HISTORY

GRAND VICTORIAN CIRCA 1860

This spectacular mansion was built in the  1860’s, it reflects the grandiose style of the Victorian era while maintaining some Queen Anne Revival influence and some details that are definitely of the artistically complex Eastlake Movement.

Large elegant principal rooms with 12 foot ceilings ideal for entertaining, stained glass windows and other interesting details reflect these influences. A fabulous oak Chippendale staircase ascending from the large Great Hall with an oak fireplace, note the intricate carvings of water lilies that have been matched in the terra cotta tile.

Double archways lead into the living room and dining room with double fireplaces and off the dining room is the more recent addition in 1899 of the round conservatory with its curved glass windows, used now as a morning room. Double doors on the north side of the Great Hall lead you into the conference room, originally it was the parlor, with an Eastlake style ebonised fireplace.

Through the Great Hall to the back of the house used to be the Billiard room now used as a guest room.

Upstairs a large central lounge with fireplace dominates, with guest rooms leading off it. The Porch room has a screened in sleeping porch running the length of the room. Two other guest rooms boast fireplaces. There is a dumb waiter running three floors from the kitchen, in the shaft are signatures of builders dated November 14th 1884 this might signify the completion date of the mansion, or just the completion of the dumb waiter.

CONSERVATION PROJECTS

From the second I walked through the front doors I knew the Grand Victorian was more than just a typical heritage building, it was a statement.  A piece of architecture designed to signify an important milestone in someone’s life, but for who. From that captivating moment forward I knew I had to find out.

My name is Justin and I am the working conservator and historian for Eva’s Grand Victorian. Through the years I have worked on a multitude of historic buildings, ranging from historic landmarks in the Canadian capital to quaint century homes in its countryside.

Since 2013 I have had the ongoing privilege to work with and restore many aspects of the Grand Victorian and surrounding property. I find that each day brings new and rewarding challenges. It is my goal to restore significant parts of the house to its former, proper working order by means of accurate restoration and conservation methods. This in turn preserves the living history for many generations to come.

It has been mentioned that I am a “purist at heart” and although that may be true to some extent I believe in green building techniques and have an ecological approach to heritage buildings. I spend a great deal of time putting right the wrong doings which the DIY craze is responsible for. I also believe the new can work with the old, however, it takes a skill to be able to make them work in harmony.

Please join us in this section as we journey our way through history, unveiling secrets of the past and long since forgotten ways of life.

Justin Garrett

Heritage Consultant