In 1969, a British solicitor named James Jarvis went on a Christmas skiing holiday in Switzerland, looking forward to the gemütlichkeit promised in the tour company's brochure.
In German, gemütlichkeit is described as an atmosphere of coziness, joy, friendliness and belonging. It is felt, not seen. People can’t define it into words, but know when it's there and miss it when it's gone.
After coming home from the trip, Jarvis was incensed. The very atmosphere he wanted wasn’t there. So he sued the tour company and won.
One can argue that Halton Hills itself often embodies this sense of contented atmosphere. The small towns, the close hamlets and warm venues therein, create a great sense of togetherness.
So what are some Halton Hills locations that embody this word?
The Acton Library Reading Deck
One of the newest additions to the Acton landscape is the reading deck at the Halton Hills Public Library. One might be tempted to call it simply a patio for reading, but it's a bit more than that. It backs out onto a verdant creek, creating a silent, tranquil space for relaxing or just taking in the day.
“We have always had this vision of having an outdoor space here in Acton,” said Halton Hills Library CEO Melanie Southern. “I mean, look at these vistas. Who wouldn't want to be out here?”
Near the raised flower beds just south of the library are several bird feeders, giving the patrons the option to bird watch.
“We have a team of volunteers who are committed to making sure our bird friends never go hungry,” Southern said.
Uncorked on Main
Sarina and Jagpinder Sibia took ownership of Uncorked on Main from Mike Willis, founder of Grassroots Grocer, earlier this year. They immediately got to work. Sarina said it was the patio that made them fall in love with the restaurant.
“We never knew there was a patio right in the back. And it was like a hidden oasis away from the street. You can't hear any of the cars. It's very enclosed,” she said.
They were delighted to find out it was up for sale. After some discussion, they took it over.
An exposed red brick wall on one side of the restaurant adds warmth, almost like an old fireplace wanting to be lit. Tables made of barrels look like they're handmade, creating a feeling of the human touch. The space has a welcoming atmosphere. It feels lived in and familiar. Even if it's your first time there, a person would be forgiven for feeling like they have come home. To cap it all off, the sofas and tables add a lounge-like quality to the establishment.
And of course, the patio that started it all for the Sibias has warm fairy lights, wood tables and chairs and a couch for lounging. The oasis that started it all lives on.
Copper Kettle Pub
Perhaps the hamlet of Glen Williams best exemplifies gemütlichkeit. Nestled in between thick canopy trees, it's hard not to feel safe and secure among the heritage buildings and quaint village life.
The Copper Kettle Pub, much like the village it's in, is likely the most gemütlichkeit-like venue on this list. The interior is a rustic design with some modern updates, and that should not come as a surprise.
The building started out as a general store in 1852. A post office was also incorporated. It essentially ran that way until 1977 when a new owner took over. It became the Copper Kettle Tea Room some time after that, followed by transitioning to a pub in the '80s. It was sold to husband and wife duo Jasper and Janet Martin, the current owners, in 2014.
“A lot of people still have a lot of memories of it being a general store,” Janet Martin said. “We do have pictures of gas pumps in the front, too. It's got a lot of history to it.”
The walls are a busy pattern of sage and eggshells mixed in with plaster spread all over. Thick, dark wood ceiling trim makes the plaster pop and copper leafing underneath the trim accentuates the wood.
Old chandeliers from a church, a fireplace from another time, the bar and exposed brick area are all attention grabbers.
The patio is wedged in between the old town hall and the pub itself, creating a sense of closeness even outside.
