Jean worked as an interior designer for over forty years.

She is a retired member of the Association of Registered

Interior Designers of Ontario, known in the industry as

A.R.I.D.O.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jean was raised in Toronto,

Ontario by her loving grandparents Grace and Thomas

Bignell from Bristol, England.

Reginald and Jean were married in 1958; they raised one

daughter and two sons. How fortunate they are to have

seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Reginald owns his own contracting company, now in its

60 th year of business.

With his expertise in repairing and rebuilding, and Jean's

eye for colour, together they have renovated and

decorated over twenty older houses. Over the years, this

became their weekend hobby. Some people love to golf or

play bridge, but breathing life back into older homes is a

natural endeavour for Jean and Reginald.

When they purchased Glencairn Hall in 2004, they knew

that this would be the largest project they would ever

attempt. But the great architectural features were already

present. Ultimately they enjoyed every minute of this

immense project, and feel that they have accomplished an

important task for their community.

Niagara on the Lake has become a very special place to

Jean and Reginald. This book is part history, with stories

about the prominent people who resided here at Glencairn

Hall. Jean chronicles the lives, passions, and heritage of

former owners who originated from Scotland, England,

and Hong Kong. This book is also part restoration, part

interior design, and part description of the beautiful

gardens in "pink".