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Prominently situated on Yonge Street, Hillary House National Historic Site sits nestled upon two acres of land. Hillary House was designated a National Historic Site by the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1973. Considered one of Canada's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, Hillary House is the most complete domestic structure recorded by the Canadian Inventory of Historic Buildings. Commemorative integrity at Hillary House is not only attributed to the building but also the grounds and lawns located at the front, south and north ends of the property. Through the generosity of the Hillary Family and Murray and Marvelle Koffler, the Aurora Historical Society acquired Hillary House in 1981 and the building has since undergone extensive restoration, repair and stabilization.

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Hillary House National Historic Site
2008
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

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Called The Manor by the Hillary family, Hillary House was built in 1862 and constructed in the Gothic Revival style, a type of architecture that draws inspiration from the Middle Ages. The steeply peaked gabled roof, bargeboard or gingerbread carpentry and quatrefoil motifs, and pointed arches under the verandah are some of the notable elements of the style.

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Hillary House Verandah
2012
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

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Many additions and alterations have occurred to the building following its construction. For example, in 1870 Dr. Frederick Strange added the ballroom and enlarged the original kitchen. This extension was continued by Dr. Robert William Hillary who installed the bathroom, one of the earliest in Aurora, in 1888. Although no longer in existence, an ice house and shed were attached to the rear of the house.

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Back View of Hillary House
2008
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

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Different areas of the house were also used for different purposes as each family made the building their home. The ballroom served as a billiard room when Dr. Frederick Strange occupied the house but was then transformed into additional bedroom space for the nine children of Edith and Robert Michael Hillary.

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Barn
2012
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

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Mr. Tootin's House - The Barn

The barn to the south of the house is also a notable building located on the property. Fully restored by 2007, and also in the Gothic Revival style, its board and batten siding can be seen on the exterior.

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Board and Batten Siding
2012
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

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Tending to the calf
Circa 1915
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

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This type of barn was typically called a "Town Barn" and used to store tools and equipment for maintaining the grounds. Prior to a drive shed wing being added, it also housed the family's carriage and sleigh. It also acted as living quarters for the hired man, Mr. Tootin. To the side of the barn, a lean-to was constructed where a chicken run and straw shed were located.

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Robert Michael Hillary travelling by sleigh
Circa 1900
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society