iN PHOTOS: A peek inside the historical Mackie Lake House in Coldstream

A 1910 Heritage House overlooking Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream holds a wealth of history, stories and art within it’s elegant walls, and visitors can take tours.

Built in a 19th century British and American style, the Mackie Lake House has a chateau-style roof, three tall chimneys and original multipaned double-hung wood-sash windows. Also on the site is a root cellar and a Dutch-style barn with a gambrel roof that was built in the 1890s.

The inside is furnished with period pieces and more than 1,300 artifacts and works of art to admire and learn about. The living room even has its original wallpaper and light fixture.

Three families lived in the immaculate home across 89 years, according to the Mackie Lake House Foundation website. It was commissioned by Montreal businessman Rupert Charles Buchanan and completed in 1910. The Buchanan family moved in until the house was sold to Gordon and Anne Layton in 1925 who raised their children there. After the couple divorced in 1940, the house was sold to the Mackie family who had five sons and called it Lake House.  

Touring through the house, visitors can learn more about the families and look at some of their items preserved from their life there, and browse a selection of teacups and keepsakes at a vintage shop in the Breakfast Room.

Staff and volunteers at Mackie Lake House also host weddings and private events, and traditional teas where sandwiches, scones and desserts are served on fine bone China.

Music concerts are held throughout the year and field trips are put on for local students every spring. The Mackie Lake House also supports an Artist in Residence Program for Canadian artists.

Located at 7804 Kidston Road in Coldstream, guided tours of Mackie Lake House are available by appointment and can be booked by emailing info@mackiehouse.ca. Admission is $15 per adult, $8 for youth and free for children 11 years of age and under.

A ticket for high tea is $60 and upcoming events are posted on the website here.