Andrea and Todd Irwin’s home hasn’t been a gallery for years, but on Sept. 15, the Blezard Valley residence will be on display again for the IODE Tour of Homes.
The 112-year-old building used to be home to the Whitson Creek Gallery before the Irwins purchased it 13 years ago.
Since then, the couple has added a full second story to the home and made changes to nearly every room in the house.
We just look for quality pieces that are timeless, that you can change your decorating style with, and that can easily fit in to any décor.
Andrea Irwin,
homeowner
Andrea described the home’s décor as a “a mix of French country and contemporary.” The four-bedroom house is full of classic antique pieces, from an old Eaton’s sign to an ancient dentist’s chair from the early 1900s.
“We buy a lot of architectural salvage, like actual architectural pieces off of older buildings that have been torn down,” Andrea said. “We just look for quality pieces that are timeless, that you can change your decorating style with, and that can easily fit in to any décor.”
Todd noted that many items in the house come from flea markets, antique stores, auctions and the couple’s store, The Gallery and Brew Shop, in Hanmer.
Andrea said she and Todd were originally attracted to the house because of its historical architecture.
“It’s hard to find that in Sudbury, because everything is torn down and turned into parking lots,” she said.
When the couple went on the IODE Tour of Homes last year, Andrea said she noticed other “people trying to get new ideas.”
Now that the couple has finished the vast majority of their renovations, they said they are looking forward to welcoming people to their home, and inspiring others with their décor.
Andrea and Todd Irwin. Photo by Jenny Jelen
Other stops on this year’s tour include The Becker House, 25 Fred St., Sudbury, Sherry and Mike Brouzes’s home at 2189 Greenwood Dr., Sudbury, brothers Brad and Ken Hayes’ bachelor pad at 244 Lansdowne Ave., Sudbury and Amber Salach and Matthew Schultze’s completely redone home at 147 Pine St., Sudbury.
Mary Clancy, communication convener for IODE, said many people put their homes on the tour to support the ladies’ charitable organization and to show off the work they’ve done to their living spaces.
Sudbury’s “original” home tour has been going on for about 35 years. Funds raised from the event will continue to support local groups, like Pioneer Manor.
Passports to the Tour of Homes cost $20, and can be purchased from A Touch of Class, Barrydowne Paint and Wallpaper, El Mercado, Flower Towne, Forget-me-not Flowers, Gallery and Brew Shop, Helvi’s Flower House, Lougheed Flowers and Rosery Florist.
The tour takes place on Sept. 15 from 1 to 8 p.m.
