Did You Know: Belle Vue House

by Zachary Balogh

Sitting along Dalhousie Street in Amherstburg is a rectangular two-story house with a symmetrical façade built in the mid 1800s, called the Belle Vue house.   

According to the Belle Vue Conservancy, in 1812, Britain ordered the evacuation of Fort Amherstburg to a new headquarters at Burlington, due to American forces invading and occupying Amherstburg until July 1, 1815. Following the conflict Robert Reynolds and his family returned to Amherstburg, a war torn, depressed area at the time. Reynolds’ sisters, Margaret and Catherine, were both trained artists. Catherine produced a large body of work, including pastoral scenes of Palladian country homes, and is regarded as Canada’s first native born woman artist. In 1816, Reynolds began construction of a new home with a choice outlook of the river, which Therese named “Belle Vue”. At the time this was the largest home in Upper Canada, and it was a significant piece of architecture, a neo- Palladian / neo-classic country house much like Palladian farm homes in England.  

The house itself was constructed between 1816 and 1819, by Reynolds. He as well as their sisters called it their home. The building consists of a central two-storey rectangular block that features five bays and a small portico surmounting the main entrance that is supported by pilasters.  

Following the death of Robert Reynolds, the house was sold to a gentleman known as William Johnston in 1871. He updated the house to be the Italianate Villa. Johnston removed most of the house’s original features such as the classical front porch with a feature known as an Italianate veranda which stretched across the entire front of the house.  

After being derelict and vandalized on June 3, 1962 the historic home was transformed into the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church. Various portions of the house were transformed like the carriage house which was being made over to house outdoor events. The commercial kitchen served the dining room for banquets. All floors were put into use with the exception of the second floor although a room over the kitchen was used as a church office. 

The Town of Amherstburg later purchased the house for 1.1 million dollars. There were plans to create a six-room hotel, a spa, a restaurant and public gallery or event space.  

In 2001 the Belle Vue was designated as one of the top ten heritage sites in Canada in danger of demolition by neglect. Belle Vue Conservancy is looking for donations to restore the old building. For information you can contact the bellevueconservancy.com or call 519-736-7586.