The HillcrestHarvey Kalles Real Estate Limited, Brokerage
The Hillcrest
One of Northumberland County’s Most Elegant Mansions
l Just 1 Hour from Toronto or 3 Hours from l
"The Hillcrest" is the sole example of French Beaux - Arts Style architecture in Port Hope, and is one of Port Hope’s most impressive homes.
Situated on a heavily wooded four-acre property the house faces southeast to Lake Ontario, overlooking the Town's Yacht Club.
Built in 1874 for David Smart, a local Barrister and Brewer, the house was sold a few years later to Joseph Schwartz of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For nearly 100 years, it was his family's summer home.
"The Hillcrest" was built in the grand manner and the house is imposing from every view. A circular drive is flanked by large white pillars and what are believed to be the original gates.
The immense portico on the north side, added in 1900, containing a-50 foot Library and Study, was influenced by the classical style of Thomas Jefferson.
"The Hillcrest's imposing look is amply reflected inside. The impressive entrance leads into a large hall and foyer, and the elegant curved staircase, leading to the bedrooms.
The Dining Room is located on the left side of the foyer and leads to a large glassed-in verandah overlooking the heated in-ground pool on the South Terrace and a breathe-taking view of the lake and Terraced Gardens.
This elegant home has 12 fireplaces, soaring ceilings, original antique fittings, a large social room, sauna and 19th Century Victorian woodwork. Most rooms have ensuite bathrooms and ample closets.
While "The Hillcrest" contains antique period furniture, chandeliers and light fixtures, most of which are included and others are negotiable. The overall theme is eclectic.
A Golf Course and Clubhouse is nearby. Tennis, fine shops and restaurants of Port Hope are within a five-minute walk.
Port Hope History
Prior to the arrival of European explorers, Port Hope was the site of the Indian village of Ganaraske or Cochingomink. While mentioned in Champlain’s journal of 1615, it was not settled until 1793. Initiated in 1788 by a fur trader named Peter Smith by building a log cabin at the mouth of the Ganaraske River. The Town was incorporated in 1834.
Because of its favorable position on the Great Lakes, at the junction of the Grand Trunk Railroad and the Port Hope – Lindsay Railroad, Port Hope became a thriving industrial and trading centre and consequentially became the port for the Peterborough settlement area during the middle half of the nineteenth century. Much of its architectural heritage derives from this time period. During the latter part of the nineteenth century, with the decline of the lumber trade and the growth of larger industrial centres elsewhere, Port Hope’s period of rapid growth came to an end. Since then, many areas of the town, including the downtown commercial area, have remained relatively unchanged. Unlike many communities, Port Hope has suffered neither economic decline nor runaway development. Thus somewhat like a time capsule, it captures the flavor of small town Ontario during the late 1800’s.
Historical Trivia
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Telephone: 416.441.2888 x 522 Cellular: 416.809.0909 /1.888.232.2088
Facsimile: 416-441-9926 Direct Fax: 1(866) 556-0823
Address: 2145 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario M5M 4B2 Canada