Sunday, July 12th, 2009. 1:00-5:30pm
Please join us at Horizons of Friendship Homes, Gardens and Music Tour! For our twelfth year, we are excited to offer an eclectic mix of homes and gardens situated in Cobourg and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments while you wander through the homes and gardens on this year’s tour with the sounds of some of Northumberland’s finest musicians.
Every summer since 1998, Horizons of Friendship has organized its annual Homes, Gardens & Music Tour to raise funds in support of community development projects in Central America and Mexico. Over the past ten years, this event has become a much-anticipated showcase of local heritage architecture, unique homes and gardens and local musical talent, and has raised over $100,000. This amount is matched up to three to one by the Canadian government through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The tour enables our local community to join efforts to support communities in need in the South through Horizon’s 22 partner organizations, who work tirelessly to combat extreme poverty and inequality in the region.
With the important funds raised by the Homes, Gardens & Music Tour, Horizons of Friendship provides impoverished communities with technical training, together with materials and equipment for diversifying and increasing crop production. Horizons is helping to equip and maintain community health clinics, strengthen women’s organizations that produce and sell crafts and food, and provide organizational skills to indigenous, rural, youth and women’s groups that facilitate their participation in local government.
This year’s featured homes and gardens are:
1. Doll’s Home and Garden (c.1975)
This gracious bungalow located on the outskirts of the village of Baltimore is owned by an avid gardener. Extensively renovated over the years, the home now has an open concept that interacts seamlessly with the outdoor living area. Enjoy the owner’s large collection of porcelain dolls, several of which date from her childhood. The expansive owner-designed gardens are an inspiring combination of familiar and unusual perennials which surround the house, the gazebo and the dry-stone fountain.
2. Gidget’s Getaway (c. 1988)
The home owners and their Jack Russell terrier “Gidget” have recently endured extensive renovations to this twenty-year-old home, to suit their empty-nest lifestyle. The revamped space features a distinctive fireplace in the re-located dining room, and a new gourmet kitchen, with an unusual sink, designed for entertaining. The garden is a well-established and soothing oasis filled with perennials and semi-tropical plants.
3. Monk’s Cove Modern (1977)
Because these original owners have enjoyed their quiet lakeside neighbourhood of Monk’s Cove, they have updated and expanded their house over the years. The cul-du-sac’s mature trees along with the home’s Japanese Maple and Climbing Hydrangea greet the visitor. Indoors, the house features a dramatic use of colour and a gorgeous newly renovated kitchen. Outside is a two tiered deck with a hot tub, from which the owners can enjoy their picturesque garden.
4. Captain Wallace’s House (c.1850)
Built by Captain Patrick Wallace who went on to establish an industrial empire including Canada’s largest woolen mill nearby, this home features restorations and furnishings that reflect its Victorian origins. The staircase from the gracious north entrance is surrounded by a 360-degree gallery on the second floor. Renovations have created a great-room overlooking the spacious lawn, pool and garden which reflects the owners’ pleasure in casual, contemporary living and entertaining year round.
5. Reproduction Victorian Townhouse (2007)
This sunny cottage is a modern Victorian home built on one of Cobourg’s most historic streets. The challenging always-sunny south garden features an interesting array of plants and shrubs, while the airy interior of the home houses some beautiful pieces of Canadian and European art. The builder has paid close attention to Victorian detailing, especially its well-crafted staircase, and combined it with all the modern conveniences to create this charming home.
6. Hough Cottage (1867)
One of the oldest homes on College Street, this home was built by Dr. Henry Hough in 1867. A unique variation of the Ontario Cottage, it is distinguished by two projecting bays, its fine use of wooden siding, and of course, its beautiful gardens. Decorated with artifacts from the owners’ travels abroad, this garden haven is home to a variety of perennials, scented viburnums and clematis, and features a “Peace Pole”, one of a few scattered throughout the world.
7. Henley House (c. 1880)
Once the home of shoe store proprietor John Henley in the 1930’s to 1950’s, this home has gracefully evolved into a modern home for a large family. It features lavish exterior details, from the windows to the peak of the roof. Inside, the original design is well-respected while including a two-storey rear addition and an interesting chef’s kitchen. The garden that consists of curving raised beds for shrubs and annuals is designed for relaxation and entertainment.
8. Judges House (1856)
Named for the four judges that have lived here, this elegant home has a fascinating history in Cobourg’s annals. It was built in the Regency Style, with extensive verandahs and French doors which keep the home cool in the summer. Winter warmth was originally derived from the home’s six fireplaces. The front gardens lean towards traditional formality, while the rear garden is more relaxed, with a kitchen garden to provide a steady summertime source of organic herbs and vegetables.
The 12th Annual Homes, Gardens & Music Tour will take place on Sunday July 12th, 2009 from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Come spend a day with us on this unique home and garden tour, while supporting a worthwhile cause!
Tickets for the Homes, Gardens & Music Tour are $30 (tax receipt of $22).
You may purchase tickets in:
- Cobourg at Horizons of Friendship (905)372-5483 ext. 19 or the Victoria Hall Box Office (905) 372- 2201.
- Port Hope at Sascha Pico Home Decor (905) 885-5039.
- Cobourg, seven days a week at Marie Dressler House, 212 King Street West, (905) 372-5481
A limited number of tickets are available for this event and in the past, tickets have sold quickly. To order by Visa or MasterCard, please call Horizons of Friendship at 905-372-5483 ext. 19 or 1-888-729-9928.
