Life at Bayview never lonely

When it came to choosing a new residence for himself, the gregarious Locker noted with a chuckle that he didn’t want to move to “an old folks home.”

“I wanted something close to town for when I don’t drive anymore and a place with a young feeling, because I want to stay active.

“When I came to look at Bayview, I walked into the lobby, which is very minimalist, and felt this place had a lot of character. It is classy, simple and elegant. And I realized a person could do anything they wanted with a suite here. You could live very traditionally, with a classical European look, or go high contemporary.”

Locker says interior designer Wendy Marley helped him choose the paint colours, while florist Debbie Lamb and Penny Campbell assisted with flowers and a few other seasonal decorations.

“And Jean Farrington at Jordans helped me mix my old and new furniture.”

He loves the fact he doesn’t feel the least bit lonely anymore. “I know so many people here already — it feels wonderful.”

Among other events, Bayview management recently hosted a holiday celebration for residents, with a 1920s theme and the cast of Chicago as special guests

“The security is high here and the concierge people are first class. Lisa, Jennifer and Andrew do shifts from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and are amazingly helpful. It’s so convenient if you have something being delivered. This place is very well run and it has a great workout room, car wash, pet parlour, kayak and bike storage …”

And Locker, who is an adept cook and entertainer, loves his new kitchen.

“It is better than ours was at home. The island works really well and there are two ovens, a five-burner gas stove [and] two huge sinks.”

He had Island Custom Cabinetry add eight rollout, soft-closure drawers in the kitchen and fit his wardrobes with shelves, so he is all unpacked and ready to lock the door and go on a cruise at a moment’s notice.

Locker recently discovered he likes cruising and spent six of the past 18 months on the high seas — another reason why a condo makes perfect sense.

A winter garden of orchids rests amid a wreath of roses and lilies. Stockings by the electric fireplace are ready to be filled for the owner’s grandsons.

Above right: A chubby golden cherub flies round the rim of a tall lamp in the living room.

Right: Locker stands in the short hallway leading to his bedroom beside a painting by Victoria artist Andy Wooldridge.

The table is set for the holidays with gold charger plates, crimson and gold stemware and linen napkin fans.

Above: Hanging from a carved wooden Italian mirror is a wreath of greenery decorated with a mask from the Carnival in Venice.