Castle Kilbride

Castle Kilbride is an amazing work of the Victorian-Italianate style of architecture. It was built by James Livingston in 1877. He was a very successful business man in the area. This mansion lies in Baden, Ontario.

The inside with the grand hall is spectacular. Even the "smoking room" was grand. Every room in the house had a grand feeling.

There was a belvedere at the top. It was painted green and red. It has a slate roof. The belvedere was there so that the man of the house could watch over his fields - in this case, flax fields.

The library, with its painted tassels, look as if they were real. Laura's toy collection is displayed in the cellar. The interesting floor lamp is a piece of art.

In 1988 the house had deteriorated and it was abandoned. The furnishings and toys were sold off in an auction. A heritage group restored the house to its original splendor and it was designated a National Historic Site. Most of the furnishings and toys were brought back to the mansion. Only 65% of the original furnishings remain while the remainder are from the same period of time but not original to the house.

The house is amazing. You can try going to visit there. It is open from May through December. You can see all of the beautiful furniture in the house.