Perched majestically on a hilltop above Lake Ontario, the graceful Italianate architecture of Port Hope's Villa Idalia effortlessly evokes the timeless romance and elegance of a secluded estate on Lake Como. This stately and grand home, with its 3-storey tower, turret, soaring windows, portico, and wrap-around verandah, brings to mind a bygone era of formality and grandeur.  Encased by tall cedar hedging for privacy, the country French-style gardens of clipped boxwood and cedars, dotted with mythical statuary and urns, appropriately frame the distinctive soft pink facade. One can feel the history upon entering through the iron gates, down the brick driveway and past the manicured gardens. The heraldic coat-of-arms of the original Seymour family gleams in stained glass above the grand entrance hall door, reminding visitors of the home's importance and providence. The scale of the living and dining rooms off the centre hall are striking, both in size and height, lined with intricate cornice mouldings, generous baseboards and centred with elaborate ceiling medallions and chandeliers. A family room off the living room leads to an outdoor covered portico and the gardens. A south-facing wrap-around verandah sweeps around the dining room. The large chef-ready kitchen retains important elements of the original 19th-century character while accommodating modern living. An impressive stained-glass window throws colourful light on the landing leading to the main bedrooms, three of which boast beautifully renovated ensuite baths, and one has a built-in vanity and tower room with window seats. A 2-bedroom, 2-storey apartment and an expansive third-floor guest suite complete the house. An adjacent cottage, fully equipped and with a gas fireplace, complements the home in colour and style, as does the oversized garage. This elegant mansion offers an outstanding combination of unique architectural heritage, extensive accommodation and exciting potential for alternative uses.

Situated approximately 109 kilometres east of Toronto, Port Hope is widely celebrated for having the best-preserved 19th-century streetscape in Canada. With a choice of several great restaurants and the Capitol Theatre, the town punches far above its weight when it comes to food and culture. Trinity College School (TCS) is a prestigious independent boarding and day school located on a beautiful 100-acre campus. Whether envisioned as a magnificent primary residence or a sophisticated weekend retreat, 92 Augusta Street awaits its next storied chapter.