castle kilbride

For many years I passed by the "Home of Castle Kilbride" signs on various highways in southern Ontario, always wanting to "Check it out" but never quite finding the right opportunity. Anyway, on a recent day trip over the holidays I finally visited the site of this beautifully restored Italianic mansion built in the 1870's. The property is a "hidden gem" as one reviewer aptly put it. Don't come expecting a "castle", since there are no actual castles in North America!!! Instead, come expecting to see a fine example of what good living in a small southern Ontario town (Baden) would have been like for the industrious Livingstone family, whose eclectic tastes and appreciation for the arts are lovingly on display throughout this property. Staff was helpful and friendly, and the cost very reasonable. Other important "tidbits" of history are within the walls of the home as well - from Sir Adam Beck to Homer Watson. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Thanks to friends who live nearby, we were advised to visit Castle Kilbride. It is quite a way off " the beaten track".We were enthralled with the place. The house had been restored with great sensitivity and much if the original furniture has been brought back in. One of the most inspiring features is the trompe- l'œil - quite fascinating.In addition to reflecting the life-style of the Livingstone family, the museum delivers a fascinating history of the flax industry.If travelling in the area, do call in, you will not regret it.

Interesting visit to 1878 home built by early flaxseed industrialist Livingston. Home was inhabited by three generations of family. Wonderful examples of rare art from the Victorian era to the art deco era of the 1920s. Kudos to the city for preserving and restoring this historic home and working to buy back artefacts that had been sold at public auction in the 1980s. Also includes museum on lower level regarding the history of flax farming. Video and tour take about an hour and the price of admission is very reasonable.

This lovely home may have felt like castle to those who lived in the village and observed the garden parties but if you go expecting a castle you might be disappointed. However, if you want to step back in time for just a moment and catch a glimpse of the life of the local well-heeled at the end of the Victorian era it is worth your visit. The antique treasures, frescoes and paintings are fun to see but the highlight was learning the evolving story of this family. Watch the video upon arrival and as you walk through this house imagine the unfolding lives of this family and this village over more than 100 years. It is worth reading all of the plaques throughout the house including in the renovated areas where you can ready the maids story. To enjoy this attraction you have to be prepared to use your imagination!

Recently visited Castle Kilbridge in Baden. The visit was frankly disappointing - it is a big house, well decorated with the period furnishing but not exactly a castle. The video at the beginning was informative about the history of former owners. The tour is self -guided with posted information about the room decor and people who lived in them. The entire visit takes less than an hour if you read everything and watch the video. The entrance fee is $6.50/adult, less for children and seniors and there are family rate discounts as well. No photography inside allowed. I wouldn't call it "a gem"-as video refers to it, more like a rhinestone - shiny but not much substance. We drove for an hour and it was not really worth the drive.

If you love history, art, antique furniture and architecture then, this attraction will satisfy your passions. It is absolutely beautiful! Thank you to the people of Baden who made this possible.For a meagre fee, this estate is a feast for the eyes. A short but informative video sets the scene for what you're about to discover outlining the early business history of the owner and his descendants. By the third generation, the home had to be sold and furniture was auctioned but many of the original pieces have been returned or lent back to complete the picture of those days in the late 1800's. We took our time to read the postings and visually take in all the details over 2 hours; we were not disappointed. Do make a trip to the basement to see more of the Livingston family's history and acquisitions.

But I also understand economics. The fact is there were only a handful of us there throughout the time I was there, some leaving as I arrived, some arriving as I was leaving so logistically it is impossible. I was greeted very pleasantly amicably and shown into the video room. The video lays a very good groundwork. I am, in my travels coming to understand the difference between conserved properties and restored properties. This one is restored as it had fallen into quite a state of disrepair but restored "as close to". Thankfully many of the furnishings and family belongings, even much of the toy collection auctioned off while the family was in financial straits, have been regained and a joy to see. My favourite room was the library with intricately carved furniture made by our very local Krug Furniture Co. I mused as to whether or not any old unsold pieces might be kicking around their warehouses today. The desk the book cases - absolutely beautiful - Crafted in the truest sense of the word. The Trompe L'oeil paintings in this room also contribute to its being my favourite, although these are magnificent throughout. I'm not much into art but seeing this building has definitely increased my appreciation and interest in learning more. I'm only just beginning to explore "our Ontario". Local stories. Mr Livingston was a local "Baden boy" who arrived in Ontario as a farmer, and quickly found a route to fortune developing products known to all of us today. A story well worth knowing. This is definitely worth a stop. I enjoyed every minute

This is a beautifully maintained jewel. There is a 10 minute film that gives you an overview of the family and history, and The enthusiastic staff does a great job telling stories. You get to see several rooms and the rooftop lookout. It is well worth the $6.50 admission.

Located in Baden. A lovely castle and interesting discovery for the whole family. Learned a lot about the family who lived there, the lovely furnitures, stairs, vintage items and the culture. Art at its best!

We went before Christmas a year ago and with all the decorations it was beautiful. Nice to see how families used to spend Christmas so many years ago. Afterwards we visited some of the local stores, nice place to spend an afternoon.

If in the area this old home is worth visiing not only because of the family history but because the architechture is really different and interesting. It brings back a lot of memories about how life used to be in areas sinilar to this. Worth visiting.

Image this as a home, Trompe Loeil painting on the ceilings has resulted in this "home" being designated as a National Historic Site. Beautify furnishing and decorations. A wonderful story of an industrialist in early the 1800's. Really worth the drive. A short tour but full of beauty. Take your time on the self guided walk.

This is a wonderful place to see what life was like for the very wealthy in an elegant Victorian mansion in the late 19th century. Many of the original furnishings and accessories have been located and gathered together again, and the rest are of similar high quality from the same time period. The exterior is amazing enough, but the interior would leave anyone slack-jawed, resembling something you would see in a British Royal Residence, but just a short drive from Kitchener-Waterloo. If you love to look at rooms of velvet, marble, exotic woods, gold and crystal and works of art everywhere you look, this home has all that plus more. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable about the Victorian period and the past of this mansion, and the best part was the low cost of admission ($6) compared to the prices at other historical buildings in Canada.

I toured this lovely little castle about 3 years ago and one of the special gems in Baden. The tour guide was dedicated to her work and so not over the top, but made the information available about the rooms and exhibits in a professional manner.

Really enjoyed my visit here. I have serious back problems and there we lots of places to sit and rest which is very important to me and anyone who has pain issues.