1)   Do you accept Visa?
Since we are a small family business, we want to keep costs for guests as low as possible. We accept cash, cheque or money e-transfer.

2)   Do I, as prospective guest, need to reserve in advance?
Yes, in order to provide a most memorable top quality experience, guests need to give us at 24 hours notice in order to prepare with refined detail the necessary arrangements

3)   Is it far from Kelowna or Peachland?
No, it is well worth the relatively short drive to our Smith Creek residence at 3063 Bridlehill Drive in West Kelowna.

4)   What is the best route to follow?
In Westbank turn on Elliot Rd, direction leading to the mountains. Turn right on Smith Creek, another right on Wildhorse Drive and another right on Bridlehill Drive. 

5)   Is your place in the proximity of West Kelowna wineries?
Yes it is in the area of the West Kelowna farm loop map and several local wineries. Our afternoon showcase event is ideal from 2:00-4:00 to provide a nice variety in touring the area.

6)   What is your background in the creation of A Touch of Austria?
Born in Montreal of Austrian Viennese heritage, I learned about the traditions and culture of the European country from an early age. Part of my extensive educational background was to study and live in Salzburg and Vienna. I also acquired culinary skills from working at an internationally acclaimed restaurant and hotel,  learning culinary recipes. I also have extensive knowledge in piano performance, music history and the arts studying with world class artists, teachers and performers. .My diverse background as a multi-disciplinary artist performer provides me the opportunity to share my passion for music, arts and culture and wealth of experience with others. 

7) Did you know that the famous ‘Waltz King’, the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II created The Society of Friends of Music dating way back to 1812?
It is with great pride and honor to continue that legacy right here in the Okanagan Valley with A Touch of Austria.

8) Can children attend?
In order to preserve and maintain the beautiful garden premises, not scare and disturb wildlife and prevent mishaps of kids running and falling, our location is not suitable for children. 

9)  Is it accessible with no stairs?
Is it wheelchair and walker friendly? Guests can access the place walking around the side of the house which leads down a stairless pathway. It is not suitable for wheelchairs; however, people with walkers who are relatively stable footed with balance have enjoyed attending without incident. 

10) Is your West Kelowna attraction bus friendly? 
Yes we have had several bus tours and we welcome people to come. A bus can easily park on our double driveway without a problem.

11) How much do you charge per person?
Cost is $26.00 per person. 

12) How much is it for a person arriving with a bus tour from a senior community living residency?
$20.00

13)  What is a good time to plan for an outing to appreciate the garden oasis setting?
April – October. We strongly encourage people to reserve their booking as much in advance as possible to secure their date and/or exclusive event just for you.

14)  How many people can you accommodate for one event?
25 maximum. 

15) What type of entertainment do you offer? How many performers?
Live grand piano entertainment is offered. Special events have presented THE PIANO DIVAS – a duo piano team that received rave reviews and much praise. There is much excitement about the prospects of this ensemble returning.  Host Claudia enjoys performing a variety of piano works by famous Austrian composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Johann Strauss along with selections celebrating the theme of Nature. Original DVDs created by hosts Claudia & Jim and filmed in Austria along with examples of footage featuring Austrian tradition and culture of the country make the experience truly authentic, enlightening and pleasurable.  

16)  Why do you call yourself a getaway retreat experience?
We are very different from a spa, B& B, restaurant, movie theatre, coffee shop or hostel experience. Our unique quaint place offers an escape from the closeby hustle bustle of the city, noise, traffic and pollution. It is a little gem that has been carefully crafted with love over the course of many years. Guests experience the realm of a salon type ambiance with up close soothing live entertainment, original oil paintings and photographic on the walls,  track lighting, cork flooring, live indoors tamarack trees and oriental rugs, fine decor, linens, china tableware and flowers. Guests also have the privilege of admiring the panoramic view to the Okanagan mountains and lake. 

17) You specify that you offer an eco-friendly environment?
Yes indeed, we are very proud of creating such a garden oasis which won in 2016 Community Bloom Award for best West Kelowna garden selection. It has since intensified in its beauty and serenity offering a place of environmental harmony. The walk-out rancher from the elaborate studio/gallery setting connects directly outwards into the terraced garden area with an extensive fountain, tall trees, oriental grasses, flowers and foliage attracting a vast variety of wild birds, butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and even praying mantis.

18) What is so special about offering the feeling of IGNITE YOUR SENSES? 
Our invigorating experience is all about soaking in the feeling of escaping from reality to a different place. A Touch of Austria has been created to offer guests something extraordinary, a unique experience, receiving a 5 star rating from guests,  that connects the body, mind and soul. Guests can enjoy sparking their senses through a multitude of opportunities to taste, see, smell, hear and touch.  

19) What makes this a worthwhile West Kelowna attraction not to miss?
The well known Austrian warm personalized hospitality ‘Gemuetlichkeit,’ the ‘one of a kind’ exceptional experience, the amazing setting, the fine decor with attention to detail,  the top quality up -close piano entertainment, the emphasis on world famous examples of Austrian heritage and music, decadent culinary delights and the awesome closeness and beauty of nature. 

20)  Can you elaborate on Claudia’s culinary delights and why are they so special?
Claudia has been praised and even hailed for “her famous desserts”. 100  year old traditional Austrian family recipes have been handed down from generations and she takes great pride in her culinary creations that take hours and even days to make!  They are homemade with the finest organic ingredients made with heart and soul. Every cake is an original with custom designed ornamentation to make the savouring of her tortes an exquisite culinary highlight. Places in Kelowna keep booking her back for more of her decadent pastries.  Due to her client and guest requests from the past, special arrangements can be made in advance for ordering her amazing chocolate rum apricot Sachertore to be picked up,  delivered locally or shipped across Canada.  She is also known for her Linzertore, and Biskuitroulade and to “die for’ rum balls.  

21) In addition to cakes, do you offer anything else to eat?
Yes, at  A Touch of Austria, you also are served a delicious blend of imported Austrian coffee, the traditional freshly whipped cream, not from the tube, along with ice water, mouth watering dark European chocolate,  and the famous Austrian Mozartkugeln or medallions. 

22) Can people take home souvenirs of their A Touch of Austria experience? 
DVDs blending Claudia’s photography with her piano performance in visual & performance storytelling or CDs of Claudia in performance can be ordered.  Claudia creates on unique black stones, found from a secret place in the Okanagan Valley, a painted symbolic Austrian white Edelweiss flower or the characteristic yellow Arrowroot Okanagan flower for keepsake tokens. This painterly form of artistic expression pays reverence to Claudia’s mother who was a profound artistic inspiration to her..