A little piece of Red Deer history has been put on the market.
The former home of Red Deer’s first mayor and the founder of the Red Deer Advocate has been listed for sale.
Known today as Galbraith Manor Bed and Breakfast, the 2 1/2-storey heritage home in the Waskasoo neighbourhood was built in 1906 by Francis Wright Galbraith.
Pat and Gord Deans have owned the home since 2005 after purchasing the home from Claretta Galbraith, who along with husband Frances Philip inherited the home in 1934. The Deans renovated the home before opening it as a bed and breakfast two years later.
“We tried to maintain the character and heritage of the home,” said Pat Deans, 57. “We felt very fortunate to have owned the home.”
Gord Deans, 59, said they couldn’t believe their luck when the home went up for sale because it had been in the Galbraith family for 95 years. Now they are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives, and selling the house fits into the plans.
The Edwardian-style home on 45th Avenue features three bedrooms, two full baths, nine foot ceilings, original French doors and glass door knobs, oak hardwood throughout and a maple stairwell and a double detached garage.
Local historian Michael Dawe said this is one of a handful of remaining pre-1910 landmark homes remaining in Red Deer. Dawe said the home used to be very utilitarian and very square until Philip and Claretta Galbraith built a library, a vestibule with several receiving areas and altered the layout of the home.
“There’s not many of these left,” said Dawe. “This was only the second family ever to own it. It’s a lovely house and the Deans have done a lot of renovations. It is one of the classic landmark homes of Red Deer and one of the most beautiful and well-maintained of Red Deer’s old homes. Personally I think it is a real prize in the community.”
The house is listed for sale at $799,000. It is located at 5810-45 Ave. Call 403-340-3334 for a viewing.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com