories of what makes Watercolour Westport more than just a place to live; it’s a way of life.Looking for a better place to call home? You just might find it here.
HOSTED BY
Watercolour Westport
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Watercolour Westport Stories have?
Watercolour Westport Stories currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Watercolour Westport Stories about?
Welcome to the Watercolour Stories Podcast — where heart meets home. Join Stephen Rolston, founder of Land Ark Homes, and Wafa Martin as they share the inspiring stories behind this one-of-a-kind community, thoughtfully designed around walkability, connection, and Net Zero Ready homes.From the...
How often does Watercolour Westport Stories release new episodes?
Watercolour Westport Stories has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Watercolour Westport Stories?
You can listen to Watercolour Westport Stories on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Watercolour Westport Stories?
Watercolour Westport Stories is created and hosted by Watercolour Westport.
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