Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Birkett Castle

The Embassy of Hungary often participates in Doors Open. Set in Centretown on Metcalfe, it occupies a mansion called Birkett Castle, with the ambassador's residence in the older part of the structure, while day to day diplomatic work occupies the newer additions. It dates to 1896, done in a Baronial Gothic style, and is named for its first owner, Thomas Birkett, who was the mayor of the city at the time. Its architectural style certainly evokes the castle theme, and it is quite welcoming inside, with details that include Hungarian items and art, as well as a bust of King Stephen I.


This tulip structure was outside the front door, with insignia on it that noted that it had been painted this year. Hungarian colours and symbols are part of its decorative motif.

32 comments:

  1. Birkett Castle is like a fairytale castle William ☺ so nice to see the interior details. The Hungarian Embassy staff are lucky to work here ✨

    ReplyDelete
  2. A most interesting building. Love that tulip painting with Hungarian symbols and colors.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Birkett Castle looks amazing. Looks neat and clean every where. Tulip structures looks beautiful by its color and the design on them:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks like an interesting place to visit. I like your photo of the bust of King Stephen through the mirror:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. A very pretty place to look around.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ...it certainly looks like a castle, filled with lovely details!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like this one. It is the king of place that looks like it would stay cool, even without air conditioning.

    Janis
    GDP

    ReplyDelete
  8. It really looks like a small castlle, I like it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello, it is a beautiful castle. I love the tour! Have a happy day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. @Grace: it is quite a building.

    @Lowell: the tulip was a surprise.

    @WW: I agree.

    @Rosie: thank you!

    @Francisco: thanks!

    @Marianne: it is indeed.

    @Tom: it's quite a place to visit.

    @Janis: I suspect that's the case.

    @Jan: I do too.

    @Eileen: thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the tour of the Embassy that you provided. That tulip structure is beautiful. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a stunning building and I especially appreciate the interior details -- that work over the doorway in the photo near the top, the cornices, the gorgeous stairway. I'd love to see this one!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a great looking building with those castle touches.

    ReplyDelete
  14. gorgeous!! i need 2 google what you call the doodad above a doorway? ... sort of looks like a metal fancy-ness, such amazing details. off to see, i am sure it is something fancy-ly-named, i think?! ( ;

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hard to believe that families actually lived in these homes. They certainly had servants to live that style of life.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful photos

    The details are gorgeous. The fireplace surround is stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  17. @DJan: I agree.

    @Marie: it is!

    @Jeanie: it's very well detailed.

    @Sharon: I think so too.

    @Beth: thanks!

    @Red: they would have had to.

    @Maywyn: thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very lovely historical architecture and photos ~ favorite is the one of the chair in the corner ~

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very elegant and an interesting place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is gorgeous inside and out!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great photos and what a lovely old place. I always wanted to live in a very old home. I have had friends who have done so, and walking down old staircases, seeing all the little works of art in the carpentry, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Birkett Castle is beautiful, a very nice place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  23. @Carol: thanks!

    @Marleen: I think so.

    @RedPat: I agree.

    @Denise: this place certainly has artistic carpentry.

    @Bill: it definitely is that.

    ReplyDelete
  24. What lovely windows and beautiful details inside. The woodwork is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  25. The staircase and the fireplace verge on magnificent.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This whole place is just spectacular. I also adore the tulip.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would like to visit this castle!

    ReplyDelete
  28. The chair would be great for reading.

    ReplyDelete
  29. It *IS* a castle! Wow. Impressive.

    ReplyDelete
  30. @Kay: I agree.

    @Mari: definitely.

    @Michelle: so do I.

    @Catarina: I like it.

    @Klara: it would.

    @Jennifer: definitely.

    ReplyDelete