November 13th marked an extraordinary moment in Guelph. It is not often that you witness more than one hundred and sixty years of history move gracefully into a brand new chapter. Community members, local leaders, and the team from Reid's Heritage Homes gathered to watch the historic Hanlon House begin its careful journey to its future home at The Block on Clair.

As Ron McMillan, President of Reids Heritage Homes, shared in his opening remarks, “It is not every day you get to see a piece of history quite literally move before your eyes. Today we are not just moving a house, we are carrying forward a story that has been part of this community for more than one hundred and sixty years.”

What was being moved was far more than stone and timber. It was a living story built by the families who helped shape this region.

The Story Behind the Stone Walls

The farmhouse at 331 Clair Road East was built in 1864 using stone gathered directly from the land beneath it. It stands as one of the oldest remaining homes in both Puslinch Township and the City of Guelph. Its limestone blocks and handcrafted window frames still show the care and pride of its original builders.

This home is deeply connected to the legacy of the Hanlon family. John Hanlon immigrated from Ireland in the eighteen thirties and secured one hundred acres of farmland. His son James later built the farmhouse where he and his wife Mary raised eight children. Three generations lived on this land and helped shape the Guelph we know today. Their legacy lives on through this preserved home and through the well-known Hanlon Parkway.

Stories That Bring History to Life

Adding to the meaning of the day, we were honoured to be joined by previous homeowners—the Hawkins and the Wright families. Hearing their memories of life on the farm brought a heartfelt dimension to the celebration.

Their reflections reminded everyone that the Hanlon House is far more than a historic structure. It is a place filled with laughter, tradition, and generations of lived experience.

Preserving History for a New Generation

Rather than being lost to time, the Hanlon House is being honoured, protected, and reimagined. Ron expressed this intention clearly, saying, “As this home moves to its new location, we are proud to say that we are not leaving the past behind. We are honouring it, preserving its history, and giving it new life within our newest Guelph community, The Block on Clair.”

The home will serve as a meaningful gathering place where future residents can share stories, create new memories, and feel a sense of connection to the past.

The Block on Clair and a Vision for Community

For more than a decade, Reids Heritage Homes has been working with Binbrook Holdings partners Rick De Jonge and Paul Zen to bring The Block on Clair to life. The community is designed with intention, connection, and a long-term vision for the families who will one day call it home.

MPP Mike Schreiner echoed the importance of this collaborative vision, underscoring why projects like this matter deeply to the people of Guelph. As he shared, “The number one issue people come into my office to discuss is housing. That’s why all levels of government need to work together with developers like Reid’s Heritage Homes to ensure we build homes people can afford, in the communities they know, love, and want to live in. Guelph is definitely one of those communities.”

The movement of the Hanlon House is a symbol of this shared commitment to thoughtful growth and lasting community building.

A New Chapter Begins

Watching this one hundred and sixty-year-old farmhouse begin its journey was a powerful and unforgettable moment.

Ron closed his remarks by saying, “Today is a memorable day not just for watching this historic home slowly move to its new location, but for witnessing the beginning of a new chapter where our city’s history will play an important part in our future.”

As the Hanlon House settles into its new location at The Block on Clair, it carries with it the history, spirit, and resilience of the generations who came before. It will continue to inspire the many families who will soon call this new community home.