This property contains a large, brick dwelling completed in 1882 for Collingwood businessman Edward R. Carpenter and his wife Jessie. Carpenter arrived in Collingwood in 1858 and was employed as a clerk. The economic opportunity of the town in the ensuing period was such that he soon amassed great wealth as a wholesale and retail druggist and chemist. Designed by architect Marshall Benjamin Aylesworth, the scale, design elements, materials, and craftsmanship reflect the kind of high style dwelling being built for those of financial means during this period. The contractors were Burnett & Prior. It is noteworthy that Aylesworth was able to complete the work in spite of his marriage of November 1881 being followed by the illness and death of his wife in May 1893. This dwelling established a high standard for others who built in this area. It is a landmark. Between 1941 and 1960, it was occupied/owned by Julian Harcourt Ferguson and his wife Muriel. Ferguson was the founder of a major local employer, Clyde Aircraft Company Ltd., who also served as a Member of Parliament, and was mayor of Collingwood. Between 1984 and 1998, noted Canadian military strategist, lawyer, and author, Major General Richard Rohmer and his wife Mary owned the property. From 1998, the property was occupied by Margaret and Robert Thorburn, the latter being a financier, owner of the local Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, and long time promoter of area tourist attractions.

Suggested Description of Heritage Attributes

The heritage attribute of this property is the two storey, brick dwelling completed in 1882 for Edward and Jessie Carpenter, and any associated cultural heritage landscape elements. All original components of the exterior of the dwelling, but not the 20th century east additions, west deck, or other recent renovations, are worthy of protection. These include:

• The overall form, massing, height, and scale

• All components of the masonry, notably the red orange brick with cream coloured mortar and the stone and (possibly) cast stone used for walls, chimneys, decorative corbelling, blocks, voussoirs, lintels, sills, and foundations

• All components of the complex roof with its “Jerkinhead” or hipped gable form, polygonal and hipped towers, gables, dormers, and any surviving decorative elements such as iron cresting and finials

• All elements of the roof and tower dormers and gables, including the wood trim and frames, Eastlake style cutouts, and other decorative elements

• All flat and shaped window openings, and bay windows, including any original frames and sashes

• All components of the decorative window openings, notably the cluster of three within the central tower

• All components of the stained glass window on the west façade

• All original exterior technological devices and builder’s hardware such as grills, window mechanisms, hinges, hardware, etc.

• All components of original entryways, including doors, transoms, trim and associated hardware