An iconic Kelowna landmark is going on the market for the first time in 87 years.
Owned by two prominent local families, the DeHart House/Bennett Estate, off of Ethel Street, is for sale.
F.R.E. DeHart built the Tudor revival style home between 1912 and 1914 and named it ‘Brookside Manor’.
Jim Burkinshaw with the Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS), said DeHart was a key figure in the development of early Kelowna.
“He was instrumental in the fruit growing industry, as a land developer, a city councillor from 1907 to 1908 and as mayor in 1909,” explained Burkinshaw.
Originally set on a seven-acre property, bordering Mill Creek, the house was sold in 1936 to William Andrew Cecil Bennett.
“W.A.C. Bennett was a hardware businessman but also an investor and promoter of other Kelowna enterprises. Bennett served as the local MLA from 1941 until he retired from politics in 1973. He served as premier of the province from 1952-1972 and remains B.C’s longest-serving premier,” said Burkinshaw.
The house now sits on .2 acres and is surrounded by a spacious lawn which hosts numerous gatherings including the annual Canada Day garden party.
The COHS recently formed a committee of heritage advocates to explore long-term public uses for this designated heritage home. The COHS was created in 1982 by concerned citizens after the First United Church (now Benvoulin Heritage Church) was threatened with demolition.
According to Peter Chataway, a Kelowna heritage advocate, finding the appropriate use for this significant family home will be challenging but could be “successful if the right funders and low-impact use can be found.”
Chataway explained that many of the original and early exterior and interior details and elements remain in good condition, “from intricate cherry-finished woodwork along the walls, various portions of original wallpaper, chandeliers, a marble entry, a grand staircase, and double hung wood windows.”
The COHS committee is looking for ideas, from new uses for the home to funding ideas to conserve this very significant piece of Kelowna and B.C. history.
For more information or to discuss potential ideas contact COHS at, cohs@telus.net or 250-861-7188.
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