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Willistead Manor was built in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, founder of the world-renowned distillery. Edward and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Griffin Walker, moved into Willistead in 1906. In deciding a name for his estate, Edward commemorated his older brother Willis, who had died some years before. Edward Walker lived in Willistead only nine years, until his death in 1915. He was buried in St. Mary's churchyard across the street from his property on Niagara Street. In 1921, five years after the death of her husband, Mary Walker and the heirs of Edward Chandler Walker's estate deeded Willistead to the town of Walkerville. Upon amalgamation of the Border Cities in 1935, the City of Windsor fell heir to this magnificent gift from the past. The massive oak door on heavy solid brass hinges opens onto a small vestibule, which then leads into the Great Hall. The Elizabethan fireplace, with its elaborate over-mantle carving, dominates the room. Rich wood paneling and exquisitely detailed hand carving extend throughout the ground floor, with the Great Hall and main staircase particularly showcasing the artistry of Joachim Jungwirth, a noted Austrian master craftsman. Albert Kahn designed the impressive great staircase in the fashion of the 17th century. Often made of oak, 17th Century staircases were typically wide and straight with large landings and elaborately carved newel posts. The Dining Room, the Drawing Room and Conservatory occupy the South Wing of the house. The Dining Room is paneled in mahogany. To the right of the green marble fireplace, a panel conceals a large walk-in safe where the family silver was kept. The drawing room features a white Carrara marble fireplace with a ceiling-high mirror, which is garlanded with carved and enameled white oak. The walls in this room have been re-hung in blue silk damask. The North Wing consists of the Morning Room, the Billiard Room and the Library. Particularly noteworthy is the Tudor Rose motif in the paneling and on the over-mantle in the Morning Room. This room also features a partially concealed door to the right of the fireplace that leads to the terrace. In the Library, the fireplace is carved and flanked by carved cabinets, the design of which is repeated in pilasters on the north wall. The walls in this room have been re-hung, as they were originally, in green velvet fabric. The fireplace in the Billiard Room is especially handsome, and the pargeted plaster ceiling is noteworthy. An "almost secret" door leads from the vestibule to this room. As well, a hidden staircase in what used to be a cloakroom, leads to the landing on the main stairs. A more functional approach has been employed in the design of the rooms on the second floor. Operated for many years under the authority of the City's Department of Parks and Recreation, the restoration of Willistead now provides for the residents of Windsor and its environs, facilities suitable for public and private, cultural and business-related social events. Willistead Manor Complex & Paul Martin Gardens Call: 311 for general information |
Architecture