Farewell to Primrose Hill Manor

The end of an era.

 If you have been following me for any length of time you have probably associated Paulette and Primrose Hill Manor in the same breath. And rightly so, she was part of my life for three wonderful years. 

As with many things in life though, my chapter at Primrose Hill Manor is now over. It’s the end of an era (as they say), and new adventures await. I couldn’t be prouder to have been her caretaker for the last three years and this Grande Dame will be part of my heart forever. Some houses have that effect on people. And this one...well, she is one of a kind! 

For those of you who have just stumbled on this page, welcome! I’m here to catch you up to speed. 

To do that, though, we need to go back few decades as this story begins as a young farm girl growing up in Kawartha Lakes, about 90-minutes northeast of Toronto, Canada. 

Growing up in the country was idyllic. I spent my life riding horses and hauling hay bales against the backdrop of a never-ending summer sky. Despite my family coming from very modest means, my life was rich with love and happiness. 

During my least favourite time of year (the school year) a big yellow school bus zipped me, along with hundreds of other kiddos, up and down those dirt roads off to the local country school. 

It was at that time I was introduced to the most beautiful home I had ever laid eyes on…the Janetville Mansion.

This gorgeous 1880s Italianate mansion was only five minutes away from my farm, but in many ways a world away. Even as a young girl of 8, I was fully aware that the likelihood of me owning that home was remote. The thing is…I never stopped dreaming. 

When she came up for sale during the pandemic my response was immediate and visceral. The home I had dreamed about as a child had to be mine. 

Restoring her was the most challenging and most rewarding experience of my life. She was in terrible condition, having not been maintained for several decades. She was truly the spitting image of a Hollywood haunted mansion. 

My focus was to tackle the interior first, as this was the most important part of me living comfortably there. In the first four months, she went through a complete transformation. No room was left untouched. And most importantly, the bones of the home were getting the much-needed love they required. From a new electrical system and plumbing to a complete restoration/preservation of historical details like crown moldings and corbels, this house was getting royal treatment. 

As the house started to come together though, I realized my decision to move so far away from family and the enormity of this home for one single momma was hard on my heart. It was time to let her go. 

I sold Primrose Hill Manor in May of 2024. The new owners of Primrose Hill Manor have their own “coming home” story of sorts 

(the spouse grew up in the area) and I am at peace knowing they are the next caretakers of this special home. As with any old home, there is still much to do, and I know she is in good hands. 

Owning and restoring Primrose Hill Manor was a bucket list moment for me. Not only did I put her on the map (with fun branding and thousands of followers worldwide) she was the backdrop to countless heritage tours, afternoon teas, and commercial photo shoots. Before I came along, she was the local gem. Now her star shines much brighter. 

I have left behind the most amazing memory of this adventure, along with an award from the City of Kawartha lakes - the Osprey Heritage Award for Preservation. Knowing the community has recognized my work on this beauty is the best parting gift I could ever ask for. And a memory I will never ever forget. 

As I leave this chapter behind I shall leave you with a quote from author, Glayds Taber, who sums up my departure and my memory of Primrose Hill forever:

“Old Houses do not belong to people ever, not really, people belong to them”

No truer words said.

Paulette xo