163 Ontario St

Cobourg Manor

Reminiscent of 'The Great Gatsby', 163 Ontario Street exudes commanding curb appeal on one of Cobourg's most sought-after streets and was once home to a famous Hollywood actress.

One glance at this historic property reveals the legacy left by the wealthy Burnet brothers. The Burnets settled in the Cobourg area in 1836 from Scotland and quickly established themselves as accomplished builders, distillers and private bankers. They preferred brick to frame construction and commenced erecting substantial brick buildings in Cobourg, eventually building their crowning achievement, Victoria Hall. The Burnets changed the urban landscape of Cobourg, changing it from a New England village to a English country town.

The brothers built four large Regency houses in the 1860's along the west side of Ontario Street, of which only 163 Ontario Street and 159 Ontario Street remain standing. The Burnets would barely recognize the enhancements made over the years, including an extension on 163 Ontario St in the 1980’s by a prominent investment banker, who purchased it from the great grandchildren of the Burnet family.

Something old, something new, the demure and carefully preserved original façade leads to the spectacularly re-invented interior of 163 Ontario Street, revealing room after room of captivating, no-expense-spared transitional design just beyond the heavily paneled entrance door. Through the double entry gates, architectural details were sympathetically preserved in the recent, massive renovation including the elaborate frieze and Tuscan pillars on the front entrance façade.

Some premium features of this home include grandly-scaled entertainment spaces, a gourmet kitchen on the main level plus a catering kitchen located in the lower level; a large conservatory to enjoy a fireside beverage while watching the sunset or walk out to the woodburning firepit in the private courtyard; a cigar/winetasting lounge with future space reserved for a main level wine cellar; a main level guest room; a private master wing with a large dressing room, laundry closet and luxurious spa bath. Extensive gallery wall space was purposefully imagined into the new design.

The 2500+ sq ft full lower level, with high ceilings, features a recreation room, a woodburning fireplace, pizza oven and wood storage; a new kitchen, a home gym space, new 3-piece bathroom and a guest bedroom. The lower level is also ideally suited for multi-generational living as an in-law apartment, complete with separate entrance. A grand, lower-level wine cellar displays prized vintages in custom built-in cabinets.

This home suits many lifestyles. Car collectors would relish the oversized garage with room for three large vehicles, easily accommodating car lifts for storing prized ponies. Local sailors can moor their water vessel at the world class Cobourg Marina, offering 187 slips with 20/30 amp power. Visitors by boat can utilize the sheltered outer harbor, which is perfect for anchoring overnight.

Cobourg Beach is immediately east of the marina and has been voted the prettiest beach in Ontario. A boardwalk stretches from Ontario Street to Hibernia St, a two-minute walk from the house. Peace Park is around the corner and runs alongside Cobourg Creek. The park is 9.88 acres and features a playground, trails and a bridge overlooking the river.

Trinity College School, a nationally renown private school in neighboring Port Hope, is a 15 minute drive. The VIA Rail station is 8 minutes away as is the 401, both with direct access to Toronto (approximately one hour away) or Montreal (approximately 3.5 hrs away).