Italian Ambassador's Official Residence (Gatineau city)

Canada / Ontario / Ottawa / Gatineau city / Aylmer Road, 1475
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Official Residence of the Italian Ambassador
1475 Aylmer Road
Aylmer
GATINEAU, QC

This cut-stone elegant mansion, built by lumber tycoon Robert L. Blackburn in 1924, presides over spacious grounds on 2½ hectares of land next to the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. Blackburn drew up the plans with guidance from John Pearson, the architect in charge of rebuilding the Parliament Hill Centre Block after the disastrous fire of Feb. 3 1916.

Numerous large windows, thoughtful room design, and unusual angles deliver abundant light everywhere. The entrance hall's curved ceiling, nine windows that pour light into the foyer, and a stained oak staircase, all beckon visitors into the house's rich interior.

Detailed woodwork and plaster cornices define main floor reception rooms, including the expansive drawing room. This salon has impressive ceiling plaster work and features a Carrara marble fireplace. When light from a bay window isn't quite enough for evening functions, the room's two large crystal chandeliers can easily illuminate every corner.

As expected, the brightness of the tiled floor conservatory, with windows overlooking the garden, is contrasted by the library, with its dark walnut interior. Above the last row of bookshelves are plaster-covered beams, decorated with the floral emblems of England, Scotland, and France.

Perhaps the focal point of all the public areas is the dining room, which sits at an angle from the house's main axis. Here formal affairs for up to 18 guests are hosted under the chamber's ceiling centerpiece: an oval stucco medallion embellished with Canadian flora.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   45°25'2"N   75°45'46"W

Comments

  • I suppose the reviewer above didn't read: "In English Please, and never mind the Franglais he used"
This article was last modified 9 years ago