Hermitage Estate History

Hermitage Estate History. . , The Hermitage Estate encompassed a mansion, several outbuildings, and a large farm. Throughout the mid-nineteenth century, the farm thrived under George Leith's management, producing hay, oats, barley, and wheat crops. He also grew carrots, beets, and other root vegetables in the estate's gardens. and collected apples from the orchard. The farm was home to many animals, including horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens., The Hermitage property included a second small home called a lodge, a common feature on estates at the time. The lodge functioned as a house for the gardener and his family. It only had two rooms and a kitchen. Later, the lodge would be used as a guest house for one of Mr. Leith's granddaughters., As the years went on, the Hermitage Estate had many alterations and additions. Additional rooms and various outbuildings were constructed, including a stable, an ice house, a chicken pen, and a laundry washhouse., When George Leith's fifth and youngest child, Eleanor Alma, bought the estate, she hoped to manage it herself or hire someone to help her. Unfortunately, the Hermitage slowly deteriorated and the grounds became overgrown. It is said that Alma would allow the animals to wander in and out of the home at will, and it was not uncommon for guests to see sheep, chickens, cows, or horses in the reception rooms while having tea at the Hermitage Estate., The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) acquired the Hermitage Estate in 1972. After a few years of renovations and repairs, the Gatehouse Museum officially opened to the public in June 1975, and is located in the old lodge. Since then, HCA has completed numerous stabilization projects on the Hermitage ruins. Most recently, the mansion's exterior facade was restored, with the site re-opening to the public in June 2016.