OPEN SKIES. feature STORY MELODY WREN PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG. 52 ourhomes SUMMER 2014 ourhomes SUMMER

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1 OPEN SKIES STORY MELODY WREN PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG Coming from the Prairies and eventually rural Flesherton, Donna Cooper realized seeing the sky was an important component to where she settled. After several years living an urban lifestyle in downtown Toronto she went in search of a place with broader horizons. Continued on page 55 TOP: The family room features an exposed fieldstone wall and exposed beams. RIGHT: Originally used as accommodation for the farm labourers, the wide farm door holds the key to the home s history. OPPOSITE: Snowdrops from one of the many perennial gardens brighten up the kitchen. Continued on page ourhomes SUMMER 2014 ourhomes SUMMER

2 RIGHT: The fiddles on the walls once belonged to Donna s father, adding character to the vibrant dining room. OPPOSITE: Paintings by Saskatchewan artist Michael Lonechild and those from the Whitebear Reservation, plus the Heintzman & Co. antique piano, which came with the house, all ground the expansive living room. Her passions for cooking, nutrition and art were a guiding force into bed and breakfast ownership and a location in Guelph made sense. It was easy for Donna and business partner Jean Hill to fall for the stately limestone home, Willow Manor, nestled on almost an acre of private gardens. Built in the 1840s and almost 3,820 sq. ft., it was already an up-and-running busy B & B. Donna has spent her life surrounded by pattern and colour and it shows throughout her 18 th century home. With its wide-plank floors and high ceilings, the home all but invites predictable period-style furnishings. Instead she filled it with a mix of auction finds and floral reproductions. Rich in history, Willow Manor exudes a quiet nobility with gracious Georgian architecture. The space includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five fireplaces, exposed stone walls, high ceilings, gleaming wood floors, main-floor bedroom and main-floor family room. Heritage gardens, lush lawns and an in-ground pool add to the luxury and elegance of this magnificent home. Originally known as Fountain Head Farm, it was built in approximately 1840 by Scottish stone masons a dream of the original owner, Gideon Hood. Mr. Hood was a notable man of the district. Fountain Head appears to have been constructed with local limestone, the stone masonry exhibiting the skilled craftsmanship that is characteristic of many of Guelph s finest rural farmhouses. Its Georgian, neo-classical style features a central stair plan, distinctive 12-over-eight windows and a traditional fanlight above the front entrance. Continued on page ourhomes SUMMER 2014 ourhomes SUMMER

3 With cheerful pops of colour and pattern-onpattern layering, Donna s home has a youthful energy while retaining elements of its historic charm. Donna gathered a collection of unique Canadian art during her years as a guide at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The vibrant colours and rich themes fit in well with the simple lines and formal symmetry of the house. The house follows the rules of Georgian architecture to the letter. The doorway is the focus of the façade, windows are placed at regular intervals and ornamentation is minimal. It s a model of pre-victorian architecture, a perfect blend of grace and character. The north wing was built later, circa The fieldstone addition houses the original kitchen, as well as what was intended for accommodation for farm labour with a separate staircase, which is still in use. The 22-foot family room, warmed by a wood stove, features exposed beams and rich exposed fieldstone walls, the history evident. Crisp cornice mouldings, plentiful, deepsilled windows, four original fireplaces and generous dimensions add to the elegance, but Donna s collection of art, her beautiful ceramic collection and the constant aroma of cooking make it a home. Continued on page 58 OPPOSITE: One of five bedrooms, this one is particularly feminine with floral reproduction wallpaper. ABOVE: The master bedroom s four poster bed and fireplace give it a stately but cosy feel. LEFT: This original, central spindle staircase is a feature of Georgian style, leading to four bedrooms upstairs, all en suite. 56 ourhomes SUMMER 2014 ourhomes SUMMER

4 Lush gardens cover a large portion of the grounds, offering colour as well as edibles for use in Donna s culinary creations. Landscape Design Build Maintenance PHOTOS BY CAROLAN SORBARA Almost an acre of lush grounds revel in a riot of floral colour. Hundreds of tulips and theme gardens come to life with wonderful offerings of colours throughout the blooming season. Theme gardens include an English Cottage Garden, which provides an extensive collection of perennials, including heritage plants. A culinary herb and edible flower garden provide staples for Donna s culinary creations and a green and white garden runs beside the arched walkway filled with standard hydrangeas, variegated hostas and white bleeding hearts. The grounds are also home to heritage apple trees and a mighty oak tree brought from the Muskokas. The wedding garden to the southwest has been the site for many nuptials. Tucked into a private island of the exterior of Donna s home is an inviting oval shaped swimming pool. A large patio around the pool invites lounging, and outdoor dining. The grounds have electricity placed strategically for music and other events, which are important to the history of this property as it has been the site for jazz concerts over the years. The property sprawls over nearly an acre and is quiet and very private, like a country estate except it s conveniently in west Guelph, just a minute from a major highway. Continued on page 60 Dream Home Cabinetry Your Dream Kitchen Awaits 305 Norman St. Palmerston ON dreamkitchen@dhcg.ca 58 ourhomes SUMMER 2014

5 Step up from the ordinary RIGHT: Four original fireplaces in all the bedrooms add to the overall elegance. BELOW: This elegant en suite is attached to a main-floor bedroom. High End Custom Kitchens Entertainment Centers Vanities Office Work Centers and more! TRADITIONAL TO MODERN NEW BUILDS AND RENOVATIONS When Quality Matters; Railmaster Stairways Ltd. since 1989 Fergus: Fax: Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm Saturday by appointment only , 3 rd Line, Melancthon, ON, L9V 1T8 Garden Market Welcome Spring! Spring Seeds have Arrived! Everything you need to get growing! Inside, the home s historic elements have been brilliantly balanced with modern amenities like heated bathroom floors. The charm of the original features, including original stonework, blend seamlessly with the updated and classic décor. Five large original fireplaces provide added comfort and character to many of the home s huge rooms, including the master suite. While a private en suite is becoming the standard in new homes, this century home boasts an en suite for three of the home s five bedrooms, including the sole main floor bedroom. The large home offers plenty of room for family and friends. While there will surely be a lot of entertaining around the pool in the summer, there is more than enough space inside to entertain year round. Donna is moving on to different horizons and the house is for sale with Carolan Sorbara, Re/Max Real Estate Centre Inc. Brokerage, Guelph. OH WELDING MANUFACTURING MOBILE WELDING REPAIRS MANUFACTURING SANDBLASTING & PAINTING RAILINGS & GATES th Line R.R. #2 Belwood, ON Don t forget to visit our store that is filled with unique garden accents and gift ideas Located on Hwy #6 2km north of downtown Fergus 60 ourhomes SUMMER 2014