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Categories: Photo Du JourWindsor

Walkerville’s Shame

Sadly, what should be one of not only Walkerville’s, but also one of Windsor’s grandest homes, has been slowly spiraling into a massive pile of crap.

This house on Ontario Street, was built by rum runner Harry Low during the prohibition era. Following Low’s ownership the house was owned from the 1950’s until the early 1990’s by Paul Martin Sr.

The house has been in need of a new roof for longer than a decade, and the exterior wood trim is starting to deteriorate. Earlier this year, the property owner attempted to sever the property creating two lots. It was rejected by City Council as was a subsequent appeal to the OMB. I have recently noticed that the once grand hedge around the corner of the property has been very poorly hacked down and mangled.

Great curb appeal on a house that’s for sale. In fact it doesn’t look very lived in these days.

Here is the house back in 2003 when it looked much better. Note the hedges.

Andrew

View Comments

  • hi everyone, im moving in to the maids house and just to answer one question on here.... YES there is an underground tunnel that goes from the main house right into the maids house. im moving in june 15 so i still didnt go in the tunnel yet, but i was told all about it and also seen it. the trap door is still there and when you look down the trap door theres what it looks to be a big room down there too.
    mr.villa is the new owner of the low-martin estate and hes going to bring the property back to life. he may only be 29 yrs old but hes thinking of the history and bringing it back to its orignal state and hes wants to move in and open it up as a museum as well.
    its too bad that the people dont pitch in and lend a helping hand or even help with the cost of materials.
    200,000 just for the roof!!!
    reach into your pockets and give....10.00 can go a long way

  • Hello im so interested in the heritage of windsor .I always read up on the houses in this town and walkerville .I own a house a few blocks down on moy which was built in 1918.Nothing compared to this house.I love always taking a peek at this place.I work construction in all types of home renovations i would love to volunteer my time .I noticed the roof is pretty much done. anywho glad to read everyones comments .

  • It is a bit disturbing that the City of Windsor has so chosen to designate a whole community in the West End as a Heritage Area and yet this magnificent home is not designated as a Heritage home. I hope the new owner has requested the designation or maybe it has been designated by now. Shame on the council of the City of Windsor for designating the boarded up homes on Indian Road as Heritage . . .I'm sure it brings many tourists to our community . . . skunks, rats and crime.

  • I think it is time to update your site! Today the beautiful Harry Low/Paul Martin house is being restored to its original status in rum running days.The current owner Frank Vella actually is restoring it from the Paul Martin era ruined some of the original workmanship by covering it with panelling etc. Take a drive by today and see how beautiful the new roof is! Windsor should be proud.

  • You should be happy to hear, the house is for sale and being bought by a prestigious construction contractor. The house is declared as a heritage home and has some major renovations in store, the exterior will remain virtually the same but will be touched up. in addition, the interior will be almost completely restored except for, of course, the beautifully crafted woodwork and spiral staircase. I hope in approximately 2 years the house will look better than ever and restore some pride to windsors proclaimed Low-Martin house. I am excited to manage this project!

  • I wish this buyer all the best; this residence will need a lot of work to bring it back up to a prestigious home again.

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Andrew

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