Discover historic “Rosemount Estate” at 16 Severn Ave. This beautiful Westmount home is for sale.
There are few things more exciting than when a historic Westmount home and architectural gem comes onto the market and offers the opportunity to restore it to its former glory. The elegance and sophistication of this Georgian lady, built in 1805, transports you back to a time when stagecoaches pulled up to the front lawn, grand entertaining was a constant, tea and gin & tonic’s were served on the veranda, while children played in the glorious garden.
When you enter this magnificent Westmount home it quietly sets your pulse racing on the possibilities. Straight from the pages of an old history book, this Category I with star home features grand-oversized rooms, ornate moldings, soaring 11 ft ceilings, French doors, plantation windows, original hardwood floors, 6 fireplaces, ornate cast iron radiators, a glorious garden and so much more!
A fantastic location in the so called “Cradle of Westmount” on the southern slope of the mountain, this historical gem is rich in history, scenery and was home to some of Westmount’s most notable residents. Built by the Hon. John Young, the Commissioner of the Port of Montreal, the house was part of the original Rosemount Estate. According to The Westmount Historical Association, the land was originally part of the Sulpician grant made in 1708 to the Lavallleé-Bouchard family. Gradually, prosperous fur traders began to divide up the lands and with that a new century brought new names. In 1802, part of the farm was purchased by William McGillivary, a major shareholder and director on the North West Company. The Estate was then purchased by Asa Goodenough in the 1840’s. Goodenough, manager of the Exchange Coffer House, renamed it “Rosemount”. John Young purchased the entire property in 1852 and the estate remained in his hands for 20 years, undergoing many additions and improvements to the building and grounds. The original country villa (today’s 16 Severn Ave.) was not large enough for the prominent Montrealer’s needs and family, so he enlarged his living space by adding another three-story house to the west at 18 Severn Ave. Both were constructed in grey stone, there was a veranda on the southern side, beside the original house were stables, and the orchards and gardens were said to be the finest on the island. The property was strategically placed to catch the sun’s maximum warmth and shelter if from from the north winds.
Over the years, renovations by successive owners have preserved the integrity, character and architectural beauty of yesteryears.
So, what we would do in this stunning Westmount home…
Restore, Rebuild, Re-love This home’s good bones and architectural gravitas is not to be overlooked. Like a young lady patiently waiting to be asked to dance, she’s sitting on the sidelines just waiting for the perfect suitor.
Host a sophisticated soirée This Georgian lady is ready for a party. Elegant reception rooms with original architectural features, soaring 11ft ceilings, French doors leading onto a veranda, hardwood floors and fireplaces. This home is calling for an evening of entertaining.
Invite your friends over for cocktails on the plantation-style veranda You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time (think Gone with the Wind) as you sip cocktails on the veranda overlooking the quiet lot with gorgeous garden and beautiful views.
Relax Grab a good book, a great glass of wine and bask in front of one of your 6 fireplaces because you love where you live.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Westmount history.
Hidden away on the hillside between Mt. Pleasant Ave. and Mountain St., this quiet oasis at 16 Severn Ave. in Westmount is for sale at $2,250,000.
See more of 16 Severn Ave. here.