By Tiffany Cassidy

Keyhole Castle becomes municipal heritage site

Jul 12, 2012 | 6:58 AM

Jonathan Smith has made it his project to restore a hundred year old home in Prince Albert. City council’s decision Monday to give the building a municipal heritage designation has made that process that much easier.

The house in East Hill is called Keyhole Castle, named that for its keyhole shaped windows. Smith has been operating it as a Bed and Breakfast since he moved there four years ago.

He said the gorgeous wood work and architecture make his customers feel relaxed.

“It’s not like some of other the grand old homes which were designed to impress,” said Smith. “They were designed to make people feel a little uncomfortable or a little inferior. This house is designed to bring people in and make them feel special.”

They’d already received national heritage designation through a federal program, but Smith said that is more for cataloguing. Having municipal recognition will allow him to apply for grants to help with repairs.

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“That actually gives some assurance that the house in the future is going to retain its distinctive qualities,” he said.

Debbie Honch, president of the Prince Albert Historical Society said they were happy to recognize the building.

“It’s definitely a municipal treasure for Prince Albert,” she said.

The steep red-tiled roof and scrolled gables place it in its time period. It was built between 1911 and 1913 by Samuel McLeod, a pioneer merchant who later served Prince Albert as an Alderman. He brought in an American architect to oversee the construction which included gold leaf detailing in the dining room.

Honch said she looks forward to it being preserved.

“It’s just kind of a shout-out to owners of historical properties in the community, recognizing them for preserving the heritage of those structures.”

Smith said he loves opening the home to guests.

“People love seeing the house, they love hearing about its place in Prince Albert’s history.”

news@panow.com

by Tiffany Cassidy

Keyhole Castle becomes municipal heritage site

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