The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank (circa 1834), is located at Willowbank Estate, a National Historic Site, in the village of Queenston, Ontario. Lectures are held at the mansion in Reif Hall while craftsmanship implementation programs are held either on the Estate proper, or in The Bluma and Bram Appel Barn located on the grounds. Both the Masters Program and the Audit Program are taught at the Estate. The Faculty includes heritage consultants, historians, archaeologists, artisans, architects adn craftsmen and women
The Bluma and Bram Appel Barn at Willowbank (circa 1870), is the practical workshop for the School of Restoration Arts , nestled on the 12.5 acre property at the Willowbank Estate. It is an example of adaptive reuse, using a salvaged historic structure moved to the site. It was originally located at the Philips Estate, at Queen and Simcoe Streets in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and was moved in 2006, thanks to generous donations of materials and funds, most notably from the Appels and the estate of Laura Dodson.
Reif Lecture Hall (established 2005), at Willowbank is the lecture facility located on teh ground floor of the estate, generously sponsored by Reif Estate Winery. The School at Willowbank is grateful to Klaus Rief for his generous donation of this magnificent classroom space.
Dundurn Castle, National Historic Site, Hamilton, Ontario: Gardeners cottage built in the 1850's as a home for William Reid, gardener at Dundurn estate. Reid was a very talented man having won many awards for his produce at agricultural expositions and fairs. The castle itself is hailed as one of Hamilton's most-recognized landmarks and illiustrates the life and times of Sir Allan Napier MacNab (1798-1862). Designed as a fasionable Regency style villa, Dundurn (Gaelic for "strong fort") was nicknamed "Castle by the citizens fo Hamilton. Today, it has been restored to the year 1855 when MacNab was at the height of his career.
Fort George National Historic Site, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: Fort George National Historic Site is a focal point in a collection of War of 1812 sites which, collectively, are managed by Parks Canada under the name Niagara National Historic Sites. It steps back in time to the days of the American Revolution and early military settlement of NOTL. Fort George's restoration was done as a 'Make Work Project', guided by plans from the Royal Enginees during the Great Depression of the 1930's, an early example of historic preservation.
Grand Victorian (circa 1870), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: The Grand Victorian is a spectacular Victorian mansion with Queen Anne Revival influence. Original architectural details include 12' ceilings, stained glass windows and fireplaces throughout. Original wood work includes and Oak Chippendale staircase descending into the Great Hall with original Oak ceiling. This grand mansion is located on the scenic Niagara Parkway, set in an acre and a half of gardens, surrounded by the vineyards of the award winning Reif Estae Winery and is across from the Niagara River.
Stark House (circa 1845), The busy harbor town of Port Robinson attracted a number of shipbuilders in the mid 1800's. Mr. J. Stark was one such shipbuilder, prosperous enough to begin building a new house for his wife. Sadly, she died before it completion, and only Stark and his daughter moved into the house. The current owner has never lived there. It is hoped that the house can be saved/restored and used to benefit the community.
The Courthouse, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: At 26 Queen Street is the Court House, which was built in 1847 on the site of Government House (1792). It has one of the oldest town bells in Canada, which has rung continuously on the house since March 27, 1839. Not used for judicial purposes since 1862 when the country seat was moved to St. Catharines, the Court House was the original home of the Shaw Festival and is still used as a venue for plays.