The tone is set right away. Majestic stone gates flank the entrance. As you follow along the roadway, you enter a private enclave.
Manor Park is the original mansion at the centre of a sprawling, 10-acre property. It was built in 1857, made of limestone that had been mined off the grounds, for a gentleman named Arthur Wells whose family was associated with the Wells Fargo stagecoach line in the United States. He had come here to help with the construction of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and during the 1860s and 70s served as Guelph’s acting Postmaster.
In 1992, Manor Park was converted into three separate condos. Twelve stone houses were built around it that same year.
Each of these are two-storey, fully stone homes. They are private residences, yet they’re supported by a condominium corporation. This means there are never any outdoor chores to do, no exterior repairs to be made.
“It’s a collection of 15 high-end executive homes,” property manager Michelle Weigel explains. “They are basically standalone homes that have signed onto a condominium ownership structure. You have a home, as well as the benefits of the condominium lifestyle, meaning someone else shovels your snow, mows your lawn and looks after your tennis court. It’s kind of the best of both worlds.”
Those who live here tend to be mature professionals who are close to retirement. They are likely already maintaining houses or cottages in Muskoka and have properties down south in the States, so this type of lifestyle really works for them. “You have a home, but you can lock the door and leave, feeling comfortable that everything is being looked after,” says Weigel.
The community is also ideally situated, backing onto conservation lands. “You have the unique ability to step out your front door and access beautiful walking trails. There’s a lot of nature around you; it’s very intimate, quiet and private,” she says. “Manor Park is the jewel in the centre.”
Home for sale
9-25 Manor Park Crescent is currently on the market. It has been professionally renovated, with every fixture and detail thoughtfully chosen, from the lighting to the paint colours and flooring. It has a new kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, as well as a wood-burning fireplace in the family room and a gas fireplace in the living room.
Hal and Kelly Rice are responsible for the gorgeous makeover. Though they’ve only lived in the 3-bed, 4-bath home for three years, they wasted no time giving the place a refresh.
The grounds were what captivated Kelly immediately. “We were looking for a new home and there was an open house here,” says Hal. “Kelly got to the front gate and said, ‘I don’t care what we’re doing, we’re buying here.’ It was one of those first impressions things where you see the grounds and the front gate and all the stone houses. It was perfect.”
In addition to the very stately look, the couple loved that this quiet residential area has lots of trees and grass, and a parkland setting. You are steps from the Speed River and a walking path that runs along it. You can walk downtown to all the shops and restaurants in 10 to 15 minutes. Stone Road Mall is 5 minutes away by car. “It’s probably as good a location as there is in Guelph,” says Hal.
The area itself is called Old University. It’s filled with established neighbourhoods, a few schools, parks and playgrounds. The University of Guelph is a 10-minute drive away. The pair spent a lot of time last year, during Covid, playing tennis on the private court—almost every day—and making good use of the walking path.
“It’s just the sheer beauty of the place,” says Hal. “It’s quiet, it’s relaxing, it’s picturesque. Everybody has exclusive use land around their homes. Our backyard is very private, so we can sit out there whenever and never see people.”
He loves that everything is taken care of. He didn’t have to cut the grass or paint outside. If there was a problem with a window or the roof, it was done. “You just get to enjoy yourself. You get to live in a nice big home, but you don’t have to do all the work,” he says.
Kelly loves the great sense of community; everyone knows each other by name and takes care of one another. If one couple goes away for six months, someone will pick up their mail.
Says Hal, “It’s a well-kept secret, this little neighbourhood. It’s a hidden gem.”
Andra Arnold can be reached at 519-766-6041 or via email at [email protected].