Number 25 Valley Drive, also known as Lount Castle, is up for sale and just waiting for the right someone to take it on.
The home was built in 1878 by William Lount, who was born in Holland Landing and moved to Barrie in 1846. He became a lawyer and later was elected to serve as MPP for Simcoe North from 1867-71. Originally called "The Oaks", the 5800-square-foot home cost a whopping $10,000 and was designed in the Second Empire style by architect George Ball. According to an article in the Barrie Advance, "it featured a tower, decorative chimneys and turrets, an attractive slate roof, and the finest imported furnishings. While the entire structure was impressive to behold, the highlight was undoubtedly the third-floor formal ballroom in which the Lounts entertained their well-heeled guests."
The home was built in 1878 by William Lount, who was born in Holland Landing and moved to Barrie in 1846. He became a lawyer and later was elected to serve as MPP for Simcoe North from 1867-71. Originally called "The Oaks", the 5800-square-foot home cost a whopping $10,000 and was designed in the Second Empire style by architect George Ball. According to an article in the Barrie Advance, "it featured a tower, decorative chimneys and turrets, an attractive slate roof, and the finest imported furnishings. While the entire structure was impressive to behold, the highlight was undoubtedly the third-floor formal ballroom in which the Lounts entertained their well-heeled guests."
The home has seen many uses, including as an apartment building, so naturally needs an enormous amount of work. For an entire album of photos of the present-day interior and exterior (including the one at right), click this link.
Heritage Barrie recently recommended the home be designated as a building of historic significance. It is unfortunate to see how many of Barrie historical buildings have met with the wrecking ball, so I dearly hope that this bid is successful, and that a new owner will be found who will restore it to its original splendor. - Caleigh
This is a place i would love to call home and return it to a family state and out discrasing state that it is in... But they would never get that price out of me i understand its historic but its a dump and the cost to clean it up would be insane
I am a Barrie Artist. I created a painting for the Barrie "Christmas Card Contest" a few years ago. It was titled "Christmas on Castle Drive" Here is a link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbycarrie/180288433/
I used to live in the house u call a Dump. I called that place HOME for over a year. The place does need to be cleaned up alil, but of course it does. Look how old it is!! There is alot of History in the house. Actually the history used to visit alot of the time during the nights when sleeping. Pictures would fall off the wall for no reason. Knocks on the door etc. I really hope someone with the money will fix the place up and restore it .
Not liking the painted brick. That is disappointing,
Not liking the painted brick. That is disappointing,