My wheels crunched over gravel in the evening summer heat as I pulled into the English country-house style B&B in Rosebud, AB, cleverly named Banks & Braes. I was a few minutes late, so I had hurried along the highway downing coffee in preparation for the night of star photography that lay ahead of me. I had been hired to capture the dark skies above the artistic theatre town of Rosebud nestled into a valley about 30 minutes south of Drumheller, and had been told this place was a must see.
Upon arriving, I expected perhaps an older couple to greet me, but was surprised to see a friendly younger looking man approaching my vehicle. After a quick introduction, Cory Eliuk wasted no time helping me shuffle my belongings into my Scottish themed room before giving me a full tour of him and his wife Kari’s creation. A construction background, Cory spoke passionately about future plans for their large abode. I was shown the floral femme “Anne” room, the highland lodge “Lachlan” room, and the future locations of other themed rooms such as UK, gothic forest, and steampunk rooms. Their ideas were fresh, and backed up by the piles of high quality décor that patiently awaited their completion and careful arrangement.
The drawing room and dining room were jaw-droppingly stunning, complete with high ceilings, luxurious furniture in fine fabrics and hardwood, sparkling chandeliers, and endless paintings. I’ll admit when I booked with the Eliuk family, I couldn’t help but expect a small town B&B to feel older or aged in a sense, but in a strange paradox I instead felt myself being whisked back in time to a place where you could feel the fine quality and intent in your surroundings. A time when everything was built to last. A part of me wanted to don a ball gown of crinoline and satin to match the finery of my surroundings. It felt new, which despite the look of an older style building, is in fact of new construction. Where one might expect the floor or furniture to squeak with age underneath your weight, you instead only feel sturdy and solid construction supporting you.
After a full tour of the B&B and the town of Rosebud, I retired to my Scottish themed room. A gorgeous ornately carved king sleigh bed stood in the middle of an Amsterdam green room, with rich accents of red, gold, navy, and of course, plaid. A collection of Scottish themed antiques peppered the space, humming with a vintage yet luxurious quality. I could feel the love and intention put into every object’s selection and placement. I set to work straight away documenting my room’s charm and uniqueness before fully settling in for the night. During my first night shoot I enjoyed noctilucent clouds settling on a rainbow sunset along a small creek that runs south to north on the east side of the building. The next night I puttered around the small town in the darkness with a local artist capturing the towns charming structures, and on the last evening was gifted a magnificent dome of dancing northern lights, which I dutifully captured until my eyes begged for sleep.
Each morning, I made my way to the dining room to see lovely china and cutlery laid out in preparation for my arrival. The room felt light and satiny with it’s creamy teal and champagne touches. Every object, utensil, and even the butter dish placed before me bellowed to me that I was in fact worthy of such finery. I felt like the Queen as I was delivered homemade pastry such as Belgian waffles or French toast, a glass of juice, and invited to help myself at a small coffee bar and homemade granola. I might have felt out of place with my freshly washed wet hair and worn summer athletic wear in such a fine space, if Kari & Cory hadn’t been such down to Earth and welcoming hosts. They simply seemed happy to have me fully immersed in their passion project. My entire stay I felt so welcome and at home, free to come and go, explore, or stay in my gorgeous room with a good book.
Each evening I watched the sun set behind the rolling hills outside my 2nd floor west facing windows, feeling relaxed in how far from home and from the present day I felt. I smiled with gratitude to have found such a place and knew I would be back, probably more than once. I simply must see the gothic forest room as soon as it’s complete.
