There is one place I love to escape to at any time of the year (within the realms of my imagination, that is). However, at this time of year, it feels extra magical to spend a little time in the house of my wildest dreams...
I am certain that most of you have seen and love the movie Practical Magic, based on Alice Hoffman's novel. Not just for the story but for the house and the incredibly delicious decor and architectural detail of the home.(image below is a movie still)
You can imagine my excitement when my friend, Miss D, told me she ordered a magazine lot of goodness knows how many old Victoria Magazine issues, just to get her hands on the October 1998 issue. But even better was that, she lent it to me in May, and I returned it to her on the 4th of July.
Of course, I snapped a few shots all those months ago with the plan to share it with you at this time of the year.
I don't have every inch of the article to share, just a few lovely snippets to inspire the soul. Don't forget you can always go to the Practical Magic fan site, Amas Veritas, for tons of details about the film.
I have been watching it for years and years, and never tire of it. How could you, with that dream kitchen alone? (image below is a movie still)
Let me share a bit more of the article from October 1998's Victoria Magazine below...
Oh that greenhouse! Dreamy, no?
I could stare and stare at these images for hours...
The one thing I can't get over is that, the inside of the home was actually built on a sound stage, can you believe it? And the actual home built on San Juan Island was a mere shell.
Amazing. I want this house. Ooh, yummy dreamy love house!
There was also a tiny cottage that we didn't see in the movie...
You can kind of see the cottage roof in this movie still below...
I have a huge map of the San Juan Islands that I acquired rather serendipitously one day many years ago, maybe it is a sign???
I also quite love the shop Sandra Bullock opens in the film, I would love a shop as such. Sigh. And those stairs, oh those stairs!!!(movie still below)
Shall I tell you a true little tale that sort of has something to do with this post, but not really ;)
Okay here is some pointless trivia.
When I was a kid, I lived in a Gingerbread like house, with my parents, in a heavily child populated neighborhood (this was before I had siblings). My Dad used to take me hiking into the desert hills, to a piece of land he bought where he was going to build his dream home.
Anyhow, when I was about 8 (my sister was about 2) my Dad and Mom built the house way out in the desert hills. So we left the kid friendly neighborhood, and we moved out to the middle of nowhere in the desert hills, amongst mines and such (which quite fascinated me, but that is a whole other blog post).
There was one mean kid who lived out there and only 3 other houses in this dirt road laden far away place that we went to live in. However, my Dad had a keen sense because over the years, people found that spot to be a sort of desert paradise, and started building their own homes in this area.
When I was a young teen, one of the people who built a home in this remote neighborhood I grew up in was Griffin Dunne's lovely Mother (who has since passed away). Griffin Dunne happens to have been the director for Practical Magic. See how that works ;)
His mom had an amazing fashion show when I was a teen (at her home), showcasing all of her costumes and such. Griffin Dunne and his daughter both happened to be there.
So you see, that is my pointless information for today ;)
Now I am totally inspired to work on my potions and such, aren't you?
Brew away, brew away! The party is only days away~
I must be off to make some toast, and keep out of trouble >:)
♥ ,V
(last 4 images are movie stills from the movie, Practical Magic)
Gasping here! Such an amazing world they created for that movie. And what an intriguing story you tell of your connection to it. Makes the imagination soar!
Posted by: jenny b harris | October 03, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Oh, I love that movie. I haven't watched it in a while but suddenly have an urge to go get it.
I didn't know it was filmed on San Juan Island...I live just across the water and make the trip out there at least once a year to wander around. Apparently the shell house was torn down just 2 days after it was built.
Posted by: Lynn | October 03, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Ohhh Mizz Vanessa, this is my FAVORITE movie mainly because of the House...I so love the house with all it nooks and crannies and the way it over looks the ocean and at the end when the gals all jump from the roof - too cool...ohhhh but the green house is the best part of it - the kitchen is pretty awesome too andddd the garden is just right..but thanks for the tidbit on the little cottage - I didn't know that...and this weekend of all weekends a full moon - I have to go and check to see if there is red around it...hmmm I think I'll have to watch Practical Magic for the 100th time and I think I'll make an Italian dinner tomorrow and watch "Moonstruck"...toodles have to go & check out the moon..have a haunting good night! Marlene
Posted by: Marlene | October 03, 2009 at 08:50 PM
i've been thinking about the movie Practical Magic for a week. i've even been looking for a copy so I could watch it. it's so weird that you are posting about it and I've been thinking about it ALL week...:) kindred spirits!
Posted by: Aimee | October 03, 2009 at 08:50 PM
I *love* Victoria magazine and it's my all-time favorite. I remember this issue. Supposedly one of the regular television networks is making a remake of "Practical Magic" (a weekly series) - although I haven't seen it yet. The movie was fun.
Posted by: Misha/DawaiOser | October 03, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Hello Miss Fancy :)
I had to laugh... my oldest daughter watched this movie over and over and over and over so much, like she seriously watched it every single day for months! I adore Sandra Bullock though, she is just so stinkin' cute! Anywho, I think I should have her pull out her dog-eared copy of this movie and have a Witchy movie fest :)
Posted by: HouseHold6 | October 03, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Ok, I'm giggling like mad right now...I was *just* about to watch this tonight for the millionth time while I do creative things!! Now I MUST watch! lol!
And I have that issue of Victoria...I was over the moon when it came out, because of the Practical Magic writeup (I admit I have almost every issue of Victoria--was my all-time favorite magazine! So glad it came back!). I want that house, too! I bet we all do...can you imagine, a town of nothing but houses like that? Ah, dreams...
Posted by: Cyberdelia | October 03, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Thankyou so much Vanessa, for all of the wonderful information on Practical Magic. That is one of my favorite movies of all time and I never knew there was a fan site out there and the beautiful pictures of the home are inspiring. I would love to find an old victorian house just like that or even find some plans that are similar to the house and build my own. I am going right now and do a search on my TV and see if the movie is coming on soon and DVR it. I am also going to purchase the book and buy the movie very soon. Looking forward to the Halloween Party you are having on the 17th too. Many Blessings to you and again thankyou for being such a wonderful inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Kelli Lusk | October 03, 2009 at 09:48 PM
I just watched that movie last weekend. :)
I think that house is the best character in the whole movie. Totally magical.
Another blog I read somewhat recently gave a nod to the movie (specifically the house) as well!
http://thesteampunkhome.blogspot.com/2009/07/practical-magics-victorian-apothecary.html
I am so glad I started preparing for the Halloween party RIGHT after you announced it else I would probably be freaking out a bit now. :)
Posted by: Molly @ A Bit O' Shine | October 03, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!
Posted by: Candice | October 03, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Fabulous post "my dearie"!! I loved the movie, one of my all time favorites. Oh to have been one of those little red-headed girls!!!!!
Posted by: retourner | October 03, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Miss Fancy,
I love love love this post & the movie too!!
Agneta, the swedish you know o;)
Posted by: agneta | October 03, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Although I love the book way more than the movie, I quite forgot how beautiful the sets are in the film. That house, oh.... that house! Would that I could live in a space like that! Thank you for the reminder about the film, I'm going to have to watch it again, and I'm going to have to dig through all my Vitoria magazines to see if I have that particular copy.
Posted by: Sue | October 03, 2009 at 11:41 PM
i have only seen that movie once (i can hear you gasping) but my sister loves it and so do her 3 girls. i have decided not to sign up for your party this year but wil have heaps of fun blog hopping instead.
smooches rosey
Posted by: icantsew | October 04, 2009 at 02:52 AM
I actually like the movie better than the book! I saw the movie first though and I LOVE Alice Hoffman so this is surprising. I absolutely love the house. These are great photos.
Posted by: Gina | October 04, 2009 at 04:45 AM
That house is amazing! I would love to live there!
Posted by: Maggi | October 04, 2009 at 05:07 AM
Thanks for posting all that wonderful information. I do love the movie very much, and Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite writers (check out her book, "The Ice Queen"). I love that house so much...all those facts about it are fascinating. I'm going to have to watch the movie again soon. :) Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | October 04, 2009 at 05:16 AM
Hey, who are all you people and why are you in my house?
HAH!
The houses are the reason i own half the movies i do, especially the black and whites.
But oh yesss this one IS special-and i just saw the movie again recently, too! (Kidman and Bullock how could you go wrong?)
Say the spell with me: musta hava aga stova whitea cabinetree bippity boppity oh oh oh!
The whole place is divine. And its true, that house plus this weather plus your upcoming party = magic!! Thanks for the inspiration, my pretty!
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | October 04, 2009 at 06:14 AM
Don't you love serendipity?! I adore that movie and I adore Alice Hoffman. I've read everyone of her books. I've got that old Victoria tucked away here, somewhere. I'll have to dig it out and revisit it. That movie set sure touched a chord in a lot of us, didn't it? Kathy in Chicago
Posted by: Kathy | October 04, 2009 at 06:36 AM
I now must watch my copy of Practical Magic immediately. Oh how I adore you.
My husband does not and will not ever understand my preoccupation with all things magical. He's the practical to my magical - but when opposites attract, it can be a be-yoo-tiful thing.
He puts up with me though, so that's quite enough.
Still... I would so love to commune with others out there in the vast and eternal blogosphere who feel as you do... as I do... that without magic, this world wouldn't be fit to wake up to.
Thank you for this lovely post. I want that house! And just so you know... I cannot wait for the party!
Posted by: Alix | October 04, 2009 at 06:40 AM
..That conservatory.... oh, the things I could do.... Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: motheralice | October 04, 2009 at 07:03 AM
What a fun post! Got to get this film again, what a perfect way to kick off October!
Posted by: michelle | October 04, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Oh my darling Fanciful friend,
I just passed through the San Juan's yesterday on my way to Victoria. I'm sitting here in an old English Inn reading your post (which I haven't quite finished, I might ad...I became SO enraptured by the beauty of your pictures;').I covet those Owen's women's kitchen...to die for....wwwwaahhhhhhh!!!!
OK! Now I must get back to reading your post ;-).
xoxo Cori
Posted by: Cori. G | October 04, 2009 at 07:57 AM
My favourite film, book, and sound track! I love this movie anytime of the year! Dreams! That is amazing about your wee childhood story, you never know, you may get that house yet!
Posted by: Claire Hughes | October 04, 2009 at 08:00 AM
I remember reading that issue and thinking I must keep these photos handy when I'm ready to build my dream home. Truly magical!
Posted by: melissa | October 04, 2009 at 08:01 AM
I just love that movie, and the house is truly amazing, I grew up in a old vintage house, it was spooky, but my husband is not very good with power tools, so I have to live in a newer house, which has a huge backyard, where my fairy cottage will be some day
Karey
Posted by: Kaerie Faerie | October 04, 2009 at 08:50 AM
OMG dear Vanessa, now I know for sure that you are a kindred spirit! That movie is my most favorite of all movies and I watch it every October.
As for Victoria magazine... I have every single one since its first issue... but that October 1998 issue is so well worn from me leafing through and gazing at that house has me concerned that I'll wear it out too soon!
Thank you for this post!
Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | October 04, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I also fell in love with the house. Especially the greenhouse. I have a friend who had a magical greenhouse very similar to that one. I used to love to go there and dream...and yes, it was attached to an old Victorian *sigh*
Posted by: Mo'a | October 04, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Thank you so much for sharing the article. I had not seen it before, and I absolutely love hands down the movie. Everytime it is on tv, I stop what I am doing and watch it, even though I have it in my colllection. It is just one of those movies you can't get enough of, any time of year. I am right there with you about this movie. I thought I was the only one who loved as much as I do. SO wonderful to see all the love it gets. It is a visual feast for the eyes. My other absolute fav is Hope Floats, I'm sure yours too. Another feast for the eyes!
Blissfully yours, Tricia
Posted by: Tricia Samsal | October 04, 2009 at 09:37 AM
I actually just read the book AND watched the movie a couple of months ago...and was enchanted again! My mother also adores this movie and has always wanted to open a shop like that as well...AND she lives in a gingerbread house currently (she is also a licensed herbalist...giggle) She's getting a bit closer with her latest shop actually...and I think the whole of us girls in the family would LOVE to live like the Owens women...
Posted by: sadira | October 04, 2009 at 09:41 AM
I have yet to see the movie, but I loved the book! I agree, from the stills that house looks just dreamy.
Posted by: Julianna | October 04, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Vanessa:
How funny that you happened to post about "Practical Magic". I bought the book a few weeks ago and am just now about to read it.
After seeing these amazing movie shots, I know that I absolutely must see the movie. (Of course, not until after I finish the book!).
Are you decorating for Halloween yet? We've just started this weekend.
Kim
Gerushia's New World
(Formerly Garden Painter Art)
Posted by: Kimberly Wlassak | October 04, 2009 at 09:45 AM
That's one of my favorite movies-my daughters and I have watched it many times!! so much of it is intriguing, not just the house and island.
Posted by: Danielle-cococricketsmama | October 04, 2009 at 09:51 AM
I wrote a long comment here and then it disappeared! alas I sum it up by saying this movie is a VERY favorite of mine - the house, the location....the sea...the small town. ALL of it. I listen to the music on my Ipod and the movie on repeat! I even had intentions for the last few years to construct my own Book of Shadows...for herbal recipes, wishes and longings. Maybe I will do that THIS year, who knows. The fact is, I think this movie is fave of so many for so many reasons. I want that kitchen, I know that!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: Lisa Oceandreamer | October 04, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Oh, I just love that movie. Every inch of that house, inside and out is so magical! I love the clothes that Sandra Bullock wears and the costumes of the aunts. And who can forget Aidan Quinn!
Michelle :)
Posted by: michelle | October 04, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I currently have the song Coconut by Harry Nilsson as my ring tone, does that give you a clue how much I love this movie? I was, well, devastated is too big a word, but disappointed is too small a word, when I learned that the Owen's house was actually a shell and a sound set. Sigh. But I've been to Sally's shop in real life, and the town main street. That was cool. My grandmother and her twin sister lived together when I was a child, it was lake in the woods, not the seashore, and it was a big old farmhouse, not a Victorian, but it had that same magical feeling in so many ways. I cherish the time I spent with them and even the periods when I lived there, tucked up in my special dormer bedroom listening to the wind sing through the pine trees. Sadly, that real house is now gone as well, but not my memories of it.
Posted by: Laume | October 04, 2009 at 11:27 AM
As always your post is delightful, Vanessa! You always add a little magic to my day. I loved this movie and the house. I am drawn to these lovely ladies of the past. I love the secret doors and the old wavy glass windows and the high ceilings and all of the moldings, built-ins and so on. They make my heart do a little dance. What a wonderful setting for a wonderful movie.
Have a wonderful week!
Xo,
Tammy
Posted by: Tammy Sprinkle | October 04, 2009 at 02:19 PM
OMG! I love that movie too and the song Coconut - DOCTOR! DOCTOR! We should do a midnight margaritas event in that yummy house with crazy tunes from the 1970s. That kitchen was/is the BEST with the dark hardwood floors.
You always pick the BEST topics to post. Can't wait for Halloween to see what you cook up.
Posted by: mjd | October 04, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I love that movie. And I think victorian homes are so incredibly beautiful. There's something to be said of antiques, vintage things and old things of the past. Everything from the past seems to have its own story to tell, and what fun it is to try to discover it.
Posted by: Krista Komis | October 04, 2009 at 02:31 PM
I still have that magazine Miss Vanessa, and I'm enchanted with the production design of Practical Magic too. Just put my "Ear of Troll" into a jar, made out of dried avocado halves. It turned out magically!
~Martha
Posted by: Martha | October 04, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Just watched it the other day, and I too, LOVE THAT HOUSE!
Posted by: Ele at abitofpinkheaven | October 04, 2009 at 05:25 PM
I have always only read and looked at the blogs for inspiration for my art work, but when I came upon yours I had to make a comment becouse I thought I was the only weird person who loves to watch Practical Magic (especialy this time of year) and dream about what it would be like to live in that home in that setting! My husband says I am the only person he knows that watches a movie to see the set. I to have that issue of Victoria and I get it out every so often to dream. I really enjoyed your post. Thank You, Patti Hall
Posted by: Patti Hall | October 04, 2009 at 05:25 PM
OH MY, I was just on the phone with my daughter and mentioned I wish Practical Magic was on, and she agreed. I then went to your blog, and well there you have it..SPOOKY...
Posted by: Debbie Addie | October 04, 2009 at 07:17 PM
OhOhOh!!!
LOVE that book, and the movie, too.
In all her books, the houses themselves always seem like characters. Ms. Hoffman has such a knack for that magical nature description, too.
I was so happy to hear about a lot of Victoria magazines. I hope you haven't let the cat out of the bag....I WANNA bid on a lot of old Victoria's, too!!!!
Also, yet another weirdy thing we have in common. I ALSO grew up in gingerbready houses. When I was young, my parent's 'other job' was buying old Victorians, fixing them up then selling them. So, that unfortunately means we lived in a house that got prettier and prettier and then we moved OUT!!!! BLAST!
I spent many a childhood hour helping Daddy install PVC pipe under scary spider-infested houses and scraping paint off trim. It ALSO meant pulling off floorboards and discovering crazy fun things hidden behind them like money and old letters and playing cards and such. WHEEEEE!!!! I loved 'remove the baseboards' day.
LOVE your posts. You are such a happy spot in my days.
Posted by: OohLaLaura | October 04, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I have never heard of that movie...now I must search it out! Hope you are having a yummy fall!
Posted by: waterrose | October 04, 2009 at 08:21 PM
GREAT!
Posted by: Sara | October 04, 2009 at 09:52 PM
This has been my favourite house for many years, and I have seen Practical Magic so many times already (I have it on dvd)! I have many photos of this amazing house on my computer, and love to look at them for inspiration.
Posted by: Moonfairy | October 05, 2009 at 01:00 AM
Oh Vanessa, you need to make some toast and stay out of trouble...you made me laugh out loud. I love that movie too, and often thought that set decorators can create even more magic than interior decorators do. I love these photos, and I didn't know that Victoria Magazine had this in one of their issues. I have skatey-eight of them, so I am going to see if I have that issue upstairs.
I love your note about the director's mom. Somehow Vanessa, i don't think that there are coincidences...it's all serendipity. Perhaps someday a film producer will discover your wit and gift of storytelling or you will create your own film, and your brother can create the soundtrack.
Happy toast, Karen
Posted by: karen cox | October 05, 2009 at 05:39 AM
That movie and book are also my fav!! I just love the pictures and can't believe that beautiful house is only a shell....whaaaaa? Who would commit such a crime ;-) Yes, I have lots of spells to be working on too, tee hee...a lot to do before your par-tay V...I'm off...
Jamie :)
Posted by: AForestFrolic | October 05, 2009 at 07:14 AM
OMG! I loove that movie! And have been thinking- just moments before reading your post for today- that this would be the PERFECT day to watch it again! You have read my mind again missy:) I really enjoy reading your blog Vanessa- nie to see life treating you so well, too :)
Posted by: Magickwyrds | October 05, 2009 at 08:40 AM