Former Eden Dorm

Locust Grove B&B (2016)

Originally constructed by Empire Loyalist, Jacob Ball, in 1782, the house was burnt down during the War of 1812. Ball’s son George, rebuilt the house on the same site in 1820, which is immortalized in the painting by artist, Trisha Romance, “White Christmas.” It subsequently endured 2 additional fires and many alterations.  The Virgil Mennonite Brethren Bible School and subsequent Eden Christian College occupied the property from 1944-1985. The house was abandoned from 1985 to 1996.  It was purchased by Jens Ramputh in 2001, and single-handedly restored to what you see in these photos from 2016. Thanks to former Eden teacher Jim London for sharing some of these photos. 

The entrance reveals the grand foyer with the 200-year-old staircase, original floors, 2 large drawing rooms and 11-foot ceilings throughout. The upper hall is restored in the Imperial style with inland walnut floors, frescoed ceilings and ornate plaster work. The 3 large bedrooms showcase the bright Georgian sash windows, restored in the original manner with 130 year old glass. Historic Locust Grove, is the oldest estate in Ontario.

It seems like a B&B was operated by Jens Ramputh between Spring 2015 and June 2017. It was sold after that.   By August 2017 the owner was Andy Tersigni. Since then further changes have been approved which included the demolition and replacement of the 1904 rear addition.