Corrigal House Cobourg

458 Williams Street

Inground Pool that Suggests a Pond in Nature rather than an Artificial Construct

Tap into what the cognoscenti have known for several years, a little bit of insider information if you will - Port Hope, Cobourg and Grafton are turning into bedroom communities of Toronto - each with its distinctive zeitgeist. 50 minutes of highway driving east of Toronto on HWY 401, Port Hope is one of (maybe a couple), towns in Ontario that has a proactive Heritage Conservatory that has prevented bulldozing of Century Homes for Parking Lots - "managed growth" is a term that comes to mind. Cobourg, just 10 minutes east of Port Hope, is the "sister" township that is one of Toronto's favourites. Grafton is a destination of choice for a more bucolic and Upper Canada "loyalist" feel.

And it is a good thing. Steeped in history, the "triplets" were the playgrounds of the Rich and Famous since the early 1800's. That would explain all the majestic estates in the surrounding countryside.

Northumberland County, where the "triplets" lie, benefits from the growing trend of "city folk" moving out from the hustle and bustle in the "big smoke" to somewhere quieter and safer. With the Internet revolutionizing the way we do business and communicate, many have taken advantage of what telecommuting has to offer. When we placed the Director of Marketing for a major National Bookstore in Grafton 4 years back, he traded his home in North York for a 100 acre farm with a restored Century Home that once belonged to the Masseys for $550,000. I am sure it's worth a lot more now. A recent article in Toronto Star (July 1, 2002) mentioned that a developer from Peterborough is planning to develop a 4,800 people retirement community in Port Hope. He does have the vision and started accumulating land mass 10 years back.

Northumberland County is only part of this "managed growth" phenomenon , although, additionally, there seems to be a trend in Health Spas popping up the the area as well as the traditional Country Fare. Moving slightly eastward, we have the Big Apple in Colborne that opens year round attracting millions. And Brighton turning into a well received retirement community - great success in the development of Brighton-by-the-Bay by a REIT. Then Prince Edward County, with picturesque Picton, is turning into the other Wine Producing region. After selling The Hillcrest in Port Hope to an area Spa, I see a few more popping up that provide a variety of alternatives and choices. Another client from the U.K., now a good friend, is setting up another one in Brighton. I am sure this will be quite special - as influenced by her background as a hotelier in Africa and her son as an impresario in the entertainment/music industry in the U.K. and New York. Then there is Trenton and Belleville, led by one of the most dynamic Economic Development Boards in the person of Chris King; and Kingston, which is experiencing phenomenal growth.

From another point-of-view, with the reciprocal commerce between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, Northumberland is the Gateway to Toronto from travelers in these regions. A good break after 4 - 5 hours of driving!

Circa 1843, Mr. Jacob Corrigal, Hudson Bay Company's buyer purchased the land (copy of deed) from Northumberland's premiere businessman, Mr. Zacheus Burnham (I sold another house of Mr. Burnham a little while back). Legend has it that he named the street after his son "William".

Somehow, Corrigal House reminds me of a Georgian Estate in the sunnier climes of Savannah, Georgia, instead of north of the 49 parallel. I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of the facade when dusk cast a golden hue, now frozen in time with the picture above, where it could, dancing through the leafy green branches of the majestic Sugar Maple Trees, onto the pillars and the balcony on the second floor.

I accessed the house through the fenced backyard, which is equally enchanting with lush green landscape, field stone border Inground Pool (safety cover included) with colourful bursts of floral surround (and fauna by way of Cassie, a fluffy and curly Airedale Terrier, who greeted me exuberantly), and a private pocket that the Putting Green lays. Unwinding with an ice cold drink on the huge porch overlooking the scenescape is just divine.

Centre Hall, Lorraine's colour play in the high-ceilinged Dining Room (~10'), Parlour and Living Room by way of area rugs and wall paper in elegant contrast with the simplicity of the Ceiling Centre Medallions (2 Originals with Large Leaf Design and 1 Replacement) and Original Coal Grate Fireplaces are simply fanta-fabulous.

The Extension at the Back (accessed from the Deck after entering through the Gated Fence from a Parking Space that can easily accommodate 6 cars and more) is ideal for a Home Office or a Granny Suite. It has i) three large rooms, one with two levels - accessing another similar sized room in the basement via a gated spiral staircase; ii) a Kitchenette (may be easily converted to a Laundry Room; and iii) a 2-piece Bathroom (Stain Glass Window by the ever talented Mrs. Hinchliffe). There are six bedrooms on the Second Level with two Bath Rooms (4 & 3 -piece) - one at the Front and the other at the back. The rear one may be easily cordoned off with a couple of Bedrooms to form another separate suite.

The property is walking distance to the Beach, shopping and Via for added convenience.

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