Description of Historic Place

The Hudson Gordon House is a two storey wood framed house constructed in the distinctive Four Square style common to the elaborate homes built by those engaged in the fox farming industry in PEI. These are known locally as "fox houses." It is located in the rural community of Montrose on spacious grounds surrounded by trees.

Heritage Value

The Hudson Gordon House is significant as an example of "fox architecture" in PEI. This style combines a Four Square hipped roof design with Classic Revival elements. It became prominent in the early years of the 20th Century (1910-1930) when commercial silver fox farming created an economic boom in western PEI. This example was constructed in 1914 for Robert Hudson Gordon (1863-1948) who was one of the pioneers in fox farming in western PEI. The builder was Robert Rankin.

Source: Heritage Places files, Dept of Economic Growth, Tourism & Culture, Charlottetown, PE
File #4310-20/G2

Character-Defining Elements

The following elements embody the Four Square "fox architecture" heritage value of the house:

- the overall massing of the house with its two storeys
- the hipped roof with large dormers
- the size, style, and placement of the doors and windows
- the large verandah on the front elevation with Classic Revival style columns
- the stone foundation