Last week I decided to ask a friend and colleague if he and his wife wouldn’t mind sharing pictures and news paper clippings of the house they bought last year. Glenn and Kelly Hughes moved in October 2019 – and from what I’ve been told it is Kelly’s dream house, and you will soon see why. Built in 1860 and located in Burford Ontario this home is on the same land as one of our very first florist shops and greenhouse. The original florist shop stood for 110 years.
Here is a picture of the original florist shop from 2012
Heritage home restorers Dan and Carol-Lyn Brown took on the task of completing this home in 2018/2019. They smartly took before and after pictures to show just how much work was required to bring this beauty back to life. And it needed a LOT of work.
Starting with the exterior
The original wood windows, wood siding and front posts were chipping away, some shutters in disrepair and a new roof was needed. They sanded most of the original wood siding and replaced others, followed by a fresh coat of white and black paint. Replacing the wood windows with period windows that are energy efficient, painting the posts and adding a new roof.
The main level
As you enter the house you are greeted by a beautiful dark wood staircase, old green carpet, peeling wallpaper, mouldings, and falling ceilings.
Upper level
The restored stairwell is now absolutely breathtaking. Painted Black and white. The risers have a lovely tile detail and the spindles are a crisp clean white. New light fixtures, wood flooring and freshly painted walls give this home a welcoming warm entrance. Also note – the original front door with bell. Classic.
Upper level
Original Living room
As you move through the main floor you can see how much work was required to get this job done.
The former living room is now the dinning room and vice versa. It has an incredible tray ceiling with oversized medallion, and chandelier. What a lovely well thought out space.
The dining room
The new dining room off the kitchen has another gorgeous ceiling medallion, high crown moulding, fresh creamy paint, harvest table, and look at that fire place!
The sunroom (Before / During / after)
The original kitchen
The original kitchen is a complete GUT. However, there are some adorable features. Built in banquet, large bright window and wood cut-out and open shelving over the sink area.
The restored kitchen has quartz and butcher block countertops, apron sink, school house pendant lights, sitting area, and cozy floor runners under feet.
Look at the beautiful stained glass cabinets in the kitchen they were originally from a church in Hamilton Ontario.
Second Floor
Heading upstairs there are several bedrooms with sloped ceilings, cupboards with original hardware, and tons of damage.
But now the bedrooms are cute and quaint. New walls, ceilings, paint, light fixtures, floors and mouldings. You don’t need much more than that.
The Bathroom
Another full gut job in the bathroom – I wouldn’t want to sit on that toilet YIKES… My moms current house has the same tub from the 1960s which means it certainly is not original to the house.
But now, the black and white patterned tile, wall colour, antique mirror and pedestal sink are a perfect compliment and a nod to the former bathtub and newly painted stairs.
Unfortunately there are no inside pictures of what used to be the old florist shop (demolished) and green house but what I can show is the now fully repurposed space AKA the Man Cave (former boiler and work room). Complete with bedroom, games area, kitchenette and living room.
And to finish up this tour the yard had to be torn up to replace pipes and tanks.
But you wouldn’t know it now.
I hope you enjoyed taking a tour of this 160 year old home. It really is an Ontario gem. Thank you to Glenn and Kelly for sending the information and pictures showing the incredible change that was made. They certainly kept a lot of its original features and improved on many others.
Stay tuned for more incredible homes and design ideas.
🙂
My Country Farmhouse 