Have you ever dreamt of having your own opera house? Well now you can.
In a small, picturesque fishing village in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, a century-old, multi-story opera house has just gone on the market for $1,995,000(approximately £1,200,000).
Lunenburg has been hailed as an ideal retreat for the well-heeled, regularly tops lists of places to go in Canada (USA Today, National Geographic, The Culture Trip), has a sprinkling of some of Canada’s most lauded restaurants (Four Diamond and Gold Plate Award-winners) and is has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance.
Lunenburg is the world’s best-preserved, British-colonial fishing village. Dotted with colourful and stately heritage buildings and residences, the Lunenburg Opera House (LOH) sits at the town’s centre as a beacon of culture.
The cornerstone of the LOH was laid in 1907 and the commanding, wooden structure was built by the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF): a fraternal order, originating in Britain. The ingenuity of Lunenburg’s fine shipbuilders and craftsmen (who built the LOH) is evidenced by the unique, architectural features that enhance both the acoustics and aesthetics of the building. Its first performance took to the stage in January 1909 and the original, scenic mural, which has never been retouched, can still be admired on the back wall.
Over the past decade, the LOH has received a no-expenses-spared restoration and today the Lunenburg Opera House is a vibrant venue for the arts. Updates to its infrastructure have been carefully considered: adhering to modern requirements and enhancing comfort, while respecting the all-important historic nature of the building. A mix of performing arts including music, comedy, theatre, spoken word and readings feature on the newly restored stage. Static art shows, an annual film festival, an annual music festival and an annual luxury craft spirits festival also make use of the beautifully historic yet significantly upgraded space.