Description of Historic Place

The John Boynton House sits high on a hilltop on Dock Road overlooking the front of Grand Manan Island and has views of Long Island and Long Island Bay. It consists of a shingled one-and-a-half storey L-form vernacular residence from the mid-19th century.

Heritage Value

The John Boynton House is designated a Local Historic Place for being one of the last remaining structures associated with the extensive lumber harvesting industry and farming on Grand Manan Island and for its interesting history resulting in its current configuration. This house was built in two parts. In 1865, John Boynton built the main house. He owned and operated a lumber mill at the bottom of the hill on which the house sits. Another nearby house was under construction in 1869 when the famous Saxby Gale blew through. The unfinished structure was twisted by the strong winds. John Boynton purchased it and moved it to attach to his house. It is still twisted slightly. A large barn was then attached to the house and is still there today. The house remains in the hands of Boynton’s descendents. From 1983 to 1987, John Boyton’s granddaughter operated a bed and breakfast from the home.

Source: Grand Manan Archives – Local Historic Places files

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the John Boynton House include:
- one-and-a-half storey L-form, resulting from two separate house being joined together;
- slight twist to the second section of the house, the result of the Saxby Gale;
- unpainted shingle sheathing;
- moderately-pitched gable roof with slight eave returns;
- large barn attached to the back of the house.

The character- defining elements relating to the interior include:
- original stairway;
- two original tin ceilings.