The History Of The Post & Beam

From Functioning Grain Mill To Luxury Event Venue

Early Origins Of Grain Mills

At a time before grocery stores would deliver food to your door, the grain mill was a key part of many communities. Grain mills have historically been used across North America to turn cereal grains and corn into flour using the power of nearby rivers. Composed of a large wheel and heavy stones on a turning mechanism, the water would turn the wheel, moving the stone and grinding the grain (or ‘grist’) into flour. The flour could then be dispersed to the local community to help feed their families. Thanks to modern technology, many grain mills are now out of service - leaving dilapidated and unused structures taking up pieces of incredible real estate. We’ve decided to honour the tradition of Teeswater’s own grain mill by converting it into a rustic, modern structure for all to enjoy.

The Little Family Grain Mill

In the late 1880s, the Little family settled on the banks of the Teeswater River and set to work building a gristmill to turn cereal grains into flour. Situated at 33 Andrew St. in Teeswater, ‘Little’s Mill’ was built in 1888 and helped feed the local community for nearly 100 years. In 1978, second-generation owner Andy Little fell ill and the mill ceased operations. Over the next 25 years, the mill would change ownership multiple times and fall victim to time and rot.

The Downturn

For nearly 20 years, Little’s Mill sat unused and wasting away as it changed ownership a handful of times. Over time, the wooden structure slowly became weathered and the mill’s turbine and other machinery became worn down. The mill could no longer produce hydro, and the once-grand structure became dilapidated and worn. The locals began to wonder what would become of the place.

Thankfully, a family called the Metcalfes saw the same potential we did in the structure and decided to make it their family home.

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The Metcalfe Family Homestead

In 1998, a couple named Bert and Stella Metcalfe saw potential in the large, dilapidated property that had been virtually abandoned for 20 years, and decided to purchase it. Over the next 20 years, the Metcalfes took it upon themselves to return the building to its former glory. They insulated the building, installed wooden interior walls, and added barn boards to the exterior of the structure. They gutted all the old milling machinery and belts, and repaired the dam and the damaged turbines, allowing the mill to produce hydro once again. This labour of love became their family home for 23 years until the Metcalfes finally sold it in 2021.

We’ve made a massive effort to respect the history of the property, which wouldn’t be what it is today without the effort and care from Bert and Stella. Although they no longer live here, we’ve left them a seat in the heart of the home, where so much fun is had. We think they’d appreciate the many great conversations and card games that have (and have yet to) taken place in the room named after them.

*Bert & Stella’s seats in The Metcalfe Lounge.*

Renovating The Mill

There have only been a handful of people to hold ownership of this building during its 133-year lifespan. As experienced real estate professionals and contractors, there aren’t many properties where we don’t gut everything right down to the studs - but this one was different. When we purchased it in 2021, we knew we had to honour the history and legacy of the property, including the families who cared for the building and did their best to maintain it. We’ve carefully renovated the entire property in a way that pays homage to its history with the Little and Metcalfe families. Between March and November of 2021, we worked to modernize the interior of the structure while preserving the rustic features that make it so unique. The exposed beams provide a grand, rustic feel, while the clean modern finishes and quirky fixtures make this a space for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to Bert and Stella’s work restoring the mill equipment, the mill continues to generate its own hydro electricity which we hope to sell to the grid in order to make the property a net-zero location.

The Future Of The Post & Beam

Although it no longer functions as a grain mill, the property has been restored to its original purpose of a being local fixture which benefits the community. Our hope is that The Post & Beam helps draw more visitors to the wonderful community of South Bruce, and is something for the entire community to enjoy and be proud of. The property is now available for rental use for events like family getaways or corporate retreats. We’ve partnered with several local organizations to provide food and entertainment for our rental customers including Harley’s Pub and Perk in Mildmay for catering and McLean’s Brewery in Hanover for group beer tour excursions. Our goal is to be involved in the local community, building relationships and contributing to increased tourism in the area.

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