If you've always wanted to peek into some of Winnipeg's finest homes to see just how the other half lives, you don't have to wait any longer.
Instead of driving by in the dark, hoping to get a glimpse inside when the lights are on, the doors of four of Tuxedo's finest homes are open to the public today.
The Volunteer Associates of the Winnipeg Art Gallery's 5th Annual Home Tour is taking place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Four homes in Winnipeg's prestigious Tuxedo neighbourhood will be open for viewing and ogling. The tour showcases a mix of classic estates, renovated properties and different architectural styles.
"It's really a celebration," says Glenda Birney-Evans, co-chair of the event. "We have some wonderful homes in Winnipeg built by some prominent architects."
The first house was built in Tuxedo in 1915 and it's one of the four featured homes on the tour. The Georgian mansion located at 121 Park Blvd. was designed and occupied by architect Raymond Carey. Built on a double lot, the large house featured tennis courts, lavish gardens and a pergola that still exists today. While the house has been updated and well-maintained over the years, you can still get a sense of what it was like when it was the only estate in the area.
Just down the street, a more modern home is featured at 221 Park Blvd. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lount and Sons Builders, the home was built in 1949. The enormous house, which is just under 7,000 square feet, is an excellent example of Art Deco principles and features a significant Art Deco collection that has been well-preserved. Many of the details in the house were built by European craftsmen brought to Winnipeg solely for this project.
Another home built by Lount Construction is on the tour at 120 Handsart. Built in 1929, the exquisite house features an interesting mix of design styles and craftsmanship, including Art Deco, Arts & Crafts and Prairie styles. The former home of the U.S. Consulate, each room has its own distinct feel, yet it all ties together. The current owners also have an impressive collection of art, which will be on display for all to see.
The house at 225 Lamont Blvd. has a hidden secret. While it looks like a stately old home from the street, the exterior belies the fact that the home underwent a massive 2,600-square-foot modern addition at the rear, nearly doubling its size. The homeowners have taken care to preserve the original character of the house, but with all the modern comforts. Built in 1926, the house was originally occupied by E. A. McKellar of the T. Eaton Company.
"This event would not be possible without the gracious homeowners who invite us into their homes," says Birney-Evans, noting that about 100 volunteers work to make the event a success.
The tour is self-guided. All you need is a guidebook, which features photos of each home, a description of its history and architectural significance. The guidebook is your ticket to the event. They cost $25 and can be purchased today at the WAG, The Garden Room on Academy Road and McNally Robinson's two locations at Grant Park Shopping Centre and Polo Park.
The four homes are all open for the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be volunteers at each house to welcome you and answer any questions you might have. Your ticket allows you to visit each house once during the day.
Not only does the home tour give people a chance to see inside some of Winnipeg's finest homes, it's a successful fundraiser for the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Last year's tour, which featured five homes on Wellington Crescent, raised $22,000 for the WAG.
