An undated photo of Sandison House. CTV News
A piece of Manitoba's rich history is now on the market. The Sandison House, a historic mansion that overlooks Brandon, is up for sale, offering a unique glimpse into the past. This impressive granite structure sits on a sprawling 10-acre property, providing stunning views of Wheat City and the surrounding fields.
The mansion was built in 1892 by John William Sandison, a prominent figure in Manitoba's agricultural history. Known as the Wheat King of Manitoba, Sandison was a successful Scottish immigrant with over 2,000 acres of land under cultivation by the 1890s. He owned farms in the Brandon, Kemnay, and Souris areas. Sandison was a man with high standards, which he applied to the construction of his home. Brandon architect William Richard Marshall designed the house, and Sandison was known to be particularly demanding about the construction process.
An old photo likely taken in Brandon, Manitoba, in 1890 shows John William Sandison. CTV News
One story tells of Sandison returning from the fields one day, displeased with how the Masons had laid the stone for his house. He insisted that the work be redone to meet his exacting standards. Despite his close involvement in the construction, Sandison never got to live in the mansion he had so carefully overseen. In 1893, a severe frost destroyed his crops, leading to a financial crisis. Overextended on credit, Sandison vanished, leaving behind his wife, children, and vast farm holdings in western Manitoba.
An undated photo shows Sandison House located near Brandon, Manitoba. CTV News
Over the years, the Sandison House has changed owners multiple times. Among them were a wealthy farmer from Ontario and the grandson of the mansion’s original contractor. The current owners, Del Clark and Bev Rosin have lived there since the late 1990s. Clark, a recording engineer, initially bought the property with the idea of building a recording studio. However, the renovation was far more extensive than he had anticipated.
An undated image captures the sitting room inside Sandison House. CTV News
The couple undertook a massive renovation project, gutting the home down to its studs. They added modern insulation and rewired the entire property. The woodwork was painstakingly refinished, and hardwood and tile floors were installed throughout the mansion. Remarkably, the house originally had no plumbing, so Clark and Rosin installed all-new plumbing systems. The couple even learned new skills, such as stonework and carpentry, to restore the mansion. Clark personally built all the cabinets in the home, adding a personal touch to their restoration efforts.
An undated photo shows the updated kitchen in Sandison House. CTV News
Rosin describes their work as a "sympathetic restoration," meaning they preserved the historical integrity of the house while incorporating modern conveniences. The mansion's architecture is typical of the granite mansions of its time, with similar buildings still standing across Manitoba. Though not as ornate as Queen Anne-style or Italianate homes, the Sandison House's craftsmanship and towering stone structure make it a remarkable piece of history.
As they prepare to sell the house, Rosin and Clark feel a mix of emotions. They are ready for new adventures, but they hope the mansion will find a new owner who will love and care for it as they have. Rosin believes the home is perfect for a young family looking for a forever home, one that will appreciate the history and character of the property.
