Home of the Week: Home on the Oakville shore, gutted and restored
Home of the Week, 43 Dunn St., Oakville, Ont. Asking price: $5.5-million. After buying it, the current owners gutted it completely, then spent years restoring it to its Victorian splendour. Throughout the house, the Mailes restored the plaster mouldings, stained glass windows and Victorian hardware. They searched antique shops in Britain and France and throughout North America for fireplace mantles, period chandeliers and door handles. A marble-topped commode imported from France was turned into a vanity for the main-floor powder room.Mark Wilson
The renovation allowed the couple to replace the wiring and heating systems and to add modern plumbing and air conditioning. They also found historic photos of the home, which allowed them to replicate original elements such as the wide front porch, intricate brick work, wrought iron accents and gingerbread fretwork.For The Globe and Mail
At the rear of the house, a large kitchen and its adjoining keeping room have views of Lake Ontario. The Lacanche range was imported from France. The cabinets were made by an British-based firm who sent a craftsman over to do the installation.Mark Wilson
Visitors entering the front door immediately see the floating staircase, with detailed floral scrolling and carved newel posts. Stand at the base and look up and you can see all the way to the top of the third floor. Carved oak pillars mark the transition from living room to dining room. Beyond that, a conservatory leads to the garden.Mark Wilson
An elevator fitted with Victorian hardware glides between the four floors from basement to attic.Mark Wilson
Throughout the house, the owners restored the plaster mouldings, stained glass windows and Victorian hardware. They searched antique shops in Britain and France and throughout North America for fireplace mantles, period chandeliers and door handles. A marble-topped commode imported from France was turned into a vanity for the main-floor powder room.Mark Wilson
The house has nearly 10,000 square feet, so there is plenty of room for the seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and six fireplaces. It also includes a shoe polishing room, a dog washing station and a packing room with built-in cupboards custom-built for suitcases.Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson