Sixty-seven rooms. Can you imagine? That’s how many rooms are in the magnificent Maison John-Wilson-McConnell. Right here before us stands this architectural masterpiece a testament to Montreal’s rich history.
The Maison John-Wilson-McConnell is more than just a house. It’s a piece of living history. This stunning residence located in the Golden Square Mile started its life in 1913. It was commissioned by businessman Jeffrey Hale Burland. He hired the talented architect David Jerome Spence. Tragically Burland died before its completion.
The unfinished house then passed into the hands of John Wilson McConnell in 1924. McConnell wasn’t just any businessman. He was a prominent figure. He directed The Montreal Star. He brought in a team of renowned architects and designers. Charles Platt and Kenneth Guscotte Rea added their expertise. Julia Galusha Withcomb the interior designer completed the transformation.
They added a stunning terrace. They installed bronze doors. A solarium was also added. The interior is breathtaking. It’s inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Notice the coffered ceilings. The marble fireplace is also a marvel.
The materials were exquisite. Some were even imported from Italy. Imagine the craftsmanship that went into these coffered ceilings. Those chandeliers are incredible. The marble columns are majestic. Even the fireplaces came from Italy. They date back to the fourteenth century. There’s even a bench crafted in Siena originally made for the Pope.
McConnell lived in the house until his death in 1963. The J W McConnell Family Foundation owned it until 1975. Then it was given to the Benedictines of Montreal. They used it as a priory. In 2001 it was sold to a private owner. When it was listed for sale in 2019 it was the most expensive property ever listed in Quebec. The asking price? A staggering 40 million dollars.
This isn’t just a house. It’s a legacy. A testament to Montreal’s history. A symbol of elegance and refinement. The Maison John-Wilson-McConnell stands as a reminder of the city’s illustrious past. A past that continues to shape its present. Take a moment. Soak in its grandeur. Let its story linger in your memory.