2013 Homes Tour
Nelson’s Folly & “Ballet House”
The Herbert & Mary Kirk House and Nelson’s Folly
Our 2013 34th annual homes tour included two gorgeous mansions: the former dance academy, 1906 Herbert & Mary Kirk House, at 3rd Street & 3rd Avenue – one of the most ambitious home restorations ever undertaken in New Westminster; and Nelson’s Folly – the 1913 Nels Nelson ‘grand dame’ of Queen’s Avenue which displays a refreshed exterior, completed in 2012.
Kirk House was missing its main staircase (removed for an office); several interior walls; and pocket doors (opened up to accommodate a dance floor in the house’s previous incarnation). New owners Jennifer Crews and Lee Cowley made a huge effort to maintain or replicate original details wherever possible. The missing staircase was a challenge. With no original pictures to guide reconstruction, Geoff Lillico – the expert finishing carpenter, joiner and furniture maker who handled much of the woodwork in the house – reproduced the staircase, using scant clues and the still-intact upstairs landing.
Nelson’s Folly at Queens Avenue & 2nd Street: The first owner of this eponymous elegant estate was Westminster Brewery owner, Nels Nelson. Situated on a large, beautifully landscaped corner lot, the design of the house features many elements which are typical of the Prairie style, including a low pitched, hipped roof with wide overhanging eaves for a strong horizontal emphasis. The grouped, classical column porch supports frame a graceful entry.