Ontario Abandoned Places will be rebranded as Ominous Abandoned Places

Eli Barclay House

Demolished House in Pickering, Ontario, Canada

Aug 10 2010

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Recent status Demolished
Location # 1849

The Barclay House is located on Concession 6 Lot 19 of Pickering Township, just north of Brougham. The property was originally owned by Eli Barclay, the son of George Barclay who is believed to be one of the first Scottish settlers in the area. George settled on Brock road as early as 1817. He was a Baptist Minister who served the nearby communities. His eldest son Eli built the house on this property in 1865.

Eli and his brothers were sympathizers of MacKenzie and the Rebellion. The bell that sits atop the house was used to summon nearby rebels for drill practice in front of the house, as well as for meetings held inside the home.

Originally known as Ever-Green Villa, the beautiful home was surrounded at one time by beautiful gardens and was featured in the Historical Atlas of Ontario County of 1877. The house changed hands over the years and was also known as Melody Farm at one point. It now sits boarded up, sadly hidden by bushes and trees.

You will see the cement barriers blocking the driveway, but probably won't see the house unless you know it's there.

Comments

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12 years ago

My recent visit here was ended after being there only for about 15 minutes after the "Commisinaires" Security guard had stopped our exploration. He had told us that he was the guard for all the Federal lands from Hwy48 out to Oshawa somewhere, from roughly Bloomington rd down to the 401. Yikes! he wasn't too pleased with our presence at this house.

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12 years ago

Great Great pictures!!!!!!!!

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13 years ago

I don't think there was a greenhouse, but it's possible there was and it was boarded up as well ...

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13 years ago

yeah!!! it's very good news that this property has been designated 'Property of Cultural Heritage Value'. There are many places that deserved to be protected, but aren't, and torn down. I also hope that it will be restored.

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13 years ago

I found the today on the "City of Pickering Municipal Heritage Register" of 2008. It has been designated as a "Property of Cultural Heritage Value - Federal Lands". Hopefully they will restore it. :)

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13 years ago

How could such a wonderful home turn to this? Thanks for the photos...