Annandale National Historic Site is temporarily closed to the public until such time as both the health and safety of visitors and the preservation of the historic surfaces within the house can be guaranteed. Current government-approved disinfectants for high-touch areas (e.g. doorknobs, handrails, door frames) are not recommended by the Canadian Conservation Institute for use on historic surfaces.
Annandale House was built in the 1880s by Edwin Delevan Tillson (below), the first mayor of Tillsonburg and son of the town's founder, George Tillson.
The interior of Annandale House is a living monument to the Victorian style of design, known as the "Aesthetic Art Movement."
Popularized by Oscar Wilde, this movement encouraged the use of colour and decorative detailing in all areas of the home.
In 1882, Mrs. Mary Ann Tillson (pictured at right) attended Wilde's "The House Beautiful" lecture in Woodstock, Ontario and applied much of what she heard when decorating her new home.
Annandale House features extravagant, hand-painted ceilings, elaborate inlaid floors, ornate mantles, colourful stained glass and more.
History of the house | ||||||
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Preservation and restoration | ||||||
In 1981, Annandale House was facing possible demolition. A group of concerned citizens began a fundraising campaign to purchase and restore the home. Remarkably, the group did not ask for any local tax dollars to achieve their vision. Instead, they asked the municipality to cover the ongoing operational costs. The Town agreed, and the group moved forward with its plan.
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Floor plan | ||||||
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