Description of Historic Place
Heritage House, No. 60 is a prominent building located in a pastoral setting at the Central Experimental Farm (CEF) in Ottawa. The handsome house, designed in the Queen Anne Revival style, is a two-and-a-half storey wood building topped by a complex pitched roof structure with variously styled projecting dormers. The features of the elevations, which include a projecting octagonal bay, a verandah and a one-and-a-half storey gabled wing leading to a one-storey drive shed, together with the ornamental wood cladding and decorative details, all contribute to the building’s picturesque aesthetic. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value
Heritage House, No. 60 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
Heritage House, No. 60 is associated with the early years of the Central Experimental Farm. The house is strongly associated with the prominent work of William and Charles Saunders, both of whom contributed significantly to national and international agricultural developments while residing in the building. As one of the earliest buildings on the farm, Building #60 is also illustrative of the crucial role of the federal government in the physical development of Ottawa.
Architectural Value
Heritage House, No. 60 is valued for its very good aesthetic design, well executed in the Queen Anne Revival style. The house is characterized by its picturesque massing, and by its decorative use of building materials. The visual interplay of textures and decorative work, demonstrate the building’s very good craftsmanship and materials.
Environmental Value
Heritage House, No. 60 reinforces the picturesque character of its pastoral setting at the Central Experimental Farm and is a familiar building within the immediate area.
Sources:
Leslie Maitland, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 92-110;Heritage House, Building #60, Central Experimental Farm. Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 92-110.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of Heritage House, No. 60 should be respected.
Its well-executed Queen Anne Revival style and very good materials and craftsmanship,for example:
-the two-and-a-half storey, picturesque massing with its highly complex roof structure;
-the features of its distinct elevations, including a projecting octagonal bay, a verandah, and a one- and-a-half storey gabled wing leading to a one-storey drive shed;
-the aesthetic combination of building materials, including the wood shingled roof, the shaped shingle siding of the second floor, and the clapboard siding of the ground floor;
-the quality craftsmanship, including the verandah’s elaborate scroll work and turned posts, and the multi-paned design of the window sash;
-the interior finishes such as the fine baseboard and window mouldings, doors, stairway details, and the tongue and groove boards on the walls and ceiling of the kitchen.
The manner in which Heritage House, No. 60 reinforces the picturesque character of its pastoral setting at the experimental farm and is a familiar landmark within the immediate area, as evidenced by:
-its picturesque Queen Anne design and materials, which harmonize with the surrounding open lawns and mature trees, and complements adjacent buildings;
-the residential character of the building in its pastoral setting, which reinforces the character of the farm’s picturesque core;
-its role as a prominent component of the CEF’s complex of older buildings, which makes it familiar to visitors and employees.
