From Music Halls to Home: How 12 Elizabeth Street West Became a Creemore Story

Every home has a history, but sometimes it’s the story of how people arrive there that makes it unforgettable. For the owners of 12 Elizabeth Street West in Creemore, their journey began not with bricks and mortar—but with a music hall tucked away in the nearby hamlet of Avening.

Q: Tell us about the decision to leave the city.

Owners: “My wife and I had talked about moving out of the city for years. Once we had our first child, the thought of raising her in ‘the big smoke’ was enough to get us searching seriously. We had a blank slate—our only conditions were that the house had to be one we loved and within an hour or so of Toronto or Barrie. That was quite freeing—we could choose where to start our new life.”

Q: How did Avening Hall shape your search?

Owners: *“One of the first houses we looked at was in Avening. I had heard of Creemore, knew it was a ‘cool’ place, but Avening was new to us. A quick search turned up Avening Hall and the incredible list of artists who had played there. Honestly, I was astounded it even existed—this small hall hosting musicians of real stature. In the city, one of the things we loved most was the art and music scene. We went to live shows almost every week. When we discovered Avening Hall, we realized this was something we needed not only for ourselves but for our young girls to grow up with. That discovery narrowed our search—Creemore and Avening quickly rose to the top of the list.”*

Q: What sealed the deal on Creemore?

Owners: “We had a shortlist of towns and decided we had to actually visit them. To be honest, most of the towns we saw were bland—nice enough, but no personality. Then we drove into Creemore, and a street festival was in full swing—food, artists, and a crowd of people genuinely enjoying themselves. That kind of festival doesn’t happen without a creative, community-minded spirit behind it. Right then, we knew: this was our winner.”

Q: Did you have a moment that confirmed your choice after moving in?

Owners: *“Yes—our first week in Creemore, we managed to get tickets to a Hayden concert at Avening Hall. Even buying the tickets felt like a community event—people helping each other out, making sure newcomers like us felt welcome. That night blew us away. A couple hundred people packed into the hall—it felt like everyone had come together for this shared experience. Hayden himself seemed stunned at the energy of the place. People had even come from as far as Detroit to be there. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about belonging. And that’s when we knew we’d landed exactly where we were supposed to be.”*

Q: And what about the house itself—what drew you to 12 Elizabeth Street West?

Owners: *“It’s a true century home—classic red brick, full of charm and character. The original details are what make it so special: wood trim, casings, and the kind of craftsmanship that just can’t be recreated today. At the same time, it has the space and layout we needed—four bedrooms, a finished lower level, and a backyard that feels like a private escape. And the location couldn’t be better. Being just steps from downtown Creemore means we can walk to coffee shops, the brewery, the farmers’ market, or simply stroll through the village during one of the many festivals. It’s the perfect balance of history, community, andconvenience.”

MLS Snapshot

 Address: 12 Elizabeth Street West, Creemore

 Type: Century red brick home

 Bedrooms: 4 + 1

 Bathrooms: 2

 Lot: Generous village lot (65’ x 165’)

 Highlights: Original wood trim and casings, inviting front porch, finished lower level with walkout, spacious private backyard, steps to Creemore’s shops, brewery, and festivals.

For this family, the journey to 12 Elizabeth Street West was never just about finding a house. It was about discovering a community where music, art, and creativity are woven into daily life—and where a century-old home became the perfect stage for their next chapter.