At 805 & 815 Mackenzie Avenue, in the heart of Revelstoke, stands a home that every local knows by sight. Iconic in stature, this grand Edwardian estate – locally known as 'Minto Manor' – has long captured the curiosity of passersby and the imagination of the community. For decades, it stood as a symbol of potential – a landmark waiting for its next chapter. Today, after a decade of loving, painstaking work, that chapter is ready to be written.
This is not just a home brought to market. It’s a triumph of restoration, storytelling and craftsmanship. Originally built in 1905, this stately residence has been completely reimagined by Revelstoke’s top custom builders – yet it retains the soul and spirit of its earliest days.
Set on a double lot with sweeping views of Mt. Begbie, Mt. Cartier, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and the Columbia River, the 5,342-square-foot home offers the rare combination of heritage character and modern luxury. But for the small, tight-knit team behind its rebirth, the goal was never simply to modernize – it was to honour, elevate and preserve.
“This project has been the biggest challenge of my entire career,” says Melanie Bernier, lead designer and owner of Monashees drafting and design. “So much emotion, time and energy has gone into its creation. From the very beginning, I could feel the potential in the bones. The shell was rough, but the spirit of the house was strong.”
That 'shell' – the original exterior – was preserved even as the home was completely rebuilt from within. A new foundation was poured. Warmboard radiant floor heating installed on every level. But even with such extensive structural changes, care was taken to preserve the home's essence – from its handmade replacement concrete blocks, created onsite using century-old techniques, to the restored stained glass windows that now scatter light across custom wood finishes.
“I feel like it’s hard to fully express the depth of care that went into this build,” says Derek Lammie, Wellwood Custom Homes. “We needed to replace so many of the original exterior blocks, but nothing we found matched. So we did what they did in 1905 – we made them ourselves. It was painstaking work, but the result is seamless.”
Every choice was deliberate. The wide plank Hemlock flooring, for instance, was custom milled from trees handpicked by Derek and the client. “You can’t just buy 20-inch-wide hardwood floorboards,” Derek explains. “We harvested the trees ourselves, had them milled and hired a local craftsman to install them. That’s the level of dedication we brought to every single decision.”
The result is a home that feels at once timeless and fresh. Five spacious bedrooms, each with an ensuite. A chef’s kitchen and handcrafted Lortap millwork throughout. A private gym, hot tub and media room. Exceptional acoustic performance for entertaining. Approved plans for a manager’s suite above the detached garage. Thoughtful zoning that supports a bed and breakfast or event-hosting.
“There’s just something so powerful about walking up to this beautifully restored Edwardian façade and then stepping inside to find this ultra-modern, light-filled interior that still feels deeply rooted in its past,” Melanie says. “We didn’t just rebuild a home – we honoured it.”
Ally Halstead, a long-time admirer of the property and now representing the listing as an agent under the Royal LePage Revelstoke brokerage, describes the home as 'soulful.'
“I began looking after the property during the pandemic,” Ally says. “It was during that strange and isolating time that I really connected with the home. I'd never seen anything like it before. The heritage exterior and the way the light danced through the stained glass onto the millwork headboards inside left a real impression. The owner’s unique art pieces brought a sense of joy that made the space feel incredibly special.”
Every room tells a story. The original stained glass casts its light on headboards and side tables made from reclaimed materials. The once unsupported, floating staircase has been replaced with a modern and structurally sound wood and steel stairwell. Even the intricate, dormered roof – originally framed with 2x6s – has been reinforced to stand the test of time.
More than a showpiece, the home was designed for connection. “My hope is that the future owners will continue the tradition of gathering here,” Melanie says. “This home was built to celebrate life – to host weddings, community events and joyful moments. It’s a space meant to be shared.”
For Revelstoke locals who’ve watched this home transform over the years – who’ve wondered what the future might hold – the wait is finally over. This once-forgotten gem has been restored with reverence and heart. A legacy reimagined. And now, it’s ready to welcome the next chapter.
To learn more about the unique opportunities this remarkable heritage property offers, contact Ally Halstead, Real Estate Agent, Royal LePage Revelstoke, at 778-887-3212 or by email at allyhalstead@royallepage.ca.