Home built by Andrew Malcolm on display at Doors Open
By Liz Dadson

Heritage

Dawne Beaton cuts flowers in the kitchen designed to reflect the historical aspects of this heritage home

The remarkable woodwork in the home at 796 Princes St., Kincardine, marks its connection with Andrew Malcolm and the famous Malcolm Furniture Factory that is a major part of the town's history, and a delightful building to tour during the Doors Open event held on the weekend (Oct. 17-18).

Malcolm built the home in 1905-1910 and the architecture is quite restrained in keeping with the Edwardian movement of the time. A solid "L"-shaped structure squared off in footprint by an equally solid veranda with a walk-out on top sets the stage for the equally grand, yet restrained interior.

The proportions of the rooms are generous as are the ceiling heights. The woodwork is in keeping with the quality of a "Malcolm" house, made of various hardwoods with varied and fine profiling. Note the carved flower corner blocks capping the door mouldings. The mantle pieces in the principal rooms are noteworthy, especially the inlaid panels in the mantle of the living room.

The windows are all new but are faithful to the originals. Also of note are the lovely plaster medallions in the ceilings. They are in the style of the "aesthetic movement."
The house remained in the Malcolm family until 1965. The current owners, Jim and Dawne Beaton, have been in "restoration mode" since they bought the home in 1997. The porch was completed in 2001 and work continues both outside and inside.

They have tried to maintain the vintage look of the house, with textured wallpaper, a reproduction tin ceiling in the kitchen, a beautiful kitchen designed in keeping with a heritage home by Hanover Kitchens, white oak floors in the foyer, and a distinctive newel post on the staircase.

The staircase is a unique bit of restoration by Terry Glover of Lakeshore Flooring. Because the stairs, themselves, were worn out, Glover removed the wood, flipped it over and rebuilt the entire staircase. He also installed the flooring in the foyer and beside the stairs so it runs in two directions, joined at a 45-degree angle.
 

Also see Gordon Lake Veterinary Services & Pine River Mobile Veterinary Services

The Malcolm/Beaton house on Princes Street, Kincardine
 

 The rebuilt staircase features a unique newel post
 

 A beautiful chandelier graces the foyer
 

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Sunday, October 18, 2009