Gothic Victorian Estate

One Banfield is one the most unique and prominent period homes in the entire region and just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto. Rich in history, this imposing and very elegant Gothic Victorian estate was built in 1854 for Mr. Charles Whitlaw, owner of the Paris Mills, the largest in the province at the time. Many of the original historic features are intact or have been lovingly restored including the slate roof, hardwood floors, copper eaves, five fireplaces, plaster moldings, spectacular millwork, and other old-world accents. The house was built to a level of quality unheard of today, with two-foot-thick walls to create a quiet sanctuary. Millions of dollars have been invested by the current owners in restorations, improvements, and renovations.

The house offers over 5,800 square feet across the two levels, plus 1389 square feet of potential square feet in the incredible attic and an additional 1716 square feet in the lower level. It comes with 18 chandeliers, including 12 custom-crafted Murano chandeliers made by the renowned Vetreria Artistica Galliano Ferro whose creations adorn some of the most exclusive and glamorous palaces and hotels including the Gritti Palace in Venice, The Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Pierre in New York.

Situated on a hill, the nearly one-acre property provides the utmost in privacy and is enclosed by a tall wrought iron fence. The property has beautiful old trees, stone terraces, lush mature gardens, and landscaping designed by landscape architect John Lloyd. A fifty-four by twenty-foot saltwater pool, at the back of the garden has a modern design with clean lines. The main feature of the pool is a large Algonquin limestone wall with two waterfalls. The pool area is anchored at the north end by twin cabanas and a sitting or dining area covered by a pergola.

The ground floor alone measures over 3,400 square feet. With a palatial dining room and equally large formal living-room, a family room with working fireplace and a large sunroom (which is presently used as a study). The 2,391 square foot second floor has four large bedrooms and two ensuite bathrooms. There is a third large spa main bathroom with a skylight and steam room. On the third floor, a 1389 square foot unfinished attic space, with high ceilings, is ideal for future development. Off the large country kitchen is a charming fifth bedroom (which was formerly the maid’s quarters) with an ensuite bathroom.

The 1,700 square foot lower level, with modern finishes has a recreation room (presently used as a fitness area), home gym, modern powder room, with lots of storage space and seven-foot-high ceilings.

The grandeur of the architecture, the size and history of the property make this one of the most unique and iconic homes in Southwestern Ontario. Many influential people have visited the house throughout the years including Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, Douglas Fairbanks Junior, Margaret Atwood, Christopher Plummer, among many others. Even Queen Elizabeth received a bouquet of peonies from the 1 Banfield garden when she visited Paris.

As a matter of fact, a home so iconic, it has its very own postal code.

Set just outside of the downtown core of one of Canada’s prettiest small towns. Live, exercise, work & play in Paris, Ontario. An abundance of nature trails surrounding the downtown offer personal vistas of the Grand and Nith Rivers. Enjoy sunny days out on the water with public boat launches or professional kayak outfitters, tour Paris’ blossoming arts scene to bolster or begin a new personal collection or stop by any of the restaurants that attract attention from across the province. With a brand-new health hub, new businesses and neighbourhoods surrounding the downtown, Paris is flourishing.