Doors Open Georgina Sites 2010

Arnold C. Matthews Nature Reserve On the east side of Metro Road, bisected by Deer Park Road (bordered on the west by Metro Road and on the east by Varney Road), Roches Point
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This 135-acre (55-hectare) site was created in 2008 by private landowners. Opened exclusively for Doors Open, visitors can observe the mature, natural forest and reforested conifer trees that provide a valuable environment for wildlife. Staff biologists from the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority will inform visitors about the unique features of the reserve’s natural habitats.

Cayley Hall 6 Turner Street, Roches Point http://cayleyhall.rochespointparish.com

Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cayley Hall, located next door to the historic Christ Church, was constructed to serve the social needs of the parish and the community. It will serve as a meeting place for visitors, a site for local historical and cultural information, and the starting point for tours throughout Roches Point.

Christ Church 12 Turner Street, Roches Point www.rochespointparish.com Architect: Rev. Walter Stennett; Year Built: 1862-63

Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In 1862, Rev. Walter Stennett began building this charming little church, which was completed and consecrated the next year, as therapy for a nervous breakdown. It features a Gothic revival style, local fieldstone construction materials, beautiful stained-glass windows, and original wood and stucco interior details. The first burial in this historic cemetery predates the church's completion.

Deer Park Public School 605 Varney Road, Keswick www.deerpark.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca Year Built: 1913

Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school that stood here in 1863 was a one-room, wood-framed building. The present brick building, with its distinctive cupola, was built in 1913 and is one of the oldest schools in Georgina. Grade 7 students recently researched, compiled and published an informative and entertaining book detailing the historical significance of the school.

Eastbourne Golf Club 885 Lake Drive North, Keswick www.eastbournegolfclub.ca Architect: Course designer: Frank Freeman; Year Built: c. 1912
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastbourne Golf Club was established in the early 1900s as a five-hole course for local cottagers. Initially, sheep maintained the turf. Within 10 years, the club drew the attention of the media due to the high calibre of golfers participating in charity tournaments here. It is still considered a hidden gem.

Ingleside 243 Lake Drive North, Keswick

Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ingleside is one of the oldest cottages on Lake Simcoe. It typifies the early development of the area, specifically the Orchard Beach area, as a cottage and vacation destination. One of the current owners of Ingleside encourages the affable resident ghost not to bother any of the guests.

Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre 379A Bouchier Street, Roches Point www.lorettomaryholme.ca Year Built: c. 1870s
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This historic family estate, with its 1870s house, is situated on 12.6 acres (five hectares) overlooking Lake Simcoe. Originally it was the home of Sir James Edgar, MPP. Smaller outbuildings were added later by the Fensom family (of the Otis-Fensom Elevator Company). Ordinarily closed to the public, the centre will be open for viewing for this Doors Open event.

Nordhoff 411 Bouchier Street, Roches Point Year Built: circa 1870
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This beautiful estate is perched on the shore of Cook's Bay near the Roches Point Eco-Park. Previously known as Kilgour House, after the original owner, Sir Robert Kilgour, it was built around 1870. This stunning house has two very striking, uniquely shaped turrets. The roofline is accented with eyebrow windows

North Gwillimbury Park 775 Lake Drive North, Roches Point
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In 1822, Roches Point was proposed as the site for the capital of Upper Canada. Come and watch an exciting military re-enactment – on land and in the water – that asks, "What if the Americans had invaded Roches Point?" Walk through the encampment, talk to the actors dressed in period costumes and see what military life was like at that time.

Roches Point Eco-Park and Wharf Southern foot of Raines Street, Roches Point
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Roches Point Community Association was granted eco-management of this wharf and shoreline in 2008. Landscape improvements, appropriate native plantings and cleanup of the site have resulted in important benefits to the lake's ecosystem. For this event, circa 1800 watercraft will be moored here, and costumed guides will provide information about marine combat.