Welcome to our “Featured Home”. You will see how these creative homeowners create a warm and welcoming home while working within the guidelines of a restoration philosophy. Questions? Email us at johanne@fromtimespast.com . Your feedback is appreciated.

On a quiet street, in a somewhat secluded residential neighborhood in Edmonton, amidst homes of various vintages stands Molstad House. Located on the corner of tree- lined streets, this Edwardian era house commands respect by its sheer size, expansive lot and unique architecture.

1912 was a year of optimism in Edmonton. Real estate prices were at an all time high and developers such as Edward H. Molstad made their fortune. Many beautiful homes were built by such men, many which have been restored and survive today. 1913 however saw the real estate bubble burst and many of these homes were eventually repossessed for non payment of taxes. What is remarkable is that the Molstads, Edward and Addie, did what was necessary to keep their home until Addie’s death in 1982! They sold parcels of the original five acre lot their house stood on and during the Depression renovated their home to accommodate four suites with the family living in one. Even the two carriage houses had tenants!

In 1988 ,the current and second owners Jean and Walter, bought the home. Both professionals in the health field they spent most of their time living abroad – especially in third world countries.They decided to purchase a house to act both as an investment as well as a home base in Canada in case they should return to live permanently. Having lived in Edmonton, Jean was responsible for finding such a place. In spite of warnings from the real estate agent and well meaning friends and relatives, Jean instantly fell in love with Molstad House and bought it. It would be a whole year before Walter even saw it.

The house continued to be rented while they lived and worked outside the country but in 1992 therestoration work began in earnest. The attic suite was vacated and the roof was returned to its original hip construction – a testament to Jean and Walter’s careful adherence to the rules of preservation and restoration. In the process they gave up a spectacular view of the river valley and the city center from a window that had been installed in the 1930’s. They also restored the entrance to the home and installed new heating.

In 1995 the exterior was rejuvenated. The brick was re-pointed, the original windows were removed, stripped of old paint, repainted and reinstalled. A new garage was constructed and in 1996 a garden room addition was added, both built in a style that is sympathetic to the home. 1997 saw the restoration of the veranda and the modernization of the kitchen. The last tenants departed and the Kipps moved in.

Restoration of the interior of the home began. Painted wood was stripped, and all the hardwood floors were removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. Light fixtures were replaced where required and walls were painted and wallpapered. Avid antique collectors, the Kipps have a good eye when it comes to choosing appropriate pieces for their Edwardian era residence – but this historic house is also a home that exudes warmth and approachability.

Both Walter and Jean agree that restoring this house has been a labour of love. Aware as they are of poverty through their work in third world countries, they are grateful that they own this home and are extremely generous to the community in its access for special events. Just as the original owners became well known in early Edmonton for its annual Children’s Christmas parties, the Kipps open their home for fund raising house tours on a regular basis. An accomplished pianist himself, Walter especially enjoys the concerts that are held in their home twice a year as fundraisers for the “Aids for Orphans”. To date they have managed to raise over $90,000 for this charity!

Owning Molstad House was more serendipitous than planned according to Jean. It was the first and only house they have ever owned. They love the space (over 3,800 square feet of it), the quality of light, and now that the landscaping is complete, they love the vistas from every window in their home. The attic, originally the servants’ domain, is now Walter’s office.

Like many old house owners, Walter and Jean see themselves as stewards of this architectural gem. They have many stories about the involvement of their neighbors (many who have lived in the area almost as long as the Molstads), such as when they chose the exterior paint colors. The quality of its construction, its sheer beauty, and its history continues to impress them even now, sixteen years later.

Molstad House is especially important to the community because it was the very first heritage house designated as a historic resource by the city of Edmonton. It is also designated provincially. With the continued stewardship of the Kipps, Molstad House will endure as one of Edmonton’s most significant historic resources and remind us all of gentler times before high rise condos and apartments ruled city skylines.

Sources: From Times Past Antique Furniture and Accessories

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