This modernist house has two levels that overlook a stream - the lower level is only somewhat visible in the photos. In 2008, the addition of this house onto the Inventory of Heritage properties was discussed, but as of 2009 it was not actioned.

The circa 1955 residence with a single pitched roof and carport was designed by the British-born architect Basil Capes. Mr. Capes had a strong love of the natural environment, and he set the house atop a ravine lot that slopes down to the creek. Conservation land on the opposite side creates a wall of greenery.

Lily and Harvey Bowman lived in the house for close to 40 years.

The residence is included in the John Blumenson tome Ontario Architecture: A Guide to Styles and Building Terms 1784 to the Present. Mr. Blumenson presents the house as a fine example of the “Contempo” style.

As for the architect, he had such an abiding interest in nature and the welfare of living creatures that he often devoted his time to designing shelters for humane societies. He gave up his architectural practice in the 1980s in order to dedicate more of his energy to animal protection.

He was president of the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada and, after his death, a memorial lecture series was established in his name at the University of Guelph.

Most recently, Janna Levitt of LGA Architectural Partners was hired to redesign the interior within the existing footprint. A detached garage added in the 1970s was located behind the carport. They decided to join the former garage to the house and create a spacious master suite.

The interior of the house was gutted to the exterior walls and all of the mechanical and electrical systems were upgraded.

Three small bedrooms with dropped ceilings seemed closed-in and uninviting; the new floorplan replaced the diminutive bedrooms with a large kitchen and dining area.