When we fell for a 1912 prairie-style home, jaws dropped in disbelief. Everyone thought we were crazy. The house, which had previously served as a residential college was completely empty and derelict, and we just loved it. We saw beyond the Silence of the Lambs basement, dropped ceilings, fluorescent lighting and complete lack of insulation to the classic beauty within; the gracious rooms, the nine-foot ceilings, and the solid fir structure. So while others joked that we were buying the Titanic, we preferred to refer to the giant renovation/restoration project as “the Raising of the Titanic.” Coincidentally, the house was completed in the same year that the Titanic was launched, 1912. We also officially took possession of the house on April 15, the day the ship sank. From moving the house off of the foundation, completely gutting it, and building a new basement, to restoring all the woodwork refinishing floors and adding new efficient mechanical systems, this 16 year renovation is a labour of love. We did the majority of the work ourselves.

Challenges: Digging a new basement with neighbouring houses only six feet away on either side, removing ten tons of lathe and plaster, stripping and restoring endless wood work, raising the roof to add a third story ,designing and adding three new bathrooms to a one bathroom house, turning a weed-infested yard into a formal European style courtyard. Providing closet space in an otherwise closet-less house. Oh yes, and stopping traffic on a city street to dig a new sewer and water line to attach to the 100 year system, and hitting century-old trolley tracks along the way.  

Priorities: Saving, restoring and adding character to an originally rather plain home, including incorporating architectural details from our travels, all the while bringing the home into the 21st century with all the modern technologies. Providing for an art studio, exhibition space, 2 home offices, gourmet kitchen, sewing room, separate basement suite, gym, wine cellar, and several cozy outdoor living spaces. Taking advantage of the south facing back-yard while ensuring privacy in an established inner city neighbourhood.