Kress Hill House – Landmark Heritage Estate In Cambridge, Ontario

Perched prominently atop Fountain Street in the historic Preston district of Cambridge, Kress Hill House is a striking mid-19th century limestone residence with sweeping views over the old Preston core. Built between 1856 and 1866 for Jacob Erb, son of Preston’s founder John Erb, this distinguished home blends Classic Revival symmetry with Gothic Revival detailing, offering a rare and visually rich setting for film and photography. The exterior makes an immediate impression with a stately limestone façade, intricate hood mouldings, iron cresting along the balcony, and a dramatic truncated gable roofline. Elevated above the surrounding streetscape, the property captures expansive sightlines across the city, making it ideal for establishing shots and cinematic vistas. Inside, the three-storey Victorian home is steeped in original character. Continuous oak flooring runs throughout, while interconnected rooms provide natural flow, depth, and flexibility for staging and camera movement. The main floor is wrapped in tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring leaded glass to the east and original waterglass panes to the south, creating dynamic natural light throughout the day. Two interior staircases provide multiple access points between levels, supporting efficient movement for cast, crew, and equipment. Original crown mouldings and historic detailing are preserved throughout, with the great room’s working marble fireplace serving as a striking focal point—especially atmospheric in evening light alongside the city views. The surrounding grounds significantly expand the property’s production versatility. Mature cherry, catalpa, and maple trees frame the home, while seasonal gardens with ferns and a central fountain create layered exterior environments suitable for multiple looks. A 100-year-old white barn anchors the west end of the property, offering a contrasting rustic backdrop that adapts well across seasons. A two-entrance circular driveway allows for smooth crew flow and efficient access for larger vehicles and trailers, with on-site parking for up to 10 vehicles. The property also includes a coach house with sliding barn door and second-floor space, suitable for crew holding, staging, or production support. A den off the great room can function as a dedicated setup or production room. Production-Friendly Features This property is well-suited for film and photography production, with multiple interior and exterior zones allowing for a range of looks within a single location. The layout supports simultaneous staging and filming across different areas of the home and grounds, reducing the need for company moves. On-site infrastructure—including multiple access points, parking for production vehicles, and separate auxiliary structures—supports efficient crew operations and equipment management. Previously used for film production, the property has successfully accommodated crew, equipment, and on-site logistics. Key Features: - 1850s–1860s limestone heritage home with Classic and Gothic Revival elements - Elevated setting with panoramic city views - Three-storey interior with original oak flooring throughout - Floor-to-ceiling windows with leaded and waterglass detailing - Two interior staircases for flexible movement and staging - Working marble fireplace in main living space - Mature landscaped grounds with fountain and 100-year-old white barn - Coach house with flexible interior space for crew or production use - Two-entrance circular driveway with parking for up to 10 vehicles - Quiet residential setting with strong architectural identity Kress Hill House offers a unique combination of architectural significance, layered history, and cinematic atmosphere—well-suited for period productions, dramas, editorial shoots, and high-end visual storytelling.