About Property

A timeless icon in Ripley. named in admiration of a French actress, "Bernhardt" has stood proudly at 1 Jessie Street since 1878. With a vision of serving this rural community young Dr Daniel Smith purchased 25 acres , planted trees, subdivided the land, built a pharmacy and designed the home to sit in the middle of the acreage which included his surgery. Incredible craftsmanship, ceilings, walnut doors, cherry woodwork and amazing plaster artisanry adorn this 3000 sq foot home;truly avant garde for the period. At the end of Jessie Street, this property remains defined by the majesty of walnut and other trees. Two working fountains adorn the yards- both will be operational the long weekend in May. The drive winds its way around the home to an amazing garage/shop and the original carriage house. Over the years the property was reduced to just under 1.5 acres. With loving care the common thread has been family. Purchasing the property in 1918, the Martyn family was the third family to occupy the property; a family of 13 children!. Having deep roots in Ripley, the family ownership crossed over two generations. Always a quandary how the modest kitchen provisioned 30 plus guests! The concrete floor basement accommodates the modern heating system with walk ups to the side yard. The current owners purchased this property in 1999 with a passion for heritage and antiquities they lovingly care for every inch of the home and property. Converting one of the six bedrooms into a spa-like bath greatly improved the functionality of the second floor; the original bathroom is now a great storage closet. The den on the second floor is adorned by intricate plaster detail at the ceiling similar to the main floor "parlour". Most of the rooms throughout the home have unusually tall windows ( about 5 feet each!). So many stories to share it's difficult to describe it all here. Loved by families for over 100 years. It's ready to love your family next.

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