Restoring a Piece of History: The Beginning of Our Heritage Home Journey in Marathon

Real estate became my passion before I even knew it could be a career.

As a teen, Friday nights weren’t about movies or malls. They were for family drives down Yonge Street, through Toronto’s most iconic neighborhoods like Rosedale and The Bridle Path. I was captivated by the character, the charm, and the craftsmanship.

By 25, I bought my first little house. Since then, my husband and I have lovingly revived nine homes, always leaving them better than we found them. Each project taught us something new about patience, design, and the stories a home can hold.

Now based in beautiful Northwestern Ontario, I’ve carried that love for transformation into my work as a real estate professional. Helping people find more than just a property, a true place to belong, has become the most rewarding part of what I do. In recent years, I’ve found deep fulfillment guiding senior clients through the emotional process of downsizing. It’s never just a transaction. It’s a transition filled with memories, meaning, and a new beginning.

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A New Chapter: The Drake House in Marathon

This year, we began our biggest project yet—a heritage home here in Marathon known locally as the Drake House.

It’s a property with history, heart, and more than a few surprises behind its walls. From the original woodwork to the quirks only time can create, every inch tells a story worth preserving.

Our goal is to restore this home with care—honoring its past while creating a warm, welcoming space for the future.

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What to Expect from This Series

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing progress updates, design inspiration, renovation lessons, and plenty of before-and-after photos as we move through each stage of the restoration.

From the first coat of primer to the moment the garden blooms again, this blog will document it all.

When I’m not sanding trim or peeling wallpaper, you’ll usually find me in the garden. Growing food, flowers, and friendships is just as much a part of this home’s story as the bricks and boards that hold it up.

Every home has a story. This one is just beginning, and I’m so excited to share the journey with you.

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About Simone

Simone Donaldson is a licensed REALTOR® based in Marathon, Ontario, proudly serving communities across Northwestern Ontario. With a lifelong passion for homes and nearly two decades of hands-on experience restoring and reviving properties, Simone brings both expertise and heart to every client relationship.

She specializes in helping seniors and families navigate the emotional process of buying, selling, and downsizing — ensuring every move feels supported, thoughtful, and aligned with what matters most.

When she’s not helping clients find their next chapter, Simone can be found in her garden, tending to her perennials or gathering vegetables to share with friends and neighbours.

📧 Contact: superiorbynature@gmail.com

📍 Location: Marathon & Manitouwadge, Ontario

💻 Website: www.simonedonaldsonrealestate.com