The Gilchrist House – A Piece of Huntsville Living History Could Be Yours!
Huntsville is full of history, shaping the landscape of the Muskoka region. Once in a while a piece of living history comes onto the market, providing a special opportunity for the right home buyer looking for a unique home full of charm and character; a rare find indeed. The Rick Wearing & Sandra Parrott Team have just such a gem of a listing, The Gilchrist Home, located at 22 Hanes Street, Huntsville.
Situated on an expansive lot which runs down towards but doesn’t quite touch the Muskoka River with views including Lion’s Lookout across the river, this home is not only a sight to behold, but provides amazing vistas to take your breath away. While the property is near downtown, the mature landscaping provides privacy from the roadway, so is an ideal in-town retreat.
Huntsville has long been a supporter of the arts and music – 
such as is witnessed by the history of the property at 22 Hanes Street. This was once the location of The Morley College, Conservatory and School of Art in the late 1800s. The school itself had an unfortunate fate when it burned down in 1899. Soon after the property changed hands, a new stone home was built in 1901. This home saw some changes in ownership over the years, eventually becoming known as The Gilchrist House when it was purchased in 1931 by Evelyn and John Gilchrist. Their influence can still be noted in the home today.
Key elements of this historic stone home were added by the Gilchrists, including the stone fireplace which is the heart of the home, and the addition of a fully-functional apartment on the top floor. These details along with the basic floorplan have been retained with the latest renovation efforts, offering an old-world, farmhouse architectural style steeped in the history of the region. If you have a passion for older homes, this could be just what you’ve been waiting for.
There has recently been extensive work done to the property by the current owners, who wanted to see it restored to its former glory. There had been several decades of water exposure and degradation issues which resulted in significant damage. This has all been rectified and the home once again showcases the style and comfort of a home from the early 1900s.
The original stone home has been enhanced with a reconstructed large front porch which opens into a cozy entry way, leading to the spacious living room, where you’ll be drawn in to get warm next to the gorgeous, large stone fireplace and hearth. This is the centerpiece of the home with large windows and garden doors that lead onto a flagstone patio and spacious yard.
Following the old-European style of home design, the home has solid wood framing around windows and doors. From the living room you step into to a separate large dining room with a deep-set bay window overlooking the front of the property. There’s also a modest kitchen accessed from the dining room with a side door leading outside. Through the central hallway on the main floor, there are three bedrooms and full 5-piece bath, as well as a back staircase leading up to a bonus room on the second storey.
The second level of this stone home is ideal for multi-generational living with its own dine-in kitchen, 3-piece bath and up to 3 bedrooms, one of which is fully large enough to be used as a living room. Here’s where you’ll also find a true gem of this renovated home, an enclosed sunroom rests above the front porch – the perfect place to spend some time relaxing the day away.
Details such as the stone chimney which runs exposed through the home, the ‘trapdoor’ entrance to the back stairs from the top floor, and the use of dormer spaces help retain the historical feel of this renovated home. The stained-glass panel in the front door, beadboard paneling in the dining room and rich, deep paneling of the living room also harken back to another time as do the shelves and cupboards. If a home with historical character is something you have longed for, now’s your chance to make this home your dream come true.
As with any major renovation, there was a vast amount of work which was done. There are still some interior changes that could be made by a new owner.
Contact The Rick Wearing & Sandra Parrott Team for an extensive engineering report, then let us show you this listing directly. An historical stone home such as The Gilchrist House is a one-of-a-kind home. Whatever your Muskoka home dreams may be, let us, Rick Wearing and Sandra Parrott put our care and expertise to work for you. Please call us at 705-788-3535 or email at [email protected] today!
This information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable. The Wearing Parrott Team does not guarantee accuracy; we recommend information be validated independently.
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When you are ready to buy or sell your home, cottage or condo, you want a team whose expert advice you can trust and count on. Achieving your real estate dreams begins with an in-depth conversation about your wants and needs. The Wearing-Parrott team not only provides over 55 years of combined experience helping their clients, they believe in the power of listening too. You will be center stage through the entire process. Contact us to set up an obligation-free appointment, and find out how you can put our real estate team and experience to work for you.
Please call 705-788-3535 or email us at: [email protected] today!
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