Have you always dreamt of owning an iconic heritage property in Thorold? Well, here's your chance. Keefer Mansion, located at 14 St. David St. West, is officially for sale.
As ThoroldToday reported, the city has decided to sell the iconic landmark building, which is protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. After putting out a call for real estate agents last fall, Karen Blackley from Boldt Realty was selected to handle the sale of the property.
Blackley has four months to sell the property, after some members on Thorold City Council expressed doubts that a residential real estate agent was the right person for the job.
“We’ve had a terrible deal with this property for 20-something odd years,” said Councillor Anthony Longo, at a December 10 city council meeting. “I don’t want to end it on a bad note. This has nothing to do with who has been recommended here but I think we need a commercial real estate firm to handle the City of Thorold’s commercial realty.”
Councillors Jim Handley, Carmen DeRose and Mike De Divitiis all agreed.
“We have to get the best for the taxpayers,” Councillor De Divitiis said. “You need to get an expert out there, a shark.”
But Blackley seems eager to prove herself and last week she officially listed the house.
“Step into a piece of Canadian history in this iconic 150 year old residence located in the heart of Thorold,” reads the listing. “Brimming with character and charm this 3 storey mansion was fully restored approx. 20 years ago.”
The property has over 5,000 square footage and consists of eight bedrooms with 9+2 bathrooms.
The main floor of the house features a welcoming bar area, and dining area with inlaid wood floors, 20 ft. ceilings, and pocket doors that echo the warmth and charm of the era. Designed for gatherings, it features two large dining areas/principal rooms and wrap around covered decking for use in the summer season. There is a large kitchen area with all hookups for the installation of a commercial kitchen, and also a laundry room and butlers pantry.
The second floor boasts six suites with private baths. The third level has panoramic views a family site with two large rooms and two baths. There are also three rooms plus a bath which were formerly used as the inn spa.
While the listing highlights the heritage status of the property, it also emphasizes its endless potential.
“The versatile C4 zoning for this property allows for a large variety of uses — if you have dreamt of operating an inn, tavern, refined pub, event centre, tea room or B&B, this historic gem is a blank canvas awaiting your vision,” reads the listing.
The house is listed for $2,599,999, but the lucky new owner should have some extra cash to spare as the property taxes in 2024 were a considerable $17,225. Check out the listing, for more information.
ThoroldToday tried interviewing Blackley about the listing but Thorold City Hall would not allow it.
