200-year-old Bellevue House could be Amherstburg's next wedding destination

Imagine being married at one of the most historic sites in the region, surrounded by classic Georgian architecture.

That's just one idea floated at a public consultation held inthe Town of Amherstburgfor the centuries-old Bellevue House.

Restoration on the 200-year-old mansion has begun, starting with the copper roof.

"The donors have provided us with enough money so far to restore the roof," saidCarolyn Davies, vice president of the Bellevue House Conservancy.

Davies said the town is overseeingthe considerable restoration project, and aroofing company that specializes in historic buildings is currently doing the work.

"They understand old and they're doing an amazing job," she said.

Amherstburgtown council decided buy themansion for $1.1 million in 2016. The housedates back to 1816 to 1819 when it was built by Robert Reynolds, according to theNational Trust for Canada. Reynolds was aCommissary to the nearby British garrison at Fort Malden, after he returned from serving in the War of 1812.

It's also onthe National Trust for Canada's top 10 list of endangered places and is oneof the few remaining examples of Georgian architecture in Ontario.

Your wedding here?

Two open houses were held to get the public's input on what to do with the home as well as the large acreage surrounding it.

"We're talking about restoring it to its former glory because it is a crown jewel for Amherstburg," said Davies.

But residents seem to know what they want.

"Seems to be a leaning toward a conference centre for anything from weddings to showers but also conferences," said Davies.

If that is the end goal for the place, Davies said the venue could accommodate anywhere from 200 to 400 people with break-out rooms.

"A lot of people want that second floor to be places like a museum where the veterans museum could be, where the doll museum could be," she said.

The nine acres of land would also be put to good use for the town.

"One of the suggestions was a botanical garden," said Davies, adding there is potential to put in a greenhouse that the town can use for its planting program.

Hear more about the project on CBC's Windsor Morning:

Bellevue House

8 years ago

Duration 0:31

Here's a look at the Bellevue House after a tree fell on it in 2009.

Home of 'adventurers'

Robert Honorgave a presentation Tuesday night to those who attended one of the public meetings.Honoris also part of the Bellevue House Conservancy working group, and he focuses on the architecturalhistory of the home.

"Everyone in that house was an adventurer," Davies said, based on what she learned from Honor.

There is still a long way to go before the building will see use, and some estimated indicate it will cost $10-million to properly restore the building.

But Davies said fundraisers have beensuccessful and the donations have been generous.

The next fundraiser will be on June 25at the Artisan Grill. More details about the project can be found atwww.bellevueconservancy.com.