Description of Historic Place

The Goldie Harris house is an early South Arm home situated in a fairly isolated area among large agricultural fields on a quiet narrow road. The house, located close to the road, is a large two-storey structure, with vertical massing and a hipped roof, while the lot has a garden and a number of mature trees.

Heritage Value

The Goldie Harris House is valued for its historical association with pioneer Thomas Kidd. The house was owned by Goldwin ('Goldie') Herschel Harris, whose wife was the eldest daughter of Thomas Kidd. Thomas Kidd later lived and wrote in the house until his death. The house is a landmark in the area, and is a good example of an early prosperous farmhouse, surrounded by gardens, orchards and agricultural fields. The property is significant for its retention of its agricultural function, appearance and setting. The house is part of the distinct historical landscape setting of the South Arm Slough district.

Source: City of Richmond Clerk's Department

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Goldie Harris House include:
- the historical association of the house with pioneer Thomas Kidd
- the design of the house as a two-storey, relatively large and imposing farmhouse, with strong vertical massing and decorative details, such as a bell-cast hipped roof with a hipped dormer, two central brick chimneys, a wraparound verandah with hipped roof, and decorative brackets and spindle railings
- the house as a landmark in the Slough District
- landscape features associated with the house, such as the enclosed front garden with mature trees, and orchards at the rear of the house
- the South Arm Slough District location of the house, as this was one of the earliest farming districts on Lulu Island, and retains much of its agricultural character today