Photograph of a large tree standing near the shore of Deer Lake. In the background, the estate built by Henry and Grace Ceperley, known as "Fairacres" can be seen. Also visible is the estate's water tower. The Ceperley's purchased the land to build Fairacres in 1909 and it quickly became the mos…
Photograph of a large tree standing near the shore of Deer Lake. In the background, the estate built by Henry and Grace Ceperley, known as "Fairacres" can be seen. Also visible is the estate's water tower. The Ceperley's purchased the land to build Fairacres in 1909 and it quickly became the most opulent residences in all of Burnaby. In 1917, Grace died and and by 1922, her husband had decided to sell the home to a former Vancouver Mayor, Frederick Buscombe. In 1939, the Benedictines purchased the property and established a priory at the estate. A large gymnasium was added which was converted into the James Cowan Theatre when the City of Burnaby acquired the land. The old mansion was renovated and became the Burnaby Art Gallery.