160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario ~ Markham Heritage Estates

Things To Do

Markham Heritage Estates

By Newmarket Era

Friday, July 13, 2007

"In a town increasingly blanketed with housing developments and subdivisions, Markham Heritage Estates is a welcome escape to the past.

Created in 1988 as a refuge solely for heritage homes threatened with demolition, the picturesque 38-lot property was intentionally established right beside the Markham Museum and Historic Village, making the area a lovely pocket of history right in the centre of the town.

The Town of Markham owns the property, and sells lots to owners of threatened heritage homes at less than market value. The savings on the lot encourage owners to relocate and restore the home in the special neighbourhood.

Currently featuring nearly 30 beautifully restored, privately owned homes, Markham Heritage Estates is among the most popular of destinations during the annual Doors Open Markham event. The Town of Markham was awarded the prestigious Prince of Wales Award for this and many other efforts to preserve local history.

Often built in the Victorian or gothic revival styles, the homes are a popular tourist attraction and a favourite of local history buffs and photographers.

Many of the homes on the property were built by the founding families of most prominent communities in York Region. Several of the homes were built by the Berczy settlers, the Pennsylvania German settlers, and members of the Reesor family.

Prominent former occupants of the homes include many active friends and supporters of William Lyon Mackenzie and the Reform movement. One of the houses was once home to John Lunau, former curator of the Markham Museum and official historian for the town. Another was the home of the Calvert family for over 100 years. The Calverts arrived in Markham in 1842 from Scotland.

Yet another was built in 1850 for Mary Udell, widow of a member of the infamous Markham Gang. Markham Heritage Estates is also home to the last surviving buildings of the now-dissolved hamlets of Dollar and Quantztown.  

The names and homes of the town’s past remain alive in Markham Heritage Estates. Located off 16th Avenue west of Highway 48 in Markham, the neighbourhood is definitely worth a visit, especially during Doors Open Markham in August.

For more information, visit www.historictours.ca