Waverly (aka Shute Institute) located at 10 Grand Avenue and its neighbour Idlewyld, at 36 Grand Avenue, project the image of the grandeur that once characterized and defined Grand Avenue as the premiere location for the emerging upper class to reside. Waverly was the residence of two prominent London families, the Goodhues and the Smallmans. It was built, in 1882, for Charles Goodhue with money he inherited from his father, George Jarvis Goodhue, a lawyer and entrepreneur who is reputed to be Londons first millionaire. Charles, although not involved in the economic life of London, was instrumental in founding the London Club and enjoyed membership in a variety of Masonic Lodges. Following the ownership of the Goodhues, the house was owned by the Smallmans. Thomas Smallman was a founder of the Imperial Oil Company and the London Life Insurance Company. The building later became well known as the home of the Shute Institute which pioneered the medical appreciation of Vitamin E. Waverly is an impressive example of the highly decorated Queen Anne architectural style. Typical of the Queen Anne style, the residence is large. At the time of its construction, it was thought to be the largest private residence, ever constructed in the London area. The varied roofline, which is punctuated by a belvedere, dormers and chimneys, is accented with ornamental woodwork and brickwork, all characteristic of the Queen Anne style. Also of note are the porches with turned posts and spindles. The initial designs for Waverly were completed by Goodhues brother-in-law, English architect Hamilton Tovey, and extensively modified and finalized by one of Londons most well-known architects, George Durand. Over time, many sympathetic additions have been made, including a rear addition commissioned by the Smallmans that features a multi-turreted belvedere. Later, a conservatory and rounded porch were also added. A still more recent addition, on its west façade, accommodates Waverlys current use as a retirement home.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:24:54 +0000
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