So I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to 'jump the pond' to visit something out of the ordinary, but could visit an historic site right in our backyard while learning more of the history of the region.
The 40 room neoclassical structure that was completed in 1835, known as Dundurn Castle, ended up providing a wonderful example of life in the mid-19th century for both elites and servants.
We learned all rooms had been renovated to match what people would have experienced while living and visiting the home at the time. Some design elements seemed questionable by today's standards, such as wall paper and floor design, but we were assured it was the style of the day!
Our tour guide, wearing typical garb of the 1850s, led our group from the upstairs rooms to the downstairs where the servants lived and worked...
Our visit to the castle provided more than a glimpse into Canadian life at the time, for it also revealed how the efforts of Sir Allan Napier MacNab -- a former politician, land developer and lawyer in Upper Canada -- helped improve living conditions in this fairly young country through innovative conveniences. Innovations such as gas lighting, indoor bathrooms, running water and well-lit basements, were seen throughout the castle both upstairs and downstairs.
Sure, visitors witness the expected opulence when visiting a castle, but we were also shown the innovative conveniences of the day throughout his home. No doubt, these conveniences may have been introduced at Dundurn but eventually found their way into the average Canadian community.
