Jonathan Irving Calvert House, Markham, Ontario, CANADA
Built of buff brick with red details, this home is NOT in its original location. This house - along with 41 other heritage homes - has been moved to a special subdivision called Markham Heritage Estates (about half an hour south of East Gwillimbury).
David Leek Sr. House, an example of Second Empire style
Markham Heritage Estate is a "subdivision of last resort" for historical buildings in the Town of Markham that must be moved for such reasons as the construction of a superhighway, road widening, or storm water management facilities.
The David Leek Sr. House is one of only a few Second Empire-style homes left in the Town of Markham today.
Moving the David Leek Sr. House to its new location
Instead of demolishing heritage homes, the Town of Markham offered the sale of lots in this subdivision at lower-than-market value rates, providing incentive for the owners of qualifying buildings to arrange for relocation.
John Jacob Lunau House
Current owners are required to restore the homes accurately. Recently added to this Georgian Cottage-style house, the verandah and Gothic window are based on a historic photograph.
John Jacob Lunau House on its original lot
Originally built of unburned clay brick (soft and doesn't weather well), this house was later covered with wood siding.
Thomas Cameron House
The Thomas Cameron House is an example of a workers cottage with Gothic Revival influences. Period landscaping is also encouraged.
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38 comments:
What a wonderful post. I love old historic houses and search for them wherever I go. I am always amazed at how they can just pick up the whole house and move it on down the highway. I'm sure lots of damage occurs and the repairs are probably massive after a move but the end result, especially of these, is absolutely remarkable. It is a little disappointing, however, that the lots they've been moved to seem to be quite small, but I suppose otherwise it would really be unaffordable.
Kathy,
I agree with you about the size of the lots. Land in the Greater Toronto Area is VERY expensive as Toronto is a fast-growing city. The Town of Markham borders on the City of Toronto.
What a grand project! The restored houses are all ones that anyone would be proud to own. The size of the lots wouldn't bother me...less upkeep!
those are wonderful! i love that little boxy style. precious!
I'm impressed! Impressed with the city that did this and with the movers. I have seen some wooden houses being moved down the road but I didn't imagine it could be done with brick.
Darla
I love older homes like that and think it's great that they preserved them!
I'm glad to hear that a special effort is being made to save historic homes.
Amazing that they can be moved without major damage.
I love old houses. Great photos!
These are wonderful old homes. I like to see them restored rather than torn down. One problem with restoration, though is the windows, restore them or replace with energy efficient ones.
These old homes have so much character and charm.
I had no idea! Will have to take a field trip to Markham one day.
What wonderful, beautiful old homes! And how terrific that this effort if being made to save homes like these! So much lovelier than so many of "just alike" houses that are being built today! Marvelous captures as always!
Sylvia
I actually love your world! I think I can live in those kind of houses being such a very laid-back person! :)
I have My Mothering World to share, I hope to see you at my page! :)
I'm all for saving the heritage homes. I'm glad they are all in one spot so it's easy to visit them all.
Great post showing the value of conservation. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
This might be a repeat -- I'm having posting problems. The houses are beautiful -- I am happy they've been saved. It is absolutely amazing to think about moving that large home. What a feat.
I so love these heritage homes. What a clever idea to move them to a specific location where all can be enjoyed. I think we are finally learning that these structures deserve an extended life. It is so easy to discard and destroy but it is so nice when people care enough to preserve their past.
A wonderful world of magnificent houses!
I think the idea of a subdivision for heritage homes is a great one. These homes are simply too beautiful to be torn down. Thanks for sharing these pictures with us.
These heritage homes are fabulous. I cannot imagine an entire subdivision only for them. It must be beautiful. The eaves and the roof pitches are so interesting. This is a wonderful post and your pictures are absolutely the best. Would love to visit there.
What a wonderful idea. I saw an old Victorian house being moved a few blocks and it was quite the production.
Fabulous to know brick houses can be moved, and not brick-by-brick, either, I assume.
The town of Markham deserves a lot of credit for arranging this project. Other cities and towns in Canada should follow suit, to preserve our heritage.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is a wonderful idea, which obviously succeeded, and your photos do it full justice!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
It's great that these have been saved for posterity!
This is such an interesting post. In our area, houses are occasionally moved, but I am not aware of any community that hosts a lot of them.
I would have a hard time picking one of these. I'll take them all.
Wonderful shots. I do like the Gothic Revival houses...
A win/win situation and a wonderful way of preserving the heritage of the district.
I like to see old historic houses as they have special glow passing through the time. It must be a grandeur to see all the Heritage Homes at one place. Thank you for sharing.
In ancient times of Japan, important buildings were relocated by dismantling and then reassembling when capital was transferred. It was possible because they were made of wood without using nails.
Great post, it amazes me that a house can be moved.
What a wonderful idea for preserving those lovely houses! Quite a commitment, both by the town and the individual buyers. I've seen buildings moved, and pictures of them being moved, but only onesy-twosey. Not a whole subdivision's worth. That's impressive.
I like your watery wed but came here to comment because I LOVE OLD HOUSES really love them, these are magnificent. i would love to see all of them. beautiful shots.
This is amazing...I've never heard of such a thing. And how nice that now you can take a little drive and see all these gorgeous homes from years gone by. Are they inhabited or are you allowed inside?
these are beautiful homes! it's great that whole houses can be moved...i don't think we can do it here though.:p there is a "heritage village" here with a similar concept, should visit the heritage village soon.:p
I love old homes too! My husband and I always tour the old houses and plantations when we can. After all they don't make this like this anymore and pretty soon they will be gone if they are preserved.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice comments. See you again!~Ames
Oh, this is a wonderfu story. Without dismantling, the house traveled to present location. Amazing. I love old traditional houses, as they are soothing to soul. In Nara, there are more than 200-year-old wooden houses where people live. I appreciate they have preserved the houses even though they have to keep strict rules.
Have a great weekend!
that is some great looking houses. Love to see them as we have nothing of the sort in Sweden. :)
I love the houses, they really give me a feel for the area. I am amazed that a house can be moved like that. Great post!
EG, thank you for this tour!!! They are all gorgeous homes, but those last two are especially appealing to me. If you took more shots, I sure would love to see them.
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