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= See So oees -- = Former Scugog mayor lives in classic stone homestead She 100 acre property on which this delightful stone house stands was purchased in 1845 by Robert Dobson. Following the pattern of so many early set- tlers, he immediately set about building a simple log home to protect his grow- ing family. This was built on the eastern half of his property. His wife Martha (Dawson) gave birth to seven children in their simple home. Meanwhile the Dobsons were busy clearing the western half of their land in order to build more substantial accommodation. By 1849 Saundra and Doug Moffatt they had enough money to build this impressive stone residence. It was one of the earliest known stone built homes in Reach Township. The vernacular classic three bay design is built of solid stone. The name of the stonemason has been lost in the pages of history but his work follows the design and style of the many stonemasons who built these homes in the middle of the nineteenth century. Most had learned their skills in Scotland and joined the massive immigration to Upper Canada at that time. In 1854 the 200 acre parcel was separated and Dobson kept the half with his new stone home. The home remained in the Dobson name until 1971. Robert Dobson died in 1907 and passed the property to his son Albert E. Dobson. Ultimately the last Dobson to own the home and its 100 acres was Robert H. Dobson who gained legal possession in 1965. He sold it in 1971 to John and Joan Underhill. The Underhills sold the historic property to John and Adele Sebert. The Seberts extensively restored the home. Sebert was a successful photographer who estab- lished a production house in Toronto, Boardwalk Productions. In the early years of the home the upper floor of the west wing, above the kitchen, had five foot ceilings and provided living quarters for the hired help. The Seberts had the roof of the west wing raised and a gothic gable added. Glen Ward carried out the restoration of the stonework and built the addition. lease turn to next page... This view of the house shows the addition to the west wing, left, and the swimming pool. focus@observerpub.ca FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2006 17