Bennett House
The Bennett and Tozer families have made a public announcement October 3, 2024 regarding their decision to donate the Bennett House to the Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS). Our non-profit society is ecstatic to receive such a generous donation and is committed to preserving and sharing this treasure for years to come!


Bennett House (Brookside Manor) 1988 Bowes Street
This landmark house has been the residence of two distinguished Kelowna families. Constructed by Francis DeHart, a pivotal figure in land development and the fruit industry during Kelowna’s formative years, this 4,900-square-foot home was started in 1912. The expansive 2.5-story Tudor Revival structure stands on a seven-acre estate, featuring characteristic elements like steeply pitched hipped roofs, projecting bays, half-timbering on the upper stories, lofty chimneys, multi-paned windows, stone foundations, and stucco cladding. The interior preserves many original features in remarkable condition, including the detailed cherry woodwork, sections of the original wallpaper, chandeliers, and the majestic staircase. DeHart, also an adept horticulturist, created hybrid peonies, with several varieties still flourishing in the property’s gardens.
Completed in 1914, the estate was named Brookside Manor. Following DeHart’s passing in 1935, W.A.C. and May Bennett acquired the property. The Bennett’s, new to town, had bought David Leckie’s hardware store on Bernard Avenue. W.A.C. Bennett ascended to the role of B.C.’s premier in 1952, holding the position for over two decades—the longest term for any B.C. premier—until the Social Credit Party’s defeat by the NDP in 1972. He continued as an MLA until retiring from politics in 1973. Subsequently, his son Bill Bennett assumed leadership of the Social Credit Party, securing a victory in the 1975 election and serving as premier until his resignation in August 1986.
Given the building’s significant historical value at local, provincial, and national levels, the Central Okanagan Heritage Society is dedicated to preparing the property for public access, aiming for a Spring 2025 opening. It is their honor to ensure that this historical landmark can be enjoyed by many future generations.