Low Down Articles
Houses of the Gatineau Hills
Low Down Articles
Houses of the Gatineau Hills
Article 74 of 74
This article first appeared in the "Houses of the Gatineau Hills" column in the June 30, 2004 issue of the The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
Reprinted with permission. Search complete list of Low Down Articles.
o o o
High Meadow - Kingsmere's hidden gem
By Mary Jane Yorke
A long drive way beckons us to follow through the lush green spring forest and leads to a hidden meadow high above the bustling world below. The woods open and reveal a vista little changed from the 1930s featuring a charming two storey cottage fronted by a large deep verandah clad with dark brown stained cedar shakes.
Perennial flower beds and hanging baskets of flowers set off a vast expanse of neatly manicured lawn. This tranquil, secluded eight acres offers privacy as well as views towards the east of Chelsea Village and Ottawa beyond. We are met by Sean McAdam, President of Greystone Homes, his wife Lisa, a lobbyist and Maggie their enthusiastic two year old black lab.
Sean briefs me on the history of High Meadow which was built by John Butterworth, an Ottawa coal merchant. The original cottage was constructed in the 1890s on land that had been the high meadow for the Dunn farm. It was destroyed by fire in 1925. The re-built cottage remained in the Butterworth family until 1987 when it was bought by John Ferguson and his wife. Their renovations turned the cottage into a year-round home and included the construction of a double garage on the property. The McAdams purchased High Meadow last year and have begun their own modifications to better accommodate their young family.
We cross the deep front verandah and enter a quiet and calm living room. Dark chocolate brown stained maple floors, deep white baseboards and generous trim, white panel doors and white ceilings unify the home. Each room is given a unique character with the choice of coordinated wall colors.
These range from brick red to celery, taupe, blue and golden yellow. Large original double hung casement windows permit views onto the serene grounds of the estate. The original light fixtures have been retained throughout the 2800 square foot house with the exception being found in the dining room and kitchen. These were sourced at Yardley's in the Glebe.
The recent kitchen renovation is a thoroughly modern expression of functionalism... all black and white and gleaming stainless steel. Shaker style white cabinets contrast with the original butler's pantry cupboards which were modified to suit the new layout.
Recessed lighting, stone tile flooring and black granite counter tops are further employed to meet the entertainment and day-to-day requirements of the couple and their two young children, Thomas and Katie. As we take our leave, Lisa assures us that after three moves in three years she and Sean have no intention of leaving High Meadow. The couple acknowledge the home's originality, beauty, history and quality of construction will sustain them for many years to come.
Chelsea resident Mary Jane Yorke is the Creative Director of Yorke Design which specializes in residential, corporate and commercial interior design. She can be reached at mj@yorkedesign.ca. Andrew Van Beek, also of Chelsea, is a professional photographer specializing in portraits, weddings, corporate and commercial photography. His website address is www.ohotovanbeek.com.
