Penstowe Port Hope

c 1890

98 Ontario Street

CDN $799,000

Magnificently Restored with New Extension totalling approximately 6,000 sq.ft. Originally home of T.A. Wickett, Founding Member of the predecessor to Canada Trust. New plumbing from Street & throughout the House. All new period light fixtures, new furnace with hi efficiency gas - roughed in for Central Vacuum. Chimneys rebuilt from Roof Line up. All new wrought iron fencing, professional landscape with interlocking brick circular drive. Cosy, understated yet refined.

Driving in, the stature of the home project something in the $1.39 million price range. Walking in, the finishing and quality workmanship supports the initial impression. Solidly restored, exquisitely finished. Each bedroom is themed and inspired by literary giants of the past. It needs to be seen.

With a portfolio fluctuating in the $20 - 100 million throughout Ontario and Quebec, and a batting average of 98% of asking in the last 12 years for standalone properties without the benefit of comparables, I know, at this juncture, for this area, there will be a price resistance for an over $900,000 pricing.

Notes on The Region Tap into what the cognoscenti have known for years, a little bit of insider information if you will - Port Hope has turned into a bedroom community of Toronto. 50 minutes of highway driving east of Toronto on HWY 401, Port Hope is a very unique town in Ontario that has a proactive Heritage Conservatory, yet cultural and economical development friendly. 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. Most days there is a multitude of Toronto's diasporas commuting on the Via - or some just drive to the Whitby Go Station and park there for the day. 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!