Wanted: New ownership for 177-year-old Grimsby home

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Not many homes, or anything for that matter, exist to a ripe old age in the two-century range, but the heritage home at 376 Nelles Rd. N. fits that bill.

The home, dubbed Lake Lawn, was built in 1846 by John Adolphus Nelles, one of the foundational families of Grimsby.

Owners Jim and

Mary Volk, long-time supporters of the local heritage scene, are only the property’s second owners in its long existence.

“We were originally drawn to the house just after the final Nelles person (Mary Burnham) had died here. We were on an artist tour of Niagara. Two years later, we were on the same tour and the artist who had been staying in the house while they decided what to do with the estate told us it had been renovated and was for sale,” said Mary.

“We immediately loved the light, the size of the rooms, the ability to entertain large groups, the preservation of the old features combined with modern conveniences. etc. etc. It truly is a gracious home.”

As happens, timesand needs - change.

“After 35 years here, we knew it was getting time to move on to something smaller and had told a friend who lived on the lake that if he ever wanted to sell, to let us know. That comment was made about five years ago and this spring, he ended up in long term care so we jumped at the opportunity - not really planned, but we knew we’d kick ourselves later if we let the opportunity go.”

For the agent, selling the home, Martinus Geleynse, the charms of the home are many and impressive.

“This home is tremendously unique for several reasons. One is the incredible condition the home is in - age considered. I’ve seen homes built in the last thirty years in bad shape, but this house, at 177 years old, is in pristine condition. It is only for sale for the second time in its entire history, and has been maintained lovingly over the years. The location is also unique: it’s a very large (0.8 acre) lot in the middle of a large residential neighbourhood. It truly feels like an estate with huge trees, great privacy, and the grand, imposing, regency style home,” said Martinus.

“Special features include the original door hardware with large skeleton keys, the various etchings in the windows of the home (including the names of the Nelles children from the mid 1800s), and the gor- geous original wood: 18” baseboards, window trim, wide plank floors, and the grand staircase that doesn’t even creak.”

That’s a lot to give up, and it won’t be easy for the Volks.

“There are so many things we will miss. It is a bittersweet time for us for sure. We sincerely hope that the new owners enjoy it as much as we have, while respecting the grand old place and its history,” said Mary.

The four-bedroom home can be yours for $1.799 million.