He produced tomatoes fit for a king, now his Burlington home has been saved

He pioneered a unique tomato and supplied vegetables to a visiting king, now the home of Albert Unsworth has received some historical recognition.

The City of Burlington has given a heritage designation to Unsworth House, located at 977 Unsworth Ave., not only for the structure’s unique design but for the family’s historical contributions to the community.

Designed by well-known Hamilton architect Walter Scott and constructed in 1932, the house was built in a two-storey Tudor style that features fine detailing and high-quality materials, according to Heritage Burlington.

Made in the farmhouse style of the day, the home and its grounds became a place where the Unsworths did their pioneering work in commercial greenhouse farming by prolonging the growing season.

Specializing in vegetables such as cucumber lettuce, it was particularly tomatoes where the family made their mark, developing a unique variety that was used in the food preparation for King George VI when he visited Canada in 1939,

The heritage designation protects the home from demolition, a subject that has been considered in the past when the property was subdivided into three lots.

Still, the heritage designation comes with an appeal process which anyone can undertake within a short window period.