Description of Historic Place

Ensor House is a shingled one-and-a-half storey Picturesque residence from the mid-19th century. It is located on Marks Street in St. Stephen.

Heritage Value

Ensor House is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with former occupants.

Ensor House is recognized for its architecture. Built circa 1864, it is a good example of Picturesque residential architecture. This one-and-a-half storey wooden building exhibits such elements of this style as a steeply-pitched gable roof with moulded returned eaves, gable dormers that break the eave line and shingle siding with wide corner boards. The veranda and the extension at the rear of the building are later additions that adhere to the home's original style.

Ensor House is also recognized for its association with its former occupants. In 1865, John F. Grant, cashier of the St. Stephen Bank, occupied the home. His son, Walter, sold the residence to George F. Ensor in 1910. Ensor was from Baltimore, Maryland and was factory superintendent of the world renowned candy maker Ganong Bros. from 1889-1929.

Source: St. Stephen Town Hall - Historic Places File "Ensor House"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the Picturesque architecture of the Ensor House include:
- rectangular one-and-a-half storey massing;
- shingle siding;
- wide corner boards;
- steeply-pitched gable roof with moulded returned eaves;
- sidelights at entrance;
- gable dormers that break the eave line;
- 12/12 double sash windows on the ground floor;
- extension and veranda with upper balcony, added later, adhering to the original style of the house;
- interior elements such as a circular staircase and window shutters.