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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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 🙂
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…
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.
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. 🙂
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!
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!!!!!
Miss Fancy,
I love love love this post & the movie too!!
Agneta, the swedish you know o;)
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.
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
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.
That house is amazing! I would love to live there!
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
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!
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
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!
..That conservatory…. oh, the things I could do…. Thanks so much for sharing!
What a fun post! Got to get this film again, what a perfect way to kick off October!
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
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!
I remember reading that issue and thinking I must keep these photos handy when I’m ready to build my dream home. Truly magical!
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
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
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*
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
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…
I have yet to see the movie, but I loved the book! I agree, from the stills that house looks just dreamy.
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)
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.
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
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 🙂
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Just watched it the other day, and I too, LOVE THAT HOUSE!
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
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…
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.
I have never heard of that movie…now I must search it out! Hope you are having a yummy fall!
GREAT!
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.
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
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 🙂
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 🙂
I love this movie/house too – so much so, I renovated and designed a house originally built in 1869 to match it as much as I could. I had a conservatory, purple no less, created in England and delivered to the heartland, then added as an addition to the four story house. Practical Magic inspired me in more ways than one. Anyone with magic in their soul has to be inspired from something like this – right!
Thanks Vanessa for sharing and happy full moon to you!
Terre from Santa Fe
I have never seen that movie…I guess I need to look for it! Love your post! Enjoy your preparations for the party! Can’t wait!
I love the movie but I absolutely ADORE that house and property!! It’s definately that time of year to bring the movie out again. Thanks for the post, link and information. As for your story…isn’t if funny how the universe works? 🙂
V~
Oh I love love love love this movie. I haven’t watched it in ages but I’m gonna run out and get it tonight…eeekkk!!!
I want to run up and down that staircase and dance around in the kitchen “put the lime in the coconut” HAHA
Later Miss V!!
That house is absolutely my dream house. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Great movie too, Aiden Quinn is so cute in it and Sandra Bullock so pretty with her long hair. I have that issue of Victoria, I’m going to have to look it up.
Have a great week,
Tracy M.
Oh! This movie fits you to a tee Miss Fanciful!! It reminds me of you ever so much! And I, too, covet that magical house!! 🙂 meep!
I love the San Juan Islands. I was born and spent my early years on the mainland, just a ferry ride away. I thought the islands were the most magical place there ever was. I have been in Arizona since I was 7 and had not been back, but last year I decided to take my son and husband to Orcas Island for our August vacation. And I was not wrong … it is the most magical place on earth! A Victorian home somewhere in the islands would be my heaven, for sure.
neat photos and background info. I loved the movie 🙂
The staircase is my favorite. SO many possibilities await the day when you come down stairs like those.
…and it was the instrumental themes from the movie that served as my wedding processional and recessional, really!
LOVE Practical Magic!
Thnaks for the post and reminding me of this awesome house and the set design!!
The house makes that movie. My kingdom for a sprawling Victorian wonderland! I love the book. It is a lovely complicated suburban fairytale for adults. It is completely different and much better than the movie I think (and I really enjoyed the movie). I know people always say the book is better, and it is almost always true:)
Oh this is my most favorite movie of all time…just like you not only the story but the house, the island, the botanical shop the town…the soundtrack(check out my blog there’s alot of it on there)…love your post and can’t wait for your party on the 17th..thanks for the inspiration!
{{gypsy hugs}}
Beth
Love love love the movie!!! That house is my DREAM HOUSE!
As good as that movie is, the book — which I read as soon as it rolled off the presses — is even better. The Victoria mag? Still have it! I just couldn’t help it. That’s the type life I am meant to have and am having now… hooyah!
Thank you so much for reminding and sharing through that very reminder. (Say and if you think making TOAST will keep one out of trouble, you don’t know how much brouhaha one single task can cause here in the Hollow! LOL.)
Take care.
Candace in Athens.
Practical Magic has to be the best witch movie of all time…it is a timeless tale. I found the Practical Magic web site about a year ago quite by accident and I went absolutely nuts! They were suppose to make a line of clothing for the public but never did. (sigh) What wonderful clothes the two older aunties wore! The hats, the gloves… I would just die to be able to dress like that everyday! I love dressing up. And the cottage is a perfect, haunted place for witches to brew (or keep) their potions well hidden. Hee! Hee!
Thanks for the lovely photos.
Has anyone ever made any pumpkin juice? Any recipes out there?
Thank you for the magic!
Ohhh I LOVE it! 🙂
It’s my most favourite movie and I never tire of watching it! 🙂 So glad I’m not alone in my obsession 😉 hehehe
Magical post lovely xxx
I loved that book – and the movie — and this post too! 😉
It seems like ages since I’ve visited your blog (typical pre-show panic and very long studio hours I’m afraid) and when I do, I find not only one of my favorite books and movies, but my favorite magazine article! I have scads of old Victoria magazines – including this one – somewhere up in the attic, and you’ve just inspired me to dig them out!
I’m sooooooo anxiously awaiting your Halloweeen party, and thinking I may need to bake up some chocolate chip puffins (pumpkin muffins) just for the occasion, teehee!!
Hugs,
~ Carolee
Fabulous post! I love, love, LOVE that movie. Every time I see it, I want to wear my hair in braids and dance around my kitchen with a Midnight Margarita…
I can’t wait until the party on the 17!
I can see you are having a wonderful, magical day, filled with light and color! How beautiful!
Hugging you
SueAnn
I love and adore that house, too. Wish I could have one exactly like it!
OMG! Yo tambien quiero esa casa mi amiga!!! esta rebuena como decimos aqui!!!
te mando un beso enorme mis hijitas tambien!!!
My favorite movie of all time! I also have to give a mention to the sound track – one of my favorites as well. Thanks for sharing the pics of the Owens House. It’s truly a dream.
I love that movie too! The kitchen is the best! I need to rent it soon. I’m sure that I could live perfectly happy living in that house with that garden….
Ooooh thanks for sharing the fan site – I drool over the aunt’s book and love the still photos there! Such inspiration for my “art journaling”! And yes . . . the house, the clothes, the shoppe….it’s all amazingly beautific!
How much do I LOVE those pictures of the house and rooms and EVERYTHING! Thank you for taking the time to share them!
I have always wanted stills of the rooms!!!!! Victoria magazine!!! When it came back I leaped!!!!!! I will go look for it in my stash. I hope it survived the three moves. Didn’t even know it was in there because I didn’t have the crush on the movie until about four years ago when our local vid store was getting rid of vhs. Blabbing, in excitement, sorry. You would think I was on the phone with you!!!! Sorry. Anyhoo. Congrats on the special things, mags, covers, and thanks dear dear one for putting this up! Blessings friend.
Hello Miss Vanessa,
Here is my pointless trivia for the day. I live in Washington and 10 years ago when the studio was scouting locations for this film, I happened upon a very strange little woman in the town of La Conner. She had an old, scary looking house right next door to the old Bunnies By The Bay Store. You can just imagine this cheery little country house filled with lovely bunnies next to this very frightening griffen adorned house. There was a sign that said “Open” on the door so my husband and I went in. It was amazing inside. Old antiques that had been recontructed, painted and given a new life. An older woman came down the stairs, poured us some tea and began telling us about her business. In fact, she told us she had been asked by the prop people for Practical Magic to furnish them with decor for the house, grounds and antique shop. She was so busy she could not sell us even one piece of the fabulous things she had. She was flying out to the San Juans the next week.
Anad THAT is my pointless trivia of the day 🙂
Much Love Girlie,
Amada
I adore that movie and kept that magazine precisely for that article about the house and its decor. Love hearing about all the serendipity of your life, preciosa! xoxox
Hi Vanessa!
I did indeed know we were kindered spirits, I have always told you that everything you create inspires me and reaches me to my core. When I read this post I was agasp!! Can you believe that I lived on San Juan Island while this film was being made? Yes a mere shell of a house overlooking the beautiful Canadian VanCouver Island. I lived here for 8 years and it was a magical place for sure. This happens to be one of my fave movies for this time of year! How funny… We have a new blog VivaLaYardSale and want to be a part of your Halloween Party. I have included your logo on our blog and can hardly wait!~xoxo
I was so depressed when I found out the house was a shell and pulled down a while after filming! Like you it is my favorite house and also I love storybook or fairy tale houses. The products in Sally store were from Massey caswell, their advertisements from 1998 October I believe we’re from practical magic.
I love your article! Thank you!
I have noticed that little small moss covered house in the background for years- I would LOVE to live in it!!! Calls to my heart.