Tour magnificent homes in support of the symphony.
THE KITCHENER-WATERLOO Symphony Volunteer Committee is organizing its annual Tour of Note, a chance for the public to peek inside six beautiful homes and gardens while also raising funds for the orchestra. Here’s a preview of this year’s event.
1 This elegant home, nestled on 112 acres of rolling hills near Wellesley, will impress visitors both indoors and out. A massive granite fireplace anchors the great room, and Brazilian mahogany floors, antiques and artwork are featured throughout the main floor.
From the master bedroom, the ruins of the original stone farmhouse can be seen on the horizon. And on a lower level a lap pool, complete with cascading waterfall, blends seamlessly into the landscape. The garden takes advantage of a stream with a rock garden that winds down to a pool lined with grasses and perennials. >>
2 This rustic home near Bechtel Park takes wonderful advantage of its natural setting, with glass doors and large balconies overlooking the property from both the main floor and bedroom levels.
Before designing the house in 1968, local architect Jim Ball mapped every tree on the lot to determine how the building would be set into the woodland and steep hillside. The second owners, who acquired the home 12 years ago, have stayed true to the original ambience while also making the house their own, complete with antique furniture, a collection of artwork and stained-glass accents. 3 The owners of this Westmount home have reshaped their living space so all their needs are met on one floor.
The house, built in 1965, has both a formal living room and a walnut-panelled family room where built-in bookshelves frame the fireplace. The bright kitchen connects to a formal dining room furnished with a Krug suite passed down through generations. A reading nook adds interest to the master bedroom and ensuite.
Outdoors there is a large flagstone patio, perennial beds, Japanese maples and a view of the nearby golf course.
4 The owners of this art-deco style home are determined to maintain its architectural integrity. Indeed the house, completed in 1937 by Westmount builder William Arnold, has a heritage designation.
Special features include original terrazzo floors in the foyer, corner windows throughout, colourful tiles in the main bathroom and wrought-iron balustrades. The living room has curved walls and a deco-style fireplace; intricate cabinets and torchière lamps add to the ambience.
The home’s décor has a musical theme throughout, including signed photographs of pianists and composers and a large poster for a Vladimir Horowitz concert hung close to the home’s grand piano. Upstairs, several rooms are lined with books and musical recordings old and new.
Also of interest is a bedroom that has a Charles and Diana theme complete with whimsical souvenirs; the basement features a model railroad.