Castle Kilbride is also known as the House that Flax built or the Jewel of Wilmot Township.
This grand Victorian home was built in 1877 for James Livingston, flax industrialist, politician and entrepreneur. It was named Castle Kilbride after his birthplace in East Kilbride, Scotland. The house was designed in the Italianate style of architecture and capped with a belvedere lookout. The beautiful exterior, however, is overshadowed by its outstanding interior décor.
The magnificent Trompe l'oeil ceiling and wall murals provide an optical illusion of depth. Trompe l'oeil is a French term meaning "tricks of the eye." Skillfully painted by German artist Henry Scharstein to appear three-dimensional, a closer inspection of the walls at Castle Kilbride reveals that it is painted on a flat surface with shadows and highlights to provide the illusion of depth.
The driveway is built in the shape of a heart. The main floor rooms each have a marble fireplace. Window shutters tuck away out of sight when opened. A windmill powered the water system in the house which was a luxury at the time. At one point, granddaughter Laura Louise had the largest toy collection in Canada. It included over 500 toys.
Castle Kilbride served the Livingston family for three generations - spanning from 1877 to 1988, when the family made the heartbreaking decision to sell the home. In 1988 the furnishings were sold at a huge four-day auction and a development company purchased the home along with the 300 acres. However, development did not proceed and the property began to deteriorate.
Local heritage groups, proud of Wilmot Township's designated heritage building, were concerned with the Castle's deterioration. The Township of Wilmot made the decision to purchase the property in 1993. Aided by federal, provincial and municipal financial support - along with active local fundraising by the Friends of Castle Kilbride - a program of detailed conservation and restoration began. In 1994, the Castle opened its doors to the public for the first time as a museum. In 1995, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. At the time of renovations, the Township Administrative Offices were added to the rear of the castle.
Castle Kilbride is now completely furnished and has been restored to her former glory.
Listing photos from Castle website used with permission.
In order to log this as a find, you are required to include a photo with your log…., and submit answers from the signs or listing to three questions to the CO. You are welcome to log as a find upon completion, I will contact you if any issue. It can be completed without entering the home.
- Sign - From the sign at posted coordinates, email or message the CO - What 2 rooms have paintings of particular merit?
- Front Entrance - Provide a photo of yourself (you do not have to show your face) at the coordinates showing the front entrance or steps with a thumbs up, or a personal item to confirm you were there.
- Privy sign - There is a facts section on the Privy sign. Email or message the CO with 2 of the 5 listed facts.
- What type of painting that resembles 3D is Castle Kilbride most noted for? Email or message answer to CO.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
