Glebe 
House Tour 
2019

See how homeowners revive older homes and decorate their spaces

By Suzanne McCarthy, with house descriptions by Stephanie Small

On Sunday, September 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., you can stroll one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods, explore five private homes and help support GNAG’s subsidy program that helps children with special needs participate in programs and activities.

The Glebe House Tour, 20 years running, is made possible by the generous homeowners who welcome ticket holders to tour their private homes and by volunteers who run this annual event for the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG).

Come and see up close what homeowners have done to breathe life into older properties and how they decorate and live in their spaces.

Highlights of this year’s tour include a two-storey addition built in seven hours, a home with a palette of soothing tones and elegant black accents, a dining room with ingenious built-in seating and storage, examples of how to repurpose original doors, millwork and stained-glass windows, and a heritage home boasting many original features.

Volunteers are stationed throughout each home to direct you and answer questions. All homes will be custom adorned with floral arrangements by Bloomfield’s.

The tour is well navigated by foot, bike or car. Or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus. At the end of the tour, enjoy tea and superbly baked goods at the Glebe Community Centre from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Tickets per person (age 11 and up) are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. They’re available online at gnag.ca under Events, at the Glebe Community Centre (175 Third Avenue) or by phone at 613-564-1058 or 613-233-8713. Tickets are limited. The tour runs rain or shine.

Suzanne McCarthy and Stephanie Small are long-time organizers of the annual Glebe House Tour.

14 Monkland Avenue

This heritage house was built by Richard Hooper, the developer of the subdivision that includes Monkland Avenue, in 1914 for his own family, so it was built to last. It still has most of its original features: doors, moulding, light fixtures, fireplaces and bathtubs. Updates have been done in keeping with the home’s historical roots to meet the needs of a 21st century family and keep it beautiful for another 100 years.


280 Second Avenue

The roomy, welcoming front porch sets the stage for this beautiful Younghusband home, which features a gorgeous palette of soothing whites, greys and natural tones with elegant black accents. When the homeowners moved in earlier this year, they preserved many original features while adding lovely lighting, crown moulding and decorative panelling. Don’t miss the stunning second-floor master retreat.


70 Renfrew Avenue

By switching the placement of the kitchen and dining rooms, the homeowners were able to make space for a large kitchen with a luxurious island that has become the heart of this home, while creating a welcoming dining area using efficient booth seating with built-in storage. The other big renovation happened nine years ago when the roof was lifted off the house and reshingled while walls for a third storey were added.


55 Fifth Avenue

The gorgeous two-storey addition at the back of this house was added in seven hours. Yes, you read that right. It’s a prefabricated structure made of cross-laminated timber, providing a low carbon footprint and little disruption to the surrounding property and neighbours. Of course, the rest of the home is also a treat, featuring exotic plants, as well as art and furniture gathered by the homeowners while living and travelling abroad.


298 Clemow Avenue

The homeowners embarked on a major renovation nine months ago, determined to preserve the character of their lovely home while making it wonderfully light-filled, fresh and more functional. They preserved the exterior footprint of the house to maintain the garden, but extended the living room to include what had been a dingy and little-used side porch. Throughout the home, notice where they repurposed original doors, millwork and stained-glass windows.

Tips

for a Great House Tour

  • This tour is for adults.
  • Infants-in-arms are welcome, as are children 11 years and 
up with their own ticket.
  • Remove shoes OR cover them with the booties provided. No bare feet please.
  • Wear shoes easy to slip on 
and off and carry.
  • If carrying a bag, opt for a small one. Large backpacks are hazardous.
  • No food or beverages in the home. Come to the Tea at the Glebe Community Centre for refreshments.
  • Bathrooms are available at the Glebe Community Centre, not in the homes.
  • No photography please. Links to photos will be available at gnag.ca under Events.
  • Although animals will not be present in the homes during the tour, all homes do have pets.
  • There are stairs in every home. Be prepared!
  • The tour starting point is given upon ticket purchase. Check your ticket!
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