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Centrally located in the Beltline, the well-preserved Lougheed House may look increasingly out of place in a fast-growing neighbourhood proliferated by highrise condominiums, but its that juxtaposition that makes its protection all the more important. Constructed in 1891, the National Historic Site was built by Senator James Alexander Lougheed for his wife Isabella and their two sons, Clarence and Norman.
The 14,000-square-foot residence was originally known as "Beaulieu", from the french for "beautiful place." Following municipal regulations that stemmed from the fire of 1886, the facade is comprised of fire retardant sandstone rock originating from mines along the Bow River. A superlative example of an upper-middle class eclectic Victorian mansion, the building was surrounded by heavily landscaped grounds that made for a picturesque setting within what was then the outskirts of Calgary. A network of walkways penetrated the several grassy areas and oriented the building towards its 13th Avenue frontage. There were also a number of domestic animals like horses and chickens roaming the property.
The home was expanded in 1907 to accommodate the growing family — Lougheed would have four more children — and host a number of political gatherings. It became a renowned cultural and social hub during the family's stay at the residence, which ended in 1936, when Isabella passed away nine years after the death of her husband. The City repossessed the house two years later over failure to pay taxes. The Canadian Red Cross would purchase the house in 1948, owning the property until 1979, when the Alberta government bought the land. Though the building was preserved, it sat vacant for many years.
The incorporation of the Lougheed House Conservation Society in 1995 brought a renewed sense of longevity to the building and its expansive gardens. A restoration in 2000 and its reopening as a heritage attraction and restaurant pumped new life into the historic complex, which is one of Calgary's most handsome and fascinating surprises.
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