Historical Reconstruction

Story Kristin Schnelten | Photography Sandy MacKay

In 1907, Charles Pitt, a former lumber mill manager, hired Collingwood architect John Wilson to design his retirement home – a grand, spacious Colonial Revival with bold lines and understated details. It has since endured the tests of time and at least six generations residing under its slate-tiled roof.

The current owners happened upon the stately property by chance. “We were living in a smaller historic home in town when we noticed the ‘For Sale By Owner’ sign while walking to the movie theatre,” remembers the homeowner. They found themselves touring the space the next day, noting its character and strengths shining beneath its unkempt, time-capsule surface. 

For a few months, the couple considered the purchase: “When I liked it, my husband didn’t. And when he liked it, I didn’t. We just kept going back and forth.” But, having long considered diving into a large-scale renovation project, they ultimately made the decision to purchase and revitalize the historic home. 

The homeowners hired Porter Skelton & Associates Ltd. to assist with the design and complete the necessary renovations. Colin Grant, Principal at Porter Skelton, helped them realize their vision. “They wanted to make the place their own, while still maintaining the integrity of the home. They understood what had to be done, and didn’t cut corners to achieve their goal.”  

Only a few, small modernizing reconfigurations were made to the floorplan: removing a servant’s staircase to make room for a main-floor powder room; relocating the kitchen; adding a pantry, washroom and a handful of closets. But each of these alterations is seamless – the mouldings, trim and flooring offering nary a clue. Says Colin, “Really, you go in there and it still feels like an old house.” 

Some elements required replacement, from the 57 new hardwood windows (from DeCola Windows & Doors Inc.) to the slate-like eco-friendly roof (Euroshield Rundle Slate from Cairns Roofing Ltd). The single alteration to the footprint is a small bump-out at the rear of the house, creating space for a functional mudroom — and the homeowner’s favourite bench. She laughs, “I misjudged its length when I bought it, but it was important to me that it fit. They literally had to re-design the addition around this bench.”

Other favourite elements of the completed space include the mother of pearl kitchen backsplash and the stunning laundry room wallpaper, both chosen with the assistance of Interior Designer Gillian Crone of Gillian & Co. Gillian and the homeowners worked as a team on the finishing touches, including tile and colour selection.

“They were amazing clients to work with, very receptive to the design ideas and solutions I had,” says Gillian. “When they reached out to me, they were already under construction, and had hit a place of critical decision making but weren’t sure which direction to go. What started out as a small consultation evolved into my helping with the remainder of the project.” 

Gillian and the homeowners worked to blend period design with timeless touches, including hexagon tiles identical to the original in some bathrooms and larger, patterned tiles (from Saltillo Imports) in the en suite. Gillian comments, “I love the history of older homes, and don’t want history to be erased in the reconstruction.”

Maintaining the integrity of the original home was paramount throughout the project, and evidence of this effort abounds in each room. Original doors remain, refinished and in some instances moved to a different location. Porter Skelton salvaged and refinished countless pieces of hardware - hinges, handles, knobs. Even the servant paging system still functions, with the original, restored buttons.

The completed home is nothing less than a work of art, with its grand entrance and double staircase, detailed woodwork and timeless finishing choices. “We really like it,” the homeowner says with a smile.

The entire project team shares her view. Adds Colin, “The finished product is a fine renovation. We’ve done a lot of historic homes in this town, and this is definitely one of my favourites. It was really an honour to work on the house.”