Brooklin's 65 Bagot Street was built for Henry and Mary Ann McBrien and designed by their daughter, architect Lylia McBrien in 1922. Henry was a prominent breeder of livestock and upon retirement wanted to move into town from the family farm on Halls Road near Kinsale.
From 1922 - 1940, Henry was the Whitby Township Clerk and also served as secretary of the Brooklin Spring Fair. Town records show that after the deaths of Henry and Mary Ann McBrien, the home was registered to Lylia in 1940. Lylia continued living in her home until 1980. Uncommon for her time, Lylia was an independent business woman working in male dominated professions. Despite the obvious gender disadvantage, Lylia managed to win design projects for many local and now historic buildings in and around Brooklin. Lylia also ran a successful insurance and real estate brokerage. In 2009, local writer Bradley McIlwain wrote about Lylia's legacy in the Brooklin Town Crier (see article below).
In 1987 the
current owners, Mario and Kelly Panacci purchased the home from the
Parkers who bought it from Lylia. Mario and Kelly were delighted that
much of the original construction of the home remained solid and intact.
Lylia had enclosed the sunroom, a
chimney had been removed, a small bathroom was added to the kitchen
in the 1940s and vinyl cladding added in the 1980s; but
other than those small changes and regular maintenance, little else had been
modified over the years. This was a huge attraction for the Panaccis and their traditionalist renovation style. After searching for the perfect heritage home across the municipality, they came to learn how difficult it was to find old buildings retaining their original windows, doors, wood
mouldings, details and hardware. When they found 65 Bagot Street for sale, they knew it was a rare find indeed and snapped it up immediately.
Since 1987, Mario and Kelly have lovingly restored this 1920s gem keenly aware of it's significant history. Artistically motivated updates and additions have been made with the same quality and traditional craftsmanship of yesteryear. Cabinetmakers, artisans and custom wood shops have been contracted to duplicate wood trim, windows and cabinets and updates like electric wiring, insulating, etc. have been accomplished without disturbing the integrity of this beautiful home.
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| The McBrien House newly built in 1922 |
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The McBrien House about 1940 |
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From the Brooklin Town Crier 2009 (click to enlarge) |
