The Goodfellow house has a storied history. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Preserving history

Historic P.A. house in need of family and a lot of love, says seller

Jul 21, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Earning the nickname of the wedding cake house for its multiple balconies, a large three-story structure in Prince Albert’s East Hill area is among the last of its kind but the current owners are doing everything they can to keep the legacy alive.

Built around 1912, the house in the 100 block of 20th St. E. is better known to locals as the Goodfellow House. The man who originally built it, William Blaine Goodfellow, is the same person responsible for a number of other structures in the city including the original City Hall (now the Arts Centre).

The house has been with Paul Rybka’s wife’s family for over four decades and they have listed it for $255,000. The bare land value alone is $225,000.

“We would like to see a family or a couple or some people buy it that would want to restore it and love it for what it is and restore it to its former glory,” he said.

In addition to stained glass work throughout the interior, the house still has its original hardwood floors. Other unique features include a butler’s pantry, a laundry chute from the second floor to the basement, and 16.5-inch thick brick walls.

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The four bedrooms on the second floor are accompanied by a large space that was at one time used as the ladies sitting room. The men’s smoking parlour is on the third floor and comes complete with a fireplace.

Noting the structure is still in sound shape, Paul Rybka said they’ve done extensive work including replacing the cast iron piping, building a new roof and a 200 amp electrical service.

“Nobody can find anything wrong with it. You walk through the entire structure and everyone says the floors aren’t squeaking,” he said, explaining that’s because the person who built was a rich influential person who could afford the best craftsmen and materials.

Noting the family’s decision to sell is due to the age of the current owner and the fact his family already has a house outside the City, Rybka said they’ve had several offers, including one who wanted to demolish and build in its place some low-income housing.

“Which would be a disaster,” he said.

A view from the back. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Fred Payton with Prince Albert’s Historical Society acknowledged the Goodfellow house is one of the more beautiful homes in the city. He also noted there’s only a handful left.

“Unfortunately we seem to be losing then, one by one,” he said “To have the Goodfellow home demolished would from my perspective be a total loss for the City of Prince Albert.”

In addition to what’s now known as the Arts Centre, Payton explained the Goodfellow brothers were also responsible for Goodfellow Terrace in the city’s midtown area as well as some brownstone townhouses where the city’s library now stands.

Payton also noted that following the Goodfellow brothers, other owners of the home have included Hugh Craig, who is known for the CB department store.

At one time Sue Guidinger lived in the home with her family and has fond memories of the crawl space on the upper floor.

“You had to get on your hands and knees and it went around the perimeter of the upper floor, and as kids that was a great hiding spot,” she said

Guidinger also recalled the house’s hardwood floors and pillars, as well as the fact that each bedroom had its own balcony. Noting the balcony was her favourite place to go and study, Guidinger said it was a quiet place and was warmed by the sunshine.

“It’s just such a beautiful house. It would be wonderful for it to be restored,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell