A Grandfather's Gift

Jean worked as an interior designer for over forty years.She is a retired member of the Association of RegisteredInterior Designers of Ontario, known in the industry asA.R.I.D.O.Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jean was raised in Toronto,Ontario by her loving grandparents Grace and ThomasBignell from Bristol, England.Reginald and Jean were married in 1958; they raised onedaughter and two sons. How fortunate they are to haveseven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.Reginald owns his own contracting company, now in its60 th year of business.With his expertise in repairing and rebuilding, and Jean'seye for colour, together they have renovated anddecorated over twenty older houses. Over the years, thisbecame their weekend hobby. Some people love to golf orplay bridge, but breathing life back into older homes is anatural endeavour for Jean and Reginald.When they purchased Glencairn Hall in 2004, they knewthat this would be the largest project they would everattempt. But the great architectural features were alreadypresent. Ultimately they enjoyed every minute of thisimmense project, and feel that they have accomplished animportant task for their community.Niagara on the Lake has become a very special place toJean and Reginald. This book is part history, with storiesabout the prominent people who resided here at GlencairnHall. Jean chronicles the lives, passions, and heritage offormer owners who originated from Scotland, England,and Hong Kong. This book is also part restoration, partinterior design, and part description of the beautifulgardens in pink.