The Rural Voice, 1998-05, Page 54-
Home Decorating
Owen Sound mansion shows of High Victorian styling
By Patti Robertson
Over the past few years, I've
shared my love and passion for older
homes with you. The Biltmore Estate
in South Carolina, our own Casa
Loma in Toronto, and Viewfield Inn,
Walkerton to name a few. So you can
imagine what a wondrous
experience, touring Hillside Manor
in Owen Sound was to my curious
nature!
Hillside Manor is owned by Bruce
and Ester Buchanan, and their three
young daughters assist with the
upkeep and operations of this
spectacular bed and breakfast. The
Manor is an 1870s gem located high
on West Hill overlooking the city of
Owen Sound and the sparkling blue
water of Georgian Bay! The views
are spectacular!
Originally built by the Ross
family, the home has an illustrious
history which goes hand in hand with
the tales of Owen Sound, which are
often dark in nature but most
colourful when told by someone as
passionate as Bruce Buchanan — a
master "story teller".
The home at one point was
converted into a private maternity
hospital from 1920 to the 1940s and
was known as "Miss Moore's
Maternity Hospital". One of the
B & B's guests had been born at
"Miss Moore's" and since has
returned and contributed her
christening gown to add to the
interesting collection of
memorabilia, antique treasures
and storieswhich adorn the home.
This awe-inspiring home of
High Victorian styling, incor-
porating both Empire and Italianate
features, originally boasted 25
acres of city property. Today the
incredible tree -lined walkway is
still in evidence. There is a definite
air as you gaze down the walk
where dignified guests once
strolled in attendance at grand balls
and gala affairs. The walk certainly
gave guests the backdrop to parade
their finery, as they made their way
50 THE RURAL VOICE
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to the front door to be received.
Inside, the home boasts 7,500
square feet of opulent splendor.
Today guests are offered a choice
of four newly decorated bedrooms,
with private baths. The baths
feature original sinks which are
either of the finest English porcelain
and Royal
Doulton. Three
of the rooms are
named after the
Buchanans'
daughters while
the fourth is the
Alice Room,
(after Alice in
Wonderland). It
has a whimsical
charm with its
wrought iron
bed and
bookcase filled
with children's
story books, primers, dolls and toys.
All beds are queen sized and sport
vintage quilts. The family uses their
home's third floor for personal
quarters. While visiting, the guests
are welcome to use the rest of the
home as their own. One of the
manor's finest features is the grand,
cathedral -like staircase which
extends from the main hallway up
three complete stories to the original
skylite 42 feet above. The railing is
extremely low by today's standards,
the purpose being, so the ladies of
the day could primp, pose and allow
those on the dance floor below to
admire their finery, before
descending to take part in the
festivities. (I must confess, that the
home's charm captivated me
completely, and I fancied myself in
elegant Victorian party attire, high
atop this grand staircase.) The home
is magical!
The main hallway is 38 feet in
length by 11 feet in width, while the
ceiling is a lofty 12 feet in height!
This is often where dancing
occurred.
As a guest at Hillside Manor, you
Home features
three-storey
staircase
arc offered quiet, opulent dining in
the home's formal dining room
which incorporates antiques and
stained glass into the decor. Perhaps
your preference is in the informal
summer kitchen with vintage
collectables, plants and sunshine.
After your meal, coffee is served in
your choice of locations — and there
arc many! Choose to relax by one of
the home's eight fireplaces, the
music room, the grand parlor, the
morning room on the second floor or
the outdoor wrap-around covered
porch. "Regardless," as Bruce puts it,
"you will escape into a bygone era
where busy lives are exchanged for
peace, solitude and safety amidst
melodious strains of chamber
music."
The home also boasts a working,
and well-maintained, open cage
elevator, allowing visitors access to
all floors, despite one's personal
limitations.
Bruce, Ester and girls are
extremely down to earth, cordial
and always excited about who
they'll share their incredible home
with next. They have hosted many
of Canada's top entertainers, artists
and celebrities who have performed
for the constantly enlarging artistic
and cultural community of Owen
Sound.
Bruce feels he was sent to "Serve
and Protect" this incredible home and
property, and as Bruce explains,
"while some homes are full with just
one person, Hillside Manor is truly
happy when it's brimming with
people!"
If you are in need of a truly grand
experience, or need a brief respite
from the hustle and bustle of daily
living, treat yourself to the
experience of Hillside Manor.
Wrapped in history, grandeur and
opulence, perhaps, as I did, you will
capture an illusion of yourself in the
well-heeled shoes of a grand dame of
a bygone era!O
Patti Robertson operates Classic
Interiors in Wingharn.