Provence Port Hope

Non-Designated Century Home

c 1800's

I blinked and had to double back. Still, I parked at the neighbour's. Tall shrubberies hid this gem on the most prestigious street of Port Hope, as recognized by Tom Cruickshank (Managing Editor of Century Home) in his Port Hope - A Treasury of Early Homes¹, "eclectic cottages" was how he put it. I always like this street rising to The Hillcrest on the top - I have sold four in this tiny cluster² and many in the Northumberland Region ( www.GreatCanadianCountryEstates.com ). Notwithstanding the delicate closed lattice work hiding the refuse containers, and the lush entry arbor that opens into a small front garden, I wondered out loud how this could be a Christie's Great Estate property as introduced by a good friend. He purchased my Grafton Canning Factory - a renowned book designer who lives in the Republic of Rathnelly (a.k.a. a tiny pocket in Forest Hill who declared themselves a "republic" a while back because they want to serve alcohol in their annual block parties). I still remember the day he and his lovely wife (ok, maybe "funky" is more appropriate) showed up in their midnight black Porsche Turbo on a snowy day all decked up in Pradas...... Now they are building their dream loft/artist showroom in the Country assisted by one of TO's best designer, Jacques Dinel, who is currently working on a 40 car underground garage in the most expensive house in Toronto's Bridlepath. We marketed that home for $20 million. I digress.....

The only hint of something grand was the side pathway with stone steps which, I thought, could promise something more interesting. When I walked through the door, my opinion changed in an instance with the explosion of colours in the foyer - different coloured Granorex in geometric design which is reminiscence of the middle eastern courtyards. Soaring ceilings, flickering flames in the fire places, different lighting arrangements by arrays of pot lights and hidden moulding lights in coigned ceilings, the finishings, the repeating patterns of the Georgian Square, the terrace, the Inground pool, the separate Loft, and even the basement bespeak of something special. I can see how they spent three years in completing the project. Fabulous and amazing are the words that come to mind.

As creation is a continuous process, the owner told me he thought of building a glass tunnel joining the main house to the loft. Fabulous!

When I looked at the gardens, the pool and the pavilion (even the ceilings in the pavilion is joined by tongue and groove, amazing!), on the reverse ravine lot, for some reasons, I think of the South of France.... Provence is what came to mind. I happenchance to visit at night one time when all the lights were on with a friend, "Gatsby" was what she whispered.

¹This Book is definitely a "must have" for the history enthusiast interested in Port Hope - rich in photography as well, by John de Visser

Tap into what the cognoscenti have known for several years, a little bit of insider information if you will - Port Hope is turning into a bedroom community of Toronto. 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.

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

Northumberland County, wherein lies Port Hope, 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.

Northumberland County is only part of this phenomenon of "managed growth", although Port Hope, being the closest, has positioned itself to be a gateway of sort. Port Hope, indeed, is unique with it's water frontage, Yacht, Golf and Country Clubs, developed cultural events and mildly eccentric denizens. 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.

You can pick up a copy of the Current Visitor's Guide at the Tourist Office as well!