Ancaster's Firestone Estate

Ancaster's Firestone Estate LUXE HOME LIFE

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ANCASTER

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Ancaster's history is inseparable from its mills

CREDITS ANCASTER TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Amidst the rich history of explorers and pioneer settlement,

Ancaster’s history is inseparable from its mills hence the

one community shines among them—the third oldest town in

renowned “Ancaster Mill restaurant” known for its fine

Ontario, a robust and lively place that developed around a

dining and rich story. Since it is built on industry, it is no

simple mill. The mill symbolizes the harmony that exists in

coincidence that Ancaster is currently considered one of the

this town between nature and industry. This harmony has

most prestigious communities to reside in. So much so that it

sustained a legacy from its early founding in 1791 to the

was chosen by the prominent Morgan Firestone as his place

present day. The characteristics of charming elegance,

to call “home” at 256 Lime Kiln Rd. However, this is a status

prosperous industry, rich heritage, and enterprise describe

well earned, as the town lives up to its legacy through the

the none other historic township of Ancaster, situated in the

extraordinary attention it places on detail. The Ancaster

city of Hamilton along the Niagara Escarpment. After James

Township’s Historical Society understands that what

Wilson and Richard Beasley built their saw and grist mill on

separates a nice city from an exuberant one is found in

this site, it immediately developed into one of the first most

preserving its rich legacy and culture. The town is therefore

important and influential towns in British Upper Canada.

filled with meaning right from its very name. The word

Ancaster’s accessibility to waterpower and its strategic

“Ancaster” derives from the Latin word “castra,” meaning

location along prehistoric trading routes make it a hidden

“camp,” and was initially used to describe military camps

gem.

during the time of the Romans. It was inhabited by the Haudenosaunee Indigenous peoples and later settled on by European explorers.

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HISTORY

The first settlers to inhabit Ancaster were Loyalists,

The town continues to be distinguished by its beautifully

meaning they maintained a close relationship with the

preserved Victorian architecture. Proudly standing in the

British Crown. The establishing of Ancaster paralleled

town center is the Vernacular Georgian stone building

the American Revolution when English settlers wanted

marking the Ancaster Town Hall. It was built in 1871 at the

to gain their independence from the British Crown. As a

cost of $2700 by WHM Thurreson, showing a fine example

result, many English Loyalists from the United States fled

of the 19th-century civil architecture that is marked by its

to towns such as Ancaster. Anyone disloyal to the Crown

Neoclassical portico and Italianate cupola.

was considered a traitor and punished. Ancaster plays an essential role in this legacy as it remains known for the “Bloody Azile” trials in 1814 when the town organized a special court to conduct trials of several renegade traitors who escaped into Upper Canada. These trials eventually led to 15 prisoners being executed at Burlington Heights while the rest of the traitors were sent into exile. It continues to mark one of the largest mass hangings in Canadian history. Ancaster also acted as a place of refuge for African Americans who bravely traveled to attain freedom through the Underground Railroad. Standing as a testament for this bravery and determination, the Griffin House, built circa 1827 on 50 acres of land, was designated a national historic site found in Ancaster.

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ANCASTER PHOTOS BY ANCASTER TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

While the town is built on this connection to the past, what makes Ancaster so magical is that this connection is rebirthed every day. The way it interweaves the old with the new transports your senses into other worlds.

A trip to your local shops, hairdresser, lawyer, real estate office, spa, or favourite restaurant all give you a glimpse of life in the 19th century from a modern perspective. Every time you enter through the doors or walk down the street, you are reminded of your important role in building and preserving this legacy.

Despite being so close to other vibrant communities such as Stoney Creek, Dundas, and Hamilton, Ancaster is not overshadowed and maintains its unique charm.

Its hidden mysteries allow you to rediscover yourself as a tourist in your backyard. It is easy to see how it makes for the perfect place to call “home” by many different types of people from all walks of life.

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COMMUNITY

Adventurers, nature lovers, and athletes are enchanted by the variety of Ancaster’s trails and waterfalls, such as Tiffany, Sherman, and Lower Little

Falls.

One

of

the

most

charming

characteristics of Ancaster is how it intertwines the

natural

surroundings

with

developed

communities, protecting and caring for the preservation of its wildlife. Golf lovers can enjoy 200 manicured acres of luscious green trails at Canada’s top-ranked golf course. Nestled in the village of Ancaster, the Hamilton Golf and Country Club has been host to six Canadian Opens and is set to host the RBC Canadian Open in 2024.

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COMMUNITY

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HAMILTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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ANCASTER

Wellness is also vital, and Ancaster has one of the most fantastic spas. The Ancaster Spa was originally built in 1872-73 by David Richardson for his son, who practiced medicine; it has always been associated with a doctor's residence. The wide doorways and shuttered double windows combining Georgian and Italianate features transport you into a world of beauty. It currently hosts yoga classes, massages, and all that you need to be pampered and revitalized, a medicine that is good for your mind, body, and soul.

Ancaster overlooks Hamilton’s lively

nightlife,

restaurant, cafe culture, and vibrant art scene for the city lovers. But it is not to be mistaken; Ancaster has many hidden gems of its own.

Inspire your senses and pick up a fresh baguette and pastry from the local Parisian-inspired Caniche bakery. Dine out for a craft drink and savory bite with your friends at the famous Brewers Blackbird Brewery and Kitchen. The patio is unmatched in the summertime, and the ambiance is exquisite in the winter. Ancaster is truly amidst it all, easily accessible and within an arm’s length away from all of your necessary dayto-day services while simultaneously immersed in the elegance of its architecture.

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COMMUNITY

Perhaps one of the most admirable qualities of Ancaster is its emphasis on community. It is this emphasis on community that Morgan Firestone left in his legacy. Originally a salesman for Firestone Co. in Minneapolis he worked his way through several positions before becoming the President of Firestone Tires in Hamilton in 1966. Using his connections, Morgan Firestone became renowned for his devotion to community service. The list of charities that he has donated and continues to donate to is long and diverse. His impact was particularly important in the health care industry where he founded the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation in 1970 and continues to be its honourary president. His generosity made possible the establishment of the Firestone Chest and Allergy Unit which now serves a million people a year and performs research at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Shining his light on the community, he also hosted fundraising dinners for internationally known celebrities and leaders such as Mario Cuomo, Margaret Thatcher, George Bush, and Shimon Peres. The Ancaster community is proud of Morgan Firestone's legacy and has dedicated the Morgan Firestone Community arena in his honour.

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FEATURED HOME

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FIRESTONE ESTATE

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FEATURED HOME

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FIRESTONE ESTATE

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ANCASTER

Ancaster also features lots of local ice cream parlors such as The Purple Pony where you can be sure to be greeted with a smile and a wide variety of flavours. There are always fun-filled activities

hosted

by

the

town’s

recreation center. Take a nice walk down the street, and you will find many signs on every post of friendly dog walkers ready to take your furry pal for an outdoor adventure. In Ancaster, everyone is included. No member of the family is forgotten or left behind.

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FEATURED HOME

The stunning craftsmanship at 256 Lime Kiln Road of the former Firestone

Estate

presents

the

opporutunity to live in the legacy of the great. A home with remarkable and eloquent architecture. A place to call home, where you can allow yourself to be

charmed

by

the

Ancaster

community and immersed into its elegance and history every day while still maintaining privacy provided by nature. Here, each moment of your life is intended to be seized, where every new morning is sure to be different than the last.

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George Burtniak - Broker gburtniak@hotmail.com

109 Portia Dr. Ancaster, ON L9G 0E8 P 905-304-3303 F 905-574-1450

Not intended to solicit persons or properties currently under contract.