A house where Queen Elizabeth II once slept is for sale in Edmonton
A rare opportunity to own a fascinating piece of Edmonton’s history has come up in Glenora.
Located at 10226 Connaught Dr. NW, the 1912-built property is listed for $1,680,000 and has six bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
The house was once the residence of John C. Bowen, Alberta’s longest-serving lieutenant governor. After clashing with Premier William Aberhart over controversial Social Credit legislation in the 1930s, Bowen was evicted from Government House and used this property as his “unofficial Government House.”
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
It also has a royal connection. When King George VI and Queen Elizabeth toured Canada in 1939, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret stayed here. Ruth Bowen, the lieutenant governor’s daughter, kept the thank-you notes from the two princesses.
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Dr. Eric Schloss bought the home from Ruth in 1978 with his wife, Alexis. Alexis was a designer and well-known Edmonton philanthropist who was involved with a number of charities. She also reimagined the interior, and her redesign was featured in Western Living magazine for preserving the home’s history while updating it for family life.
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Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Inside, the house retains its original character, featuring elegant millwork, a grand entryway, and formal living and dining rooms. It also features unique details, including a maid’s staircase, a service bell system, and a sunroom that was converted from the original wraparound porch.
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
If you’re an avid book collector like Schloss, the library is well-suited to your needs — he noted there was “major reinforcement work” done in the basement to support tens of thousands of first editions, rare finds, and everyday reads.
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
And if the royal visit wasn’t enough, the property even has a presidential quirk — a toilet cover that once belonged to U.S. President Richard Nixon.
“We got it from the Drake Hotel in Chicago,” Schloss told us.
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Large windows bring in plenty of natural light, and mature landscaping gives the home privacy and a park-like feel.
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
Judy Clare-Packer/Re/Max Excellence
After nearly five decades in the family and a wealth of memories, the home is ready for its next chapter. Glenora may be full of beautiful houses, but not many with a story like this!