Heritage Homes -

Book Feature: Twin Gables in Calgary, Alberta

As some of you may be aware I am in the process of writing a book on historic interiors of Alberta. As I gather information and take photographs of these houses I will share some of their photographs with you. The pictures below are from a historic home known as "Twin Gables"located in the city of Calgary , Alberta.

Historic Background

Twin Gables was built in 1912 in the Arts and Crafts style that was so popular then. It is located in an area of Calgary that was nicknamed American Hill due to the high number of homes that were owned by Americans. Eventually the name of the neighborhood was changed to Mount Royal. The house was built between 1910 and 1912 by Mr. Milliken, a lawyer who had come to Calgary from Toronto.

A Generous Gift

Due to the economic crisis following the 1929 stock market crash he lost the house to the bank. Wellington Walker, an entrepreneur also from Toronto, bought it in 1932 for $10,500. He was involved in the coal and cattle business and owned several sign shops. In 1965, at 91 years of age, he willed the house to his caregiver who turned it into a lodging house after his death. After she passed away in 1972 it remained a rooming house and slowly started to fall in disrepair.

The house's previous owners did a lot of the work in restoring the home - all three floors of it. ( This will be explained in the book). Four years ago the current owners bought it with the intention of making it a bed and breakfast. You owe it to yourself to stay at Twin Gables when you are next in Calgary. It's an experience you don't want to miss. For more information on the house and the bed and breakfast go to the following web site:

Twin Gables B&B: http://www.twingables.ca/

Tell Deirdre, your hostess, that you heard about her B&B from this web site!


Note the original Arts and Crafts wallpaper. The colors are still rich and vibrant.	This is a bathroom on the 3rd floor - in its original footprint with some original fixtures.

Another view.	Vintage Textiles

This is a view from the living room to the porch.(See below) Note the amazing oak woodwork, the ceiling and light fixtures.	Another view from the living room. The parlor features a hand painted frieze over paper. ( scenes of London)


Original Stained glass. Nice!	View into the front porch

Written By Johanne Yakula

Sources: From Times Past Antique Furniture and Accessories