Where it is
230026 Range Road 225, Rural Wheatland County
The history
This home was built by Oscar Moorhouse, who moved to Alberta from Ontario in 1888 and established the property in 1915. Moorhouse married a local nurse, Netty McElroy, in 1908, and the couple welcomed a son, Milton, in 1910. The family stayed on the property, which was known affectionately as “Bug Ranch,” until 1944, when they moved to Calgary.
In 2012, the heritage home was fully restored, with many of its original elements — including the tiles, custom built-in features, custom woodwork and fireplaces — kept in place. The 1914 barn is the original building, but it was given a new roof in 2020. Aside from the addition of some key modern touches and amenities, the original character of the home is intact.
What to love
This property strikes a lovely balance between historical charm and modern refinement. The home’s original wood accents, stone fireplace and custom copper soaker tub transport you back to a more rustic lifestyle. Yet the upgraded farm-style kitchen, featuring a coffee bar, custom refurbished breakfast table and significant cabinet space, offer a complementary, contemporary touch. In the basement, the “English-style pub” also balances old and new with its wood panel accents, built-in wet bar, polished concrete flooring and full wine cellar. With eight bedrooms, there’s plenty of room for a growing family or for customized spaces like a home office, playroom or crafts room. For visiting friends, family or renters, the self-contained guest house is outfitted with luxurious features including a gourmet kitchen, four-piece ensuite, three bedrooms and contemporary decor.
What to consider
Across the property’s 12 acres of land, and in the home itself, there are plenty of inviting social spaces, including three decks/porches, a wraparound balcony, a rooftop balcony and a firepit — all of which serve as great spots for relaxing or entertaining friends.
The stats
5,465 square feet
Eight bedrooms
Seven bathrooms
Built in 1915
12 acres of land
Luxurious 1,500-square-foot guesthouse
Triple oversized, heated garage
Listed for $1,799,900 with Century 21 Bamber.
Inside the Home
The cozy, traditional living room comes complete with the home’s original stone-faced fireplace, antique stained-glass bookshelves and stylish light fixtures.
With its wood accents, expressive architecture and bright lighting, this intimate den makes for a great work-focused space.
Flowing off the formal dining room, the upgraded farm-style kitchen boasts plenty of cabinet space, a butcher’s woodblock island and a stylish stovetop.
Featuring walk-in closets, bow window seating and its own wraparound balcony, the primary bedroom serves as a lovely retreat.
The topmost floor features two additional rooms that can be used as bedrooms, playrooms, home offices or a library.
The “English-style pub” basement features more wood accents, exposed pipes, a built-in wet bar and a home theatre set up for complete entertainment.
The spacious, stunning wine cellar is the perfect spot to complete your wine collection and impress your guests.
The front porch is just one of the home’s three decks and porches. There’s also a wraparound balcony in the primary bedroom and a rooftop balcony connected to the atrium above the garage.
The wood-burning pizza oven is sure to deliver flavourful pizzas (paired, of course, with a bottle of wine from the cellar).
Connected to the oversized triple (and heated) garage, the 1,500-square-foot guest house is an appealing modern home ideal for guests, family and renters, alike.
The 12-acre property includes a barn, workshop, secondary detached garage, firepit area with five RV hookups and plenty of open land for morning walks or runs.
[Note: This story has been updated to reflect the updated listing price.]