During the 19th century, Woodchester Villa was one of the few octagonal houses built in Ontario. This makes it an architectural and historic site as it preserves the unique shape of the construction. If you are interested in architecture, you will want to see the octagonal form shown through the chimneys, observation platform, flagpoles, veranda posts, newel posts, and interior door mouldings. There is a list of elements in the house that is worth taking a look at.
Woodchester Villa has a wonderful view as it overlooks the Muskoka River; visitors can see this on both floors. The house was built in 1882 for Henry James Bird and his family since he was a local woollen mill owner. Descendants of the Bird family lived here until 1975, making it one of the oldest residences in Bracebridge. In 1977, the Rotary Club of Bracebridge bought the house and opened it as a public museum and community center.
Photo: XeresNelro, CC-BY-SA-4.0
