Designer Guys to Renovate Pierre Berton's Yukon Writer's Retreat

The 1,800-square-foot home, which is located in Dawson City, Yukon, has operated as a writers' retreat for the past 11 years with the assistance of The Canada Council and private donations.

According to Elsa Franklin, Director of Berton House and longtime independent television producer and literary agent for Pierre Berton, "More than 30 Canadian published writers have escaped to its confines to either commence, continue or complete a new literary work or simply recharge their batteries in the solitude of Canada's gold rush territory."

The Designer Guys (Anwar Mukhayesh, Allen Chan, and Matt Davis), who will tape the renovation and reveal for an episode to air later in the season, plan to transform the space into a modern and well-balanced environment that is conducive to the needs of writers visiting the home.

"Pierre Berton is a Canadian icon who played a pivotal role in transforming the literary landscape of Canada. We want to bring a fresh look to the home while still paying the space the respect Mr. Berton would have wanted for when writers come to stay," said Designer Guys' Matt Davis.

Furniture and decor was donated/provided for the makeover by the Hudson Bay Company's, home division Home Outfitters. Other product sponsors and contributors include GE, Hunter Douglas, Kohler, Benjamin Moore, Umbra, Speers Broadloom, Hamilton Beach and Sunforce Products.

"This home is a special place for the writers who use it, and, we think the Designer Guys are well suited to enhance the living space while honouring the purpose of the retreat." said Franklin, "and Pierre would be delighted," she said.

The episode is scheduled to air on HGTV on Monday, April 9.

Yukon Tourism is supplying transportation and accommodation for the cast and crew.

WestWInd Pictures is a film and TV production company that develops products for global marketplace, focusing on themes that resonate throughout the world. Backed by over 15 years of experience, WestWind has developed a reputation for delivering consistently high quality products in a variety of genres for diverse audiences. Productions include Designer Guys, Time & Place, Love BY Design, English Teachers, Trash To Treasure, This Small Space, and The Perfect Divorce.

For more information on the Designer Guys, www.designerguys.com.

Email: berton_retreat@sympatico.ca