On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, a large number of people turned out for a chance to tour the Low-Martin house at 2021 Ontario St.
With the gracious offer posted here last week, as well putting out the offer to the surrounding neighbours, a good number of people turned out for what might be your only chance to visit this very historic Windsor home.
I hope a large number of readers dropped by yesterday to take Mr. Vella up on his offer.
Among the distinguished guests was none other than the King of Scaledown.ca Chris Holt.
A small display was set up with refreshments just off the foyer.
Some items were loaned for the open house by the family of the late Harry Low.
From left to right are photos of Mr. Low’s ship the “Vedas”, and photos of Mr. & Mrs. Low.
One of the thing I didn’t post on my tour of the house from the other week was a photo of the large original walk in showers. The door is a copper coloured metal with a huge beveled leaded glass window. While not exactly visible in the photo there were several jets coming out of each wall.
Also someone asked about the bar last time, so here is a photo of the bar where Paul Martin Sr., Pierre Trudeau & Lester Pearson had several meetings.
Again, a huge thank you to Mr. Vella, and his whole team, for not only buying the house and saving it from an uncertain future, but for throwing the doors to the place wide open, and allowing the public to have a look inside this glorious work of architecture.
It was an exceptional turn out with approximately 300-400 people attending. Our 150 history brochures were gone by 2 o’clock with the traffic continuing strong until 5 o’clock. With perfect weather, the day couldn’t have been much better. Our guests shared stories from the past, encouragement towards the restoration project, “thank yous” for Mr. Vella’s effort to save this grand home, and most of all, gratitude for opening the doors and allowing a glimpse inside this national icon. One truly got the sense that, although this house is privately owned, in spirit, it belongs to the residents of the city and Walkerville.
We wished we could have talked to all of you, so please post your experience and share your thoughts.
Again, thank you for attending.
Rob
I have been through the house many a time.Let us call it by it’s proper name “Devonshire Lodge”
Thank you.
Rob,
Thanks again to you and Mr. Vella for taking the time to share the house with the community.
“Distinguished”? “King”? You’ve been nipping at the sauce this early in the morning, Andrew?
I also wanted to toss out yet another big pat on the back to Francesco Vella for doing everything he’s done. Speaking with him at the open house, it is evident that he has a full grasp on not only the amount of work this house requires, but also what this building means to the neighbourhood/city. It was indeed a thrill to step through those doors and marvel at the wood and plaster work. I really didn’t want to leave.
I also bellied up to that bar and pictured hanging with the top dogs of Canada as well. It’s good to dream, isn’t it? Couldn’t see the tunnel, though 🙂
It was reassuring to see what Mr Vella is doing with this property, especially in the wake of the Seagrave fiasco earlier this month. That got most of us down in the dumps. Very reassuring to see a lot of good happening in respect to our heritage with respect to ‘Devonshire Lodge’. This home is remarkable in every way. A home built today for a million dollars wouldn’t have the class and attention to detail and finish that this late 1920s home has built-in already. The grand staircase alone is awe inspiring. Some things can’t be duplicated. This house is one. Many thanks to Mr Vella for literally saving it from the clutches of gross neglect.
Beautiful pictures. Thank you 1) Andrew for sharing them, and 2) Mr. Vella for opening the house up so you could take those pictures.
One question. When you posted the first series of photos a few days ago, there appeared to be water damage to the celing in the entrance hall. Is that the case, and if so, is there much of that type of damage in the house?
How does one wrangle a thatch-man in Windsor, to do the repairs to the roof? Must be the most niche-of-niches.
My husband’s uncle Harry built that house and we would love to see it. Please keep my email address and adivse as to when we could go through it. Thanks for restoring a great residence