In 1978, Gordon and Patricia Cunningham purchased a deteriorating Victorian farmhouse on 57 acres near Creemore, Ontario, transforming the former heritage farm into a year-round family retreat. The property, originally established in 1895 by pioneer settlers John and Margaret Lott, had undergone several ownership changes before being acquired by local investors in the mid-1960s who attempted to develop a ski hill on the site. The venture was unsuccessful, leaving the farmhouse and land in disrepair when the Cunninghams took possession.

At the time, Mr. Cunningham was commuting from Toronto to ski resorts along the Niagara Escarpment near Georgian Bay. Seeking a permanent base closer to the slopes, the couple found the solidly built farmhouse, which featured triple-brick construction on its first floor. Although the interior required extensive restoration—such as the removal of makeshift bathroom fixtures and layers of paint—the couple was attracted to the property’s sturdy foundations and historic character.

Local contractors, including a family of seven brothers, assisted in clearing debris and uncovering original pine and oak floors beneath years of neglect. The Cunninghams themselves invested significant time in restoring intricate woodwork and Victorian architectural details while raising their three children on the property.

Over the years, the farm evolved beyond a seasonal retreat. Original plans for skiing gave way to simpler recreational activities, including a toboggan run. The couple enhanced the environment through reforestation efforts supported by a provincial forestry program, planting approximately 90,000 coniferous trees and introducing 900 black walnut saplings to replace timber harvested earlier in the 20th century.

The farmhouse underwent several expansions starting in the mid-2000s with a two-storey addition featuring new bedrooms and living spaces, followed by a sunroom and a modern kitchen complete with built-in appliances and a brick fireplace. The renovations also restored the wrap-around porch, incorporating period-appropriate gingerbread trim, all while preserving the home’s original façade as viewed from the rural road.

Currently, the property—known as Fairview Farm—includes six bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two powder rooms, and nearly 5,000 square feet of living space. A 1,385-square-foot lower level houses amenities such as a recreation room, wet bar, wine cellar, and home theatre. The grounds boast two spring-fed ponds, a historic apple orchard, perennial gardens, vegetable beds, and a landscape marked by rolling lawns and glacial boulders.

The Cunninghams’ children grew up engaged in outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and pond hockey, with multiple family weddings held on the estate. The family maintains ties to local recreational institutions including Devil’s Glen Country Club and Mad River Golf Club, where several members have earned instructor qualifications.

Following his semi-retirement in 2006, Mr. Cunningham pursued an interest in viniculture, planting grapevines and establishing a barrel room within the farm’s circa 1899 barn and adjacent drive shed. The vineyard produces over 1,000 bottles annually, including a single-vineyard Marechal Foch red, blended whites, and rosés. Grape harvests have become multigenerational family events, involving participants ranging from toddlers to nonagenarians.

Meanwhile, Creemore has grown from a small hamlet into a vibrant community featuring a well-known brewery, farmers market, and various shops and restaurants, contributing to the farm’s appeal as both a private retreat and a hub for family life.