Home of the Week: Cobourg home in the family for 115 years
It was 1898 when a young banker named Edward Osler purchased the Cedars as a summer retreat for his family. Granddaughter Suzanne Mess grew up playing tennis on the lawns, bounding along the sandy beach and swimming in the waves. 'Our childhood here was rather marvellous,' says Ms. Mess. Many decades later, Ms. Mess is preparing to relinquish stewardship of the house that has remained in the family for 115 years.Steve Leach
Over the years, Ms. Mess says, the original summer kitchen was knocked off and an addition was built to contain a large indoor kitchen and pantry. A former doctor’s office was eventually turned into a bathroom but Ms. Mess points out the marble-topped basin where he washed his hands – with the original taps still there.Steve Leach
The red brick dwelling has a centre hall plan, six bedrooms and a wraparound veranda. The brick coach house, which still stands at the rear is where Lady the horse resided. Ms. Mess still has a vintage photograph of Lady pulling the family’s carriage. 'She always wanted a piece of toast before she would go on her way,’ she adds with a smile.Steve Leach
The exterior and parts of the interior of 589 King St. are protected by local heritage conservation rules.Steve Leach
When parts of the house had to be replaced, a local carpenter was brought in to mimic the original design.Steve Leach
Ms. Mess worked with people who were restoring the theatre in Port Hope to renew the walls and a mural painted on the dining room ceiling.Steve Leach