LOOKING FOR AN UNCONVENTIONAL home that allows for your full creative expression? A historic schoolhouse might be just what you’re looking for — think, one large and very open room, high ceiling, lots of land. Located close to the top of the Beaver Valley Ski Club near Flesherton, Ont., this schoolhouse dates back to 1896 and sits on a half-acre lot. Now used as a ski chalet with six bedrooms and two bathrooms, the main level with maple floors is still open concept, with a kitchen, dining and living room and a wood stove. A designer’s paradise for just $174,900.
OLDEST SCHOOL BUILT ON BREW
The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse dates back to 1848 and was the city’s first free school — not free like the anarchist free school, but Toronto’s first public school intended for children of the city’s poor Irish immigrants who settled the area. Located in Corktown at 106 Trinity St., the school was funded by Mr. Turner, who established a brewery on Taddle Creek at Front and Parliament. Dubbed the Benevolent Brewer by historians, Turner is also credited with housing and employing fleeing slaves from the United States. It is the oldest school still standing in Toronto even though it was only in regular operation until 1859 when it became a Sunday school for nearby Little Trinity Church. The school also saw time as a Boer War recruitment centre, soup kitchen and community centre. During the ’60s, it was almost torn down, but was restored, and reopened as a historic site in 1972. Enoch Turner is now operated by Ontario Heritage Trust, and the facility is available to the public as an event space for up to 150 people.
CHARM AND OPEN SPACE MOVE THESE GEMS TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS
EVERY SEPTEMBER WITHOUT FAIL thoughts lead to school. Spending more than a dozen years of our lives returning to an education institution each fall will do that to a person. An easy solution might be to check out a historic country schooolhouse for a getaway spot or new home. It’s all there: high ceilings, open spaces, original finishings. Some of these gems can be had for a song, and with a little elbow grease, converted to a true dream home.
THIS SCHOOLHOUSE CUM country estate is billed as a “designer’s dream.” Set on a landscaped, scenic plot of land near Belleville, this former schoolhouse has been given the luxury once-over and now boasts cathedral ceilings, exposed wood beams, built-in bookcases, upper level with balcony, even a pool and decking. And, yes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home listed at $223,000 is located on School House Road.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING a little closer to home? The Schoolhouse Lofts on Brunswick Avenue near Bloor and Spadina in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto might be just what you’re looking for. A stunning loft conversion of Loretto College (built in 1915), this two-bedroom suite is on the market for $659,000 and comes with such luxurious amenities as gleaming wood floors, gourmet kitchen and a gel fuel fireplace.
LOCATED IN GRAND RIVER in a friendly, country neighbourhood, this 1879 Ontario schoolhouse, listed for sale at $243,000, comes complete with separate boys’ and girls’ entranceways in addition to the huge country kitchen and open and very spacious living area with huge windows and high ceilings. The property also houses a large cedar gazebo, mature trees and beautiful landscaped gardens.
