Description of Historic Place

This house is located on upper St George Street in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. It is a one and a half storey wooden building with a three bay facade and neo-classical transitional style. The Goldsmith-Kerr house sits in close proximity to the road on an impressively treed lot. The large mature elm tree at the back of the property is one of its distinguishing elements. Unique to upper St George Street, the house's gable end faces the road. The designation includes both the house and the property.

Heritage Value

Historic Value

The heritage value of the property as recognized in its municipal designation is its association with several prominent persons in Annapolis Royal. The building was constructed after 1817 when Henry Goldsmith (1786-1845), a lawyer and merchant, reunited three lots of the divided Cosby farm. His wife Maria was a member of the Delancey family, prominent Loyalists. From 1834-1862 it was the residence of the Rev. Edwin Gilpin, Anglican Rector of St. Luke's Church. Prominent twentieth century residents have included the physician Dr. J.R. Kerr, a former Mayor of Annapolis Royal. The elm tree at the back of the property, known as the Kerr elm, is one of the distinguishing features of this site. The property is currently owned by the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society.

Architectural Value

The architectural value of the building lies in its neo-classical design modified by transitional elements. The one and one half storey wooden structure is rectangular with a tee parallel to the main road. It has a gable roof with three unmatched brick chimneys. It is sheathed with wooden clapboards with pilasters on the corners. Later additions to the house include the porch surmounted by a gable dormer with monumental pediment and six arched dormers.

Sources

Town of Annapolis Royal Heritage Designation Files, Annapolis Heritage Society, 136 St George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements of the Goldsmith-Kerr House include

Building
-A tee gable plan with two wings added to the original tee;
-Stone foundations under original tee plan;
-Monumental pediment over porch and gallery;
-Three one storey square bay windows each with with five double hung windows;
-Cornice trim on gable end windows;
-Main double doors with two panel doors with moulded rails and flush panels glazed with decorated glass;
-Main stairs with railing;
-Eight dormers: one hipped, six arched, one gable;
-Central main door with plain pilasters and decorated lintel;
-Clapboard siding with pilasters on corners of building;
-Two gable end fanlights.

Property
-The building's position on lot with the gable end facing the road;
-A treed lot with a very old elm tree at the back of the property.