In 1902 Charles Martin Bowman built Hampton Villa, a magnificent three-story red brick house with a red conical roof made of brass, located on Albert St in Southampton.
The roof looks conical, but not red in this postcard. When I found this postcard, I bought it because it was a cool looking house and because it was in Southampton. I didn't recognize it for the house that still stands today as the one I'd been admiring for years.
The roof looks conical, but not red in this postcard. When I found this postcard, I bought it because it was a cool looking house and because it was in Southampton. I didn't recognize it for the house that still stands today as the one I'd been admiring for years.
Bowman's home included 12 bedrooms, five fireplaces (only one still in use), leaded glass lights, and twelve inch baseboards of maple and walnut, all hardwoods from a Bruce County forest which he owned. The curved bricks for the corners came from Scotland and stone corbelling (a projection of stone or wood from the face of a wall) lined the windows, each with a different sculpted design. Almost every window was adorned with stained glass design, still proudly viewed. The staircases were built with low rises, each with heavy-crafted banisters. The area below the conical roof was made into a beautiful veranda, now enclosed.
as it stands today... the south view
Over the years the house has been altered to suit the changing roles, but entering the building today one can see that the historic architecture has been preserved.
I haven't had the nerve to walk in myself, but maybe I will one day and pretend that I'm looking for a vacancy for an elderly relative
this is perhaps the worst of the alterations, obscuring the front view of the elegant villa house. it looks like a motel was built on to the front. it is now a senior's residence.
This charming residence exudes warmth and comfort, where residents enjoy the beauty and tranquility. Hampton Court carries the same grandeur today as it did decades ago.
(italics from Hampton Court website)
In its original condition it was a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteyes, it's rather sad that they have those additions on the front. though I rather like the red and white.
DeleteThe old view is a lot better looking, but at least the building wasn't demolished.
ReplyDeleteWith so many bedrooms, perhaps the second storey wasn't changed all that much.
DeleteInteresting building - and I agree that the front addition is unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteIt was a gorgeous building when the photo was taken for the postcard. And a few of the modifications are rather nice too. What a shame about the addition that looks like a motel, though.
ReplyDeleteWow! That IS a beautiful house--and to find a postcard, not knowing it is the place you've admired over the years--that is cool. Have a lovely week, my Friend!
ReplyDelete