Look inside a restored 119-year-old home in North Point Douglas
When you step through the front door of Matthew Jacobi's 119-year-old home, it's like jumping back through history.
For the past year, Jacobi has been restoring his Queen Anne Revival-era home in Winnipeg's North Point Douglas neighbourhood back to its former glory.
"It's been a challenge, but well worth it," he told CTV News.
From original stained glass windows to special order mother-of-pearl light switches, even the lightbulbs themselves – the details of the house are exactly as they were when it was built in 1905.
That's just the way Jacobi likes it.
Matthew Jacobi's house in the Winnipeg's North Point Douglas neighbourhood. April 23, 2024. (Danton Unger/CTV News Winnipeg)
"I think the Victorian and Edwardian eras were just a simpler time in many ways," he said.
"They really appreciated tea parties and garden parties and some of the finer things, and it was a slower pace of life. And I think that we really need to return to some of those things."
While there's still work to be done, Jacobi has completed most of the home's main floor – the front parlour, the dining room, and the kitchen – complete with an electric stove from 1920 and an ice box.
"No dishwasher, and I'm happy about that," he said.
Jacobi has been interested in restoring homes since he was young, visiting his grandparent's home that had been built in 1894. He started this type of restoration project about 15 years ago, and is hoping to complete many more.
Matthew Jacobi standing in the dining room of his restored home in Winnipeg's North Point Douglas neighbourhood. April 23, 2024. (Danton Unger/CTV News Winnipeg)
"We have all the technology, we have all the power tools, but there's something about a home built with hand tools and in a simpler time with the level of detail," he said. "It's not only about the physical structure, but it's about the stories and the people that those embody as well."
Jacobi's work on the home was recognized by Heritage Winnipeg, naming him as one of three winners of the annual Preservation Award.
"It's a testament that you don't need to have designation to protect and bring these homes back to their opulent glory," said Heritage Winnipeg Executive Director Cindy Tugwell.
"I think particularly to give focus to North Point Douglas and the North End. We can't abandon that part of the city. It's really where a lot of our history started, so these beautiful historic homes represent our history."
While sourcing materials and furniture from the early 1900s has come at a cost, Jacobi said it has been rewarding. He hopes his home will inspire others to help keep Winnipeg's history standing for generations to come.
"Once these houses are lost, they cannot be replicated. It's important to preserve them," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
A climate activist in Paris stuck a protest poster on Monet's 'Poppy Field'
An environmental activist was detained Saturday after sticking a protest sign to a Monet painting in Paris' famed Orsay Museum.
North Korea is sending more trash-carrying balloons to South Korea
North Korea launched more trash-carrying balloons toward the South after a similar campaign earlier in the week, according to South Korea's military, in what Pyongyang calls retaliation for activists flying anti-North Korean leaflets across the border.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.