History and Heritage

The property's mansion ranks among the finest representations of great estate homes designed and built in Burlington in the two decades between 1912 and 1932, and was the last of its kind and quality to be built in Burlington.

Edythe Merriam MacKay built the sprawling estate in 1930 with the fortune left to her by her father, renowned industrialist Cyrus Albert Birge. Birge's company, Canadian Screw Company was one of the five merged in 1910 to form steel giant Stelco. Burlington and Hamilton have a strong connection dating back to the early 1900's, when Burlington was the summer destination for many affluent citizens of Hamilton. The MacKays originally used the estate as their summer home.

The mansion stands on an exquisite 14 acre lakefront property rightly called "the jewel in the crown" of the Burlington waterfront. The land's history dates back 200 years when King George III granted this track of land to celebrated Canadian, Laura Secord.

Located at the mouth of Shoreacres Creek, on one of the most desirable residential spots on the lakeshore between Hamilton and Burlington, the mansion commands a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario. Sailors passing by the estate claim it is one of the most magnificent sites along the shore between Toronto and Niagara.

The site features three other buildings: a gatehouse built circa 1912: a dollhouse, the only known heritage children's playhouse in Burlington: and one of the last remaining stables in urban Burlington. Combined, these elements create an experience where visitors can step back in time.

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