English Inspired Restoration

Woodlands House

When David and Dierdre Dean bought their home seven years ago, they knew they were getting something very special: an original brick farmhouse dating back to 1895, and the former lifelong home of a noted figure in the history of the Township of Mono. Dierdre Dean knew what she had to do from the moment she set foot in the house, and so began a comprehensive five-year project to revitalize the historic building and restore all its original beauty. Mrs. Dean's English background was a guiding force in the restoration, and she brought her knowledge of the Old English manor house style to many aspects of the project. The interior incorporates many elegant, traditional elements like Victorian mahogany, drapery from England and chandeliers from France. A basement bar in the style of a log cabin and a bathroom featuring a hand-painted mural of an English landscape are among other features that draw on historical and English inspirations for a sense of splendour and grace. The project also included extensive landscaping work in the style of English gardens, creating an outdoor space that features large arbors, expansive flower beds, a pool with a waterfall cascading over natural stones and even a Victorian conservatory. A home's history is about more than its design and décor, which is why the Deans also dubbed their new home Woodlands House after its original owner. James Woodland was a respected citizen of the Township of Mono who served as its treasurer for ten years. He was born on the farm in the 1850s and lived there until his death in 1911, building the house in 1895 that has only now been properly restored, 115 years later. The Deans have a great respect for history and wanted the name preserved along with the home. Their commitment has paid off as they have recently succeeded in obtaining a heritage order to help protect the house as an important historical artifact. Historical restoration is no small task, but Mrs. Dean's passion for the project allowed it to be realized. Many of the home's features like its detailed brickwork and original dormers required a huge amount of care and patience before to be fully replenished, but in the end the effort was proven to be well spent. Woodlands House is something much more than just a home, it's an artifact and a living museum, a memorial of the past and a gift to the future — and if those future generations follow the David and Dierdre Dean's example and pay respect to the immeasurable value of history, it will still be standing in its full glory another century from now.