This fine Second Empire style house was built for George Brown between 1874 and 1876. The elegance of the residence reflects his prominence as a leading Liberal politician, Father of Confederation, and founder of the successful Globe newspaper, now the Globe and Mail.

In 1976 the Federal Government declared the house a National Historic Site, but a decade later the house was threatened with demolition. The Ontario Heritage Foundation intervened by acquiring it and converting it to a conference centre with offices on the upper floors. The site is also a popular filming location. Impressive walnut hoods adorn the main hall doors and fourteen fireplaces add character to the spacious rooms.

George Brown’s library was recreated by Parks Canada in 1987 and now features 2000 of his books. The restoration of the house focussed on the Brown family period, but later alterations were retained, such as the turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau mahogany paneled dining room. The room had been redecorated by Duncan Coulson, a bank executive who owned the house between 1889 and 1916. Following his death, a school for the blind was built at the back of the house. Forty years later, the CNIB moved out and a school for mentally handicapped children took its place. The school addition was demolished in 1984 and a new school was built on the adjacent lot.

Denis Heroux