Description of Historic Place

The Robert Sloan House is located at 831 Sunningdale Bend, on the south arm of Sunningdale Bend, east of Clarkson Road South, in the City of Mississauga. The one-and-a-half storey board and batten residence was constructed in circa 1881.

The property was designated, by the City of Mississauga in 2008, for its cultural heritage value, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, By-law 061-2008.

Heritage Value

Located on the south arm of Sunningdale Bend, in an area of Mississauga once known as Clarkson, the Robert Sloan House with its surrounding mature trees has defined, maintained and supported the character of the area. The house was one of the first dwellings in southern Clarkson and contributed to the ongoing appearance of the community. This area is comprised of detached dwellings on generously treed lots. Most of the buildings in the area, however, date to the early twentieth century.

The Robert Sloan House is associated with important Clarkson families, institutions and activities. These families include the Merigold family, who were important Clarkson pioneers. The Merigolds were also instrumental in the establishment of the local Carman Church. The most notable owner of the Robert Sloan House is Robert Sloan, who was believed to be responsible for the construction of the original portion of the house, in 1881and also for planting the many trees in the area. Subsequent owners include writer and antique dealer, Sydney Preston. Preston established the landmark antique barn that still exists on Lakeshore Road West in Clarkson. Another owner, Howard West who was head of J. and J. Taylor, Toronto Safe Works, originally used the house as a summer home and it was his wife, Grace, who dubbed the property “Sunningdale.” During his time there, West and his family became very involved in the local community and Howard served as the organist at Carman Church, the focal point of the Clarkson community.

The Robert Sloan House is a rare example of nineteenth century architecture in the Clarkson community. The home is comprised of an original one-and-a-half storey T-shaped house with lean-to additions on the north and south elevations. The west facing entrance is significant, as the house originally faced Clarkson Road South, before its numerous additions and the formation of Sunningdale Bend. The original structure is very simple with Classical detailing and a foundation constructed of Credit Valley stone. Board and batten sheathes the entire structure, with the exception of the fish scale shingles, which gives the home a uniform appearance, despite the various additions.

Sources: Corporate Report: Proposed Heritage Designation, Robert Sloan House, 831 Sunningdale Bend (Ward 2), City of Mississauga, September 14, 2007; The City of Mississauga By-law 061-2008.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Robert Sloan House include its:
- one-and-a-half storey construction
- board and batten cladding
- gable roof
- Credit Valley stone foundation
- simple original T-plan
- symmetrical arrangement of windows
- sash windows
- bay window with shutters on the west elevation
- Classical detailing
- cornices over the upper west and south facing windows
- north and south additions on the west elevation, including the dormers and roof pitches which match the original structure
- fish scale shingling