(Main Image Credit: David K. Lawler, Brighton Digital Archives Website)

Next up in our 2021 Tour of Historical Homes in Brighton is 199 Main Street, known to most as “The White House” of Brighton.

From the Brighton Digital Archives (who source MPAC; OLR Records; Homesteads, M. McBurney and M. Byers, 1979; That's Just the Way We Were, 2006, p.261):

“The White House is situated on a six-acre tract acquired from Isaac S. Proctor by John Eyre in 1877. Although there are some suggestions that the house had been built in 1873, its construction date is usually given as 1879 and attributed to William J. Eyre (believed to be the same person whose name was generally known as John), a lawyer who started his Brighton practice in 1853. Upon Mr. Eyre's death, the property was purchased in 1899 by Samuel G. M. Nesbitt with the title entered for his wife, Eleanor M. Nesbitt. Samuel started a local fruit storage and cannery that became known as the Nesbitt Cannery.”

In 1900, the Nesbitts built a carriage house out back and BDA adds that “The carriage house served as a stable and barn for feed storage in the early years. Hay was pulled in on a peak track through an opening on the west side. The structure is standard post-and-beam with vertical pine board siding.”

In 1922, the Nesbitts began enlarging and upgrading the house. BDA gives the following in terms of architectural notes on the house:

“The 2 ¾ storey, 7,700-square-foot mansion has 36 rooms with12- to13-foot ceilings, four sets of stairs, including a spiral staircase leading to the widow's walk. At one time, the third floor was a large ballroom. The main floor has four fireplaces, all with very prominent exterior chimneys. A large east side sun room and the car port feature balconies with large corner posts and turned spindles topped by a heavy balustrade. A hipped roof features a prominent cornice with double brackets. Most of the windows are arched, although the front portico has some small round and Romanesque windows.”

Ancestral Roofs indicates that:

“When Nesbitt dies in 1938, the house, then called Grandfather’s House, was converted to a hotel, Rene’s White House Hotel. Manager Irene Dickson (nicknamed Rene) welcomed PM William Lyon Mackenzie King and show business royalty such as the Walt Disneys and ballroom dancer Irene Castel to the address.”

(Image Credit: Vintage Postcard)

BDA notes: “In 1973, following Edwin’s death, Joseph Langer purchased the 19-room inn and dining place. In December 1981, it was acquired by Gregory B. Mycyk, who along with his wife used it as a home and business known as White House Antiques. The present owner, Deirdre Weatherall, who lives in the house, uses the carriage house for a specialty antique business.”

As you stroll through the streets of Brighton, keep your eyes peeled for the unique history and architecture of the historical homes and buildings. If you are interested in purchasing one of these unique properties, RE/MAX Quinte Realtors are experienced and part of the community. Keep an eye on our window at 41 Main Street in downtown Brighton for new listings!