Glebe House Tour returns after three-year hiatus

By Suzanne McCarthy

It’s back!

On Sunday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m., you are once again invited to stroll through one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods and explore five private homes as the popular Glebe House Tour returns after a three-year break because of the pandemic.

Your entry fee for the tour supports the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG),  in particular, a subsidy program that helps Ottawa families and children with special needs to participate in GNAG’s programs and activities.

The Glebe House Tour would not be possible without the generosity of homeowners who welcome ticket holders into their homes, as well as the many volunteers who make this event happen.

This is an easy walking tour, though you can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus service. Once you’ve finished exploring the homes, enjoy a complimentary tea service with superb baked goods at the Glebe Community Centre from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

This is a self-guided tour. However, there will be knowledgeable volunteers stationed throughout the homes so be sure to ask questions if you’re curious.

The cost is $35 a person in advance and $40 the day of the event. Tickets are available starting August 15 at the Glebe Community Centre or online at gnag.ca under Events. Children aged 12 and up are welcome with their own ticket as are babies in arms at no additional charge.

Tickets are limited.

For more information, email clare@gnag.ca.

230 Fourth Avenue

This home, originally built in the 1950s as a five-bedroom house, was recently renovated by the homeowner, transforming it into a beautiful three-bedroom home featuring a large principal bedroom and ensuite. Tastefully decorated with beautiful antiques, drapery and wallpaper throughout, the home retains most of the original features such as doors, mouldings, leaded glass windows and the living-room fireplace. A rebuilt den at the back of the house off the updated kitchen overlooks a spectacularly landscaped outdoor living space and built-in pool.

195 Fourth Avenue

This charming traditional red brick home was built in 1910 and has been lovingly restored by the current owners to preserve its original character. Much of the work was done by the owners themselves with locally sourced materials. From the cozy window benches that offer an ideal spot to enjoy a book or a cup of tea to the bathroom that features a claw-foot tub alongside modern amenities and beautifully refinished doors and floors, this home’s comfortable appeal exudes loving care.

237 Holmwood Avenue

This beautifully renovated home, located in an idyllic spot overlooking Brown’s Inlet, was built around 1910 in the Dutch Revival style. The current homeowners hired the Ottawa-based design studio West of Main to renovate and design their home. The goal was to maintain the traditional integrity of the home with a modern flair. Paint colours, materials and accents are carried throughout the home to create continuity. The home is comfortable, inviting and elegant, perfectly suitable for living and entertaining. The views from the front of this home will make you forget you are in the city.

48 Powell Avenue

In renovating this grand old home, the homeowners respected its original feel while adding an addition with a gorgeous contemporary style. The entrance is enough to stop you in your tracks while still maintaining a feel of home. Pay special attention to the gorgeous marble flooring, exquisite cabinetry and glass wine cellar. Don’t forget to check out the sword that was found while digging on site.

90 Powell Avenue

Originally built in 1910, this main-floor home features a thoroughly modern addition with airy ceiling height and overlarge doors which complements the feeling of space that the gracious front porch embodies as you approach the house. The owners are keen to share the idea that multi-family units are not only economical but enviable because it affords the ability to have children renting the extra apartments and aging parents sharing your space. Owner pro-tip: in an effort to increase sound proofing, use track lighting instead of pot lights to minimize shared sound.

Suzanne McCarthy is a Glebe resident and has enjoyed helping organize the Glebe House Tour for nearly 20 years.

Photos by Suzanne McCarthy