This year, fall has been incredibly vibrant and beautiful, and seems to be lasting longer than usual. This is fine with me, as it has always been my favourite time of year, and Tett House – like me – experiences the changing of the seasons with intensity and wonder.
Surrounded as we are by water and forest, we are treated to misty mornings and moody afternoons almost daily.
Fog rises on Bedford Mills pond like a gothic novel, deer tiptoe around the property with their yearling fawns, and flocks of Canadian geese take to the skies, relinquishing their time-share on Loon Lake to its winter residents, the swans.
In fall, most of the bugs are gone, and we can enjoy our outdoor fire pit once more. Pumpkins begin making their way into our decor. We start packing up the porch to make way for stacks of winter firewood that has been drying for months on the windiest side of the hill.
Closing up the summer porch is always a bittersweet time, but it’s mostly offset by the coziness of the first fires in our wood stove. Suddenly, the living room is the only place anyone wants to be.
Our heavily treed property means that we have a front row seat to the glorious views of fall colours. Of course, it also generates a lot of leaves! Raking is a big chore, but never one we seem to mind very much. Our driveway becomes a picturesque path, as if to reconcile us to future months of plowing and treacherous conditions.
As striking as Tett House is, it still retains that Victorian “haunted mansion” aura of spookiness and austerity it had when we first found it, after sitting empty for several years.
Never is this more apparent than in October, especially when you factor in the dilapidated outbuildings. Our carriage house (or “serial killer shed,” as we affectionately call it) makes an awesome backdrop for Hallowe’en.
Sometimes, I get a little sad that we live too far out of town for trick-or-treaters, but then again, what good is a haunted house without a little mystery? Tett House is a grand old dame, but she doesn’t let anyone get too close… including us sometimes.
Fall is also traditionally a time when I feel compelled to explore graveyards. In keeping with the unique history of the house, the original owners, Benjamin Tett Jr. and his wife Charlotte are buried in a private cemetery near Newboro, founded by his father in 1876 that is exclusive to the Tett Family.
According to findagrave.com, “It is not known for certain why Benjamin Tett [Sr.] decided to establish a family cemetery, although it is believed that this action was taken following a dispute with Reverend Tye who had threatened to excommunicate Benjamin and not allow him to be buried in the church cemetery.”
I absolutely love that the ancestors of Tett House entered into a grudge match with the local clergy that lasted beyond the grave. These are my kind of peeps!
Love, love your tales. Followed the transformation of the Tett House from dilapidated to magnificant.
Thank you so much! The house is still slightly dilapidated, but we soldier on!
I remember when we met at Dundas little Theatre and you showed us pictures of the house you were hoping to buy. I know you’ve done a lot of work on it and I hope you’re able to enjoy it now. Take care of yourself.
I remember, too! It seems so long ago now and we’ve been through so much. Onwards and upwards!
beauty all around and you have the eye to find it, focus it and offer it up for others and family to enjoy
Thank you, Lisbie!
Followed your story and admired your strength thru all your challenges. Happy you have some rewards with all beauty surrounding your home
Thank you so much! Yes, we have been repaid our troubles in natural beauty, for sure!
In the mid 1800s my ancestors, Stanton Bros., did a lot of building by subcontract to Benjamon Tett. I wonder if they had any part on building your house. It sure is a beauty!
It’s very possible! Were your ancestors wood workers or carpenters? Most, if not all, of the original wood cabinetry and trim remain in the home. We love it!
I absolutely love your writing about this house. Since Covid I live at my cottage and am just now starting to learn about the founders of the area. In my meanderings I sometimes see old abandoned farms with the home. Or old Victorian houses that have been lovingly repainted and worked on. Just love it.
There are many lovely old homes and farms in the area. We enjoy seeing them, too. Of course, Tett House is the one that captured our hearts and induced us to start a whole new life!
Beautiful writing and pictures. You’ve done wonders with the place!
Thanks so much! There is still a ton of work, but we hope to tockle it one project at a time. 🙂
Dana,
Home Is Where The Heart Is!
Tett House is certainly your heart.
❤️
It really is. 🙂
Such a pleasure to read your blog, Dana darling – a VERY belated happy birthday to you too – so very sorry that I missed it. Have a splendid year..xxx
Thank you, Dia! ❤️
You’ve done it again Dana – an excellent story about a one-of-a-kind country home! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for reading!
Always enjoy when you have a new blog post. Thanks for sharing your home and thoughts with us. Happy Fall!
Thank you for following along with the blog!
I so appreciate your blogs on your beautiful home along with the wonderful outdoor fall colors at this time of year.
It is interesting to hear any history on the Tett family.
Thank you, Joy! I always get a little thrill when a piece of Tett House history comes my way. 🙂