George Brown House

In 1876, a grand house arose on Beverley Street, a testament to Victorian elegance. This is the George Brown House. It was built for George Brown, a Father of Confederation and founder of The Globe newspaper, now the Globe and Mail. George Brown House showcases the Second Empire style, complete with a mansard roof and intricate sandstone trim. The walls stand four bricks thick, a symbol of enduring strength. Originally named Lambton Lodge, the George Brown House was a bustling family home. Brown, his wife Anne, and their three children lived within its stately walls. The house witnessed both joy and sorrow. It was here that George Brown tragically died in 1880 after being shot by a disgruntled employee. The house later became home to Duncan Coulson, president of the Bank of Toronto. Coulson, his wife Eliza, and their children lived at George Brown House from 1889 to 1916. During their time, the dining room was transformed, embracing the flowing lines of Art Nouveau style. The George Brown House then served a different purpose. It became office space for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind from 1920 to 1956. A school for the blind was also built at the back. Later, a school for developmentally challenged children replaced the blind school, existing until 1984. Today, a modern school respects the history, wrapping around the George Brown House. The Ontario Heritage Trust meticulously restored George Brown House between 1987 and 1989. They brought the house back to its 1876 glory. A Victorian library, complete with 2,000 of George Brown’s personal books, has been recreated. A Victorian-inspired garden flourishes, thanks to a partnership with the University of Toronto. Inside, you can still find walnut door canopies sculpted with lions from the Brown family crest. Fifteen fireplaces, some with original marble mantels, warm the rooms. The restored Art Nouveau dining room recalls the Coulson era. The George Brown House stands as a testament to a life interwoven with Canadian history.