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Escarpment Magazine Fall 2012
The land
where E’Terra sits was first settled by Laurie’s family approx-
imately 120 years ago. It is an inspiring and compelling setting - rich in
history and irresistible, untouched beauty. The peninsula was formed
400
million years ago - and native histories go back thousands of years.
The beauty of the Escarpment – with its spectacular cliffs over the crystal
clear waters of Georgian Bay, the caves, shipwrecks – all these have
made the Bruce Peninsula a haven for tourists. UNESCO named the Ni-
agara Escarpment a World Biosphere Reserve in 1990, recognizing
it as an internationally significant ecosystem for its special environment
and unique environmental plan.
Driven by her dedicated passion and uncompromising beliefs in the
principles of sustainable tourism, Laurie Adams made the choice to im-
plement a philosophy by famed ecologist Eugene P. Odum—he applied
a classic holistic approach to ecosystem science, that incorporates and
integrates an evolutionary approach as well. Laurie, a true pioneer in
the global Eco Tourismmovement “boldly went where no-one had gone
before.” Investing an inheritance she built E’Terra Inn as an Eco Estate
and in so doing, created a basic formula for a desired lifestyle that could
be used in every aspect of human existence. The 8,400 square foot,
multi-level building is the culmination of her focused vision to create lux-
urious accommodations that coexist in harmony with the stunning and
pristine environment of the location and is dedicated to the conservation
of the Bruce Peninsula’s rich, natural diversity. Her exclusive, environ-
mentally sensitive hideaway, crafted of stone and timbers provides first
class, year round accommodation with absolute comfort and luxury for
guests in every possible aspect of design and practice.
The Formula is simple from macro to micro by applying “E”: a balance
of ecology + economics + ethics = experience + excellence + enlight-
enment + evolution of “Terra” – the earth.
While building, extensive research was done on every single item or
product that was being considered in regards to its affect on human
health — from wiring, plumbing, infrastructure, furnishings and fixtures.
In Laurie’s words, “By blending the E’s, inner peace is found in enjoy-
ment, allowing for the engagement of all SIX senses and promotion of
holistic health.” Her view is that human future on this planet in relation-
ship to all nations is directly dependant on elements of survival, desires
and the 4 quadrants of holistic health of the individual in those nations.
“
The evolution of humankind is about this holistic adaptation approach
to the changing climate and not about the egotistical representation of
control-over.” In conversation, Laurie flashes that enigmatic smile and
talks about her “Eco-ego” and of her unwavering belief — “If I plant the
seed, it will grow. If I build it, they will come.”
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ESCARPMENT FEATURE
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If I build it...