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SITE #14

128 Hazel, Intermezzo Historic Cottage -1905

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The written story is available below the images for the hearing impaired

Intermezzo as it was designed in 1905

Intermezzo as it is now

"As you stand before this striking cottage, notice the subtle but elegant variation in its design. While most early cottages followed a simple rectangular plan, Intermezzo features its two ends gently angled toward the street, giving it a distinctive presence that has made it one of Winnipeg Beach’s most admired homes for over a century.

Built in 1905, Intermezzo is one of the oldest and largest cottages in the entire community. It was originally constructed by R.J. Speers, one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in Winnipeg at the time. Speers was the owner and builder of the famous Polo Park thoroughbred horse racing track, which once stood where the Polo Park mall is located today. He spared no expense on this summer retreat. The cottage’s crowning glory was its enormous wrap-around veranda with wings extending on both ends, featuring no fewer than 80 panes of glass. On warm summer evenings, this grand porch would have offered breathtaking views and a perfect place for entertaining.

In the early years, the cottage was known as Erchless Villa. By the 1940s, it had become a vibrant gathering place for musicians. The owners at that time were deeply involved in the North American musical community, and the legendary conductor Walter Kaufman of the New York Philharmonic was a frequent guest. It was during this musical era that the cottage was renamed Intermezzo — a term that refers to a short, light musical piece performed between the larger movements of a symphony or opera. The name perfectly captured the spirit of artistic hospitality that filled these walls.

Inside, the original elegant interior has been lovingly preserved. During renovations, a remarkable discovery was made: a Mason & Risch piano, crafted in Montreal in 1867, was found in a ruined state. It was carefully restored and brought back to life, once again filling the rooms with music.

By the 1970s, however, time had not been kind to Intermezzo. The cottage had fallen into serious disrepair and was derelict, facing demolition by the City of Winnipeg Beach. In 1975, the Rubin family purchased it from owners living in Fargo, North Dakota, who had lost interest and were prepared to let the city charge them for its removal. The sale price? Essentially just the cost of the lot. What followed was years of dedicated, hands-on restoration — a true labour of love across 2,400 square feet of neglect. The goal was to return Intermezzo to its original glory, and the results speak for themselves.

Sadly, some changes have occurred since then. The current owners converted the beautiful west wing of the veranda into a fifth bedroom, which, while practical, altered the graceful exterior lines that R.J. Speers originally envisioned more than a century ago.

Today, Intermezzo stands as a testament to resilience, musical heritage, and the passion of those who refused to let a piece of Winnipeg Beach history disappear. As you continue your walk, imagine the sounds of a restored 1867 piano drifting through the air, the laughter of guests on that once-grand veranda, and the enduring charm of one of our community’s most storied cottages."

If you have any personal photos of this historic tour stop, please take a photo of them with your phone and email them to: winnipegbeachhistory@gmail.com