Category: Reviews

On Sunday, December 8th, 2019 Elvira Kytori opened Northern Shore, a Full region forming part of her White Dunes estate. Primarily a residential region, it offers some waterfront public spaces.

Normally I’d be hesitant in blogging a region like this, simply because the public areas are so localised, and there is a risk of visitors accidentally intruding into tenant’s homes. However, Northern Shore  – as is often the way with Elvira’s designs – offers something just that little bit different.

To get directly to the point, Northern Shore is inspired by Stockholms skärgård, the Stockholm archipelago. The largest archipelago in Sweden, comprising approximately 24,000 islands and islets. Many are home to private houses, villages and small towns, and during the winter, the sea between come of the islands can freeze over. Most interestingly, all the the isles in the chain are subject to Allemansrätt (or “everyman’s right”), a law which gives anyone the right to go ashore or anchor on any ground not in the direct vicinity of buildings.

It is the rich diversity of islands within the archipelago that Elvira has sought to capture within the confines of a single region – and she has done so exceptionally well. Scattered across Northern Shore in such a way as to look entirely natural, is a series of islands and islets of varying sizes with rocky outcrops spaces around them. Some of these islands – notably the larger ones – have the rental properties on them, others off tributes to the fishing and formed a part of Skärgården’s history.

The landing point is to be found on one of the largest two islands in the group. It faces a broad, iced-over channel to face the waterfront of the other large island. Both offer working wharves for fishing boats – although none will be putting to sea given the presence of the ice. Wharves extend out into the waters, while boathouses, cabins, and places of business line the shore, although the paths and walks linking them are few: visitors must pick their way over the rocks in places.

Inland from these lie the rental houses, all of which are wooden built, their exterior boards painted in what might be seen as a “typical” Scandinavian look. These sit within their own parcels, many of which can be distinguished by gate and fence or line of trees; others may not be so obviously demarked – hence the need for care when exploring.

Travelling between islands is a matter of walking on the ice – or, if you prefer, by skating (which is welcomed) by those with skates. But again, be aware that several of the smaller, outer islands are also given over to rentals and may not offer much in the way of public spaces.

For those interested in living within this northern winter setting, the parcels in the region can be rented via the mail boxes on their walls. For those who enjoy photography, images can be submitted to the White Dunes estate Flickr group. While for those who enjoy exploring Second Life, the region makes for an engaging visit.

With thanks to Shawn for the pointer!

SLurl Details

• Northern Shore (rated Moderate)

Occupying a quarter full region held by Belle Onedin and Blue Blauvelt that they’ve opened to the public as a winter setting for photography and appreciation. Using the title Let it Snow. It’s a charming, highly photogenic setting suggestive of a coastal village with a slight fairytale look to it.

It’s a setting that doesn’t need an extensive amount of description. centred on a small square of over-sized cobbles, it features two snow-bound cottages and a towered house, all of which are in various states of readiness for the holiday season. Trees are decorated, presents are wrapped and snowmen are waiting to greet visitors in gardens surrounded by dry stone walls while paths wind their way between and around the homes.

Around them, the snow falls steadily (which can impact viewer performance, but adds depth to the setting), encouraging visitors to wrap up and look the part – and the sense of frigid air is increased by the the off-sim snowy islands that have been placed off-shore.

Opportunities for photography in this setting are manifold, indoors and out – and even on the icy water on a rowing boat (although the snow can make touching it to sit on it a little difficult).

There are also charming little touches to be found that help give life to the setting without making it appear twee. These include an Saint Bernard and her pups making the most of a igloo kennel, the shell of an old greenhouse turned into a cosy snug tucked away in the lee of an old wall and under the shelter of snow-laden trees and a wolf howls from a snow-covered hill, while pheasants fuss around a truck that seems to be filling-in for Santa, given the sack and gifts that has fallen from its flatbed.

I could wax lyrical over this setting – but really, it is a place that that deserves to be seen (just do give things an opportunity and load and render). There is something decidedly delightful about the location, which also avoids a fair few of the props and items that tend to appear in multiple winter regions, and so offers a visit  that is very worthwhile. Those taking photos are also invited to submit them to the parcel’s Flickr group.

Do be sure to drop in and see for yourself.

SLurl Details

• B&B ‘Let it Snow’ (Clarke, rated Moderate)