Description of Historic Place

The Cornish Residence is located at 17 Helen Street, on the north side of Helen Street, west of James Street, in Seaforth, in the Municipality of Huron East. The one-and-a-half storey white stucco residence was constructed in 1870.

The property was designated, by the former Town of Seaforth (now Municipality of Huron East) in 1978, for its heritage value, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, By-law 12 for 1978.

Heritage Value

The Cornish Residence is a one-and-a-half storey white stucco residence that was constructed in 1870. The residence is a good representation of Gothic Revival architecture. Typical of this style, is the lancet window in the large centred gable, detailed decorative trim and large veranda. 17 Helen Street is unique in having angled rooms on either side of the main entrance.

Source: Town of Seaforth By-Law Number 12 for 1978.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of 17 Helen Street include its:
- one-and-a-half storey construction
- brick chimney
- lancet window with shutters
- large center gable with decorative trim
- detailed transom with brackets and sidelights
- wood detailing on the veranda
- gable roof
- angled rooms on either side of the entrance