The distinctive 1930’s long and narrow design with plenty of light from the south seemed frozen in time.
“I had retired and it was becoming more expensive to run a townhouse in downtown Toronto, so we were looking for a cheaper place to buy property and it turned out to be here,” explained Cooper, a former broadcast media professional.
After researching properties in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Cooper became hooked on Summerside and its many architectural treasures - Colonial, Queen Anne, Gothic, Second Empire, Neoclassical Georgian, and Cape Cod revival designs that pay homage to the past.
“In April 2004 we arrived on a very sunny morning, and when we opened the blinds of the house it was bathed in sunlight,” said cooper, who reflected on how the original photos did not do justice to the home. “It had the space my wife and I needed for our two interests.”
Preventing heritage buildings from being demolished can enhance the desirability of a neighbourhood, foster identity and price, improve quality of life, and promote economic development.
Over the years the couple, originally from Australia, spent around $15,000 to $20,000 in home renovations that included a new roof, insulation, a new oil tank, and rewiring.
“After 60 odd years in the news business, we just wanted to slow down a bit and the house fitted all those needs for us,” said Cooper. “There’s a peacefulness of living in an old home, and it’s the longest we’ve lived in one house.”
Cooper added, “The countryside is absolutely gorgeous too and just driving around the Island is an experience every time you do it.”
George Dalton, a key figure in the heritage community in Summerside, said he is pleased to see an irreplaceable heritage building being protected.
“It’s nice to visit the old house because I use to come here a lot with my friend Tommy Wood when we were teenagers. I see all the changes over the years and it’s still recognizable from outside and by the rooms, but I think Louis has given a lot to this community, mentoring students, and saving a piece of history.”
The distinctive 1930’s long and narrow design with plenty of light from the south seemed frozen in time.
“I had retired and it was becoming more expensive to run a townhouse in downtown Toronto, so we were looking for a cheaper place to buy property and it turned out to be here,” explained Cooper, a former broadcast media professional.
After researching properties in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Cooper became hooked on Summerside and its many architectural treasures - Colonial, Queen Anne, Gothic, Second Empire, Neoclassical Georgian, and Cape Cod revival designs that pay homage to the past.
“In April 2004 we arrived on a very sunny morning, and when we opened the blinds of the house it was bathed in sunlight,” said cooper, who reflected on how the original photos did not do justice to the home. “It had the space my wife and I needed for our two interests.”
Preventing heritage buildings from being demolished can enhance the desirability of a neighbourhood, foster identity and price, improve quality of life, and promote economic development.
Over the years the couple, originally from Australia, spent around $15,000 to $20,000 in home renovations that included a new roof, insulation, a new oil tank, and rewiring.
“After 60 odd years in the news business, we just wanted to slow down a bit and the house fitted all those needs for us,” said Cooper. “There’s a peacefulness of living in an old home, and it’s the longest we’ve lived in one house.”
Cooper added, “The countryside is absolutely gorgeous too and just driving around the Island is an experience every time you do it.”
George Dalton, a key figure in the heritage community in Summerside, said he is pleased to see an irreplaceable heritage building being protected.
“It’s nice to visit the old house because I use to come here a lot with my friend Tommy Wood when we were teenagers. I see all the changes over the years and it’s still recognizable from outside and by the rooms, but I think Louis has given a lot to this community, mentoring students, and saving a piece of history.”
