History of the Estate

Over 160 Years of Memories

Many tales of Kingsville’s history began right here…

The making of this unique and beautiful estate began in the 1800’s, when the founder of Kingsville, Colonel James King came to the area and changed its history forever. Col. King was a scholar of Cambridge University from Devonshire, England who had journeyed to Canada with his wife, Sarah Nightingale and her two sons in 1826. Their life in Canada began in Montreal, until an epidemic of cholera forced them to flee to Michigan. There they remained until another epidemic of fever broke out in 1835, causing them to embark on a journey back to Montreal. However, winter sprung upon them during their trip, making it very difficult to continue traveling. They decided to stay in what was then known as Gosfield Township, Upper Canada. Col. King built a shanty on Division Road (near the Fifth Concession) to over winter, but when spring arrived, the beauty of this area called them to stay. Col. King and his wife expanded onto their humble home, and soon had three children, James, Ellen and Alfred.

Later, King served with the Third Essex Regiment, and earned the title Lieutenant Colonel during the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-38. He was one of the few educated men in the area, and became an important figure in the growing community, teaching and engaging in many civic activities. In 1843 he built another house at what is now the northwest corner of Main Street and Division Road, and Sarah gave birth to their youngest son, Sidney. Sidney Arthur King was the first child to be born in the hamlet.

Over the years, Colonel King led the settlers in building a school house, assisted in the building of St. John’s Anglican Church, laid out the plan for the village, became a Notary Public, a clerk of the Division Court, a Collector of Customs, an insurance agent and the Superintendent of Schools for Gosfield.  In 1852, the community of 100 people named the village Kingsville in his honour.

Colonel King decided to build an even greater home, and in 1856, he began construction of a unique octagonal house on 6 acres of land on Mill Street West. It was two stories high, with windows in all directions and a covered veranda all around. The design was brilliant at the time, as it allowed the winds from any direction to cool it down during the hot and humid summers. There are tales of Colonel King’s generous hospitality, as he was sympathetic to those in need of shelter. Whether they were survivors from the American Civil War, or simply weary travelers, they were welcome at the great Kingsholme.

Col. King remained in his lovely home, which is now Estate of Health, for the rest of his days, and he passed in 1880. His son, Dr. Sidney Arthur King apparently purchased the home from him for $10 in 1876, and added the great room (which is currently the yoga room). Dr. King treated patients in the north room (the Reception & Boutique), and like his father, became and important figure in the community. He founded the Kingsville Reporter in 1873, led a lobby in Ottawa encouraging the federal government to build a harbour in Kingsville, and became the Reeve of Kingsville and its representative at Essex County Council. Dr. King and some investors, including Hiram Walker led an exploratory expedition in Lake Erie, and discovered gas. The Kingsville Natural Gas & Oil Company was thus created and served the surrounding area for many years. Dr. King worked with the Walker family to form the Lake Erie and Detroit River Railroad, and brought it to Kingsville in 1889. They built the Mettawas Hotel in 1891, and Dr. King became the railway’s first president. He was also dear friends with Mr. Jack Miner, and supported his bird sanctuary and brick yard. It is thanks to Sydney that the Hiram Walker buildings were constructed of Jack Miner bricks!

Following Dr. King’s death in 1907, his son, Major George C. King moved into the Kingsholme and made many improvements. He expanded on the south wing, creating the kitchen, and added a wing to the west, making space for the dining room. He built the coach house in 1920, had the stone wall constructed by Aurelian Davy & Joseph Deacon in 1924, and added a pool in 1926 for his twin daughters, Alice and Helen. One of George’s sons, Charles King purchase the southern three acres of land to live and work on. This section of the property is now occupied by the neighbourhood of Kingswood Drive.

Dr. Sydney King’s daughter, Laura purchased the home from George in 1937, and lived there with her husband, Frank Reid for many years. She continued the tradition of hospitality and being a friendly neighbour there until she sold the house in 1963, shortly after her husband died. She was the last King to live in the Kingsholme.

The estate was sold to Mr. Walter L. McGregor who became a lawyer in town and developed the subdivision in the southern three acres of the property. Mr. McGregor and his late wife, Helen renovated the Kingsholme and enjoyed its lovely landscape for over thirty years. Alas, in retirement, they sold the property to Robert and Barbara Dick and Barbara’s parents, Jacob and Helena Koop in 1996. The Kingsholme was once again loved and renovated, and open as The Kingswood Inn Bed & Breakfast in 1997. For over twenty years, the estate offered the Koops and Dicks a wonderful place to live, work and raise children.

In 2019 the property was sold to Jim and Heather Scott, and their daughter Jordan Scott-Trepanier, who would open a Holistic Wellness Centre and Yoga Studio there, the following year. The Scotts lovingly renovated the home once again, this time making it accessible. They widened the door frames for wheelchair access, added a lovely sunroom, a barrier free washroom, an outdoor Day Spa Area including a hot tub, sauna, washroom and meditation room, and many healing gardens. Jordan lives in the coach house with her husband, Michael Trepanier, and operates the wellness centre. Now, 163 years later, Colonel James King’s estate has become Estate of Health, Holistic Wellness Centre and Yoga Studio! Jordan has gathered several excellent teachers and practitioners in the field of Holistic Health to offer wellness services in the historic Kingsholme. This century home is once again, a symbol of a thriving community as it welcomes all to find peace, love and healing for many years to come!