Description of Historic Place

The Brethour House, located at 88 Brant Avenue, is situated at the northwest corner of Brant Avenue and Waterloo Street, in the City of Brantford. This two-storey, red-brick building was designed in the Italianate or High Victorian style by architect, John Turner, and was constructed in 1870.

The property was designated by the City of Brantford for its heritage value under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 7-86).

Heritage Value

The Brethour House was originally occupied by W. Henry Brethour, a prominent citizen and dry goods merchant, in the City of Brantford, who built the house for $7,000. The home's architect, John Turner, had also designed other prominent sites, within the City of Brantford, including Victoria Park Square and the Courthouse.

The Brethour House was designed in the Italianate or High Victorian style and was based on a rectangular plan. This property also has a gardener's cottage, to the south, of the main building. There are many striking features, which are typical of both the Italianate and High Victorian styles, including; the frontispiece, with its arched windows and ornamentation; the portico supported by rusticated stone columns, and the decorative and detailed nature, of the home. Additions made to this house were necessary to accommodate its current use and were found to be sympathetic to the original design.

Source: City of Brantford By-law 7-86.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Brethour House include its:
- Flemish bond brickwork on all exterior walls
- projecting eaves of the roof
- stone columns which support the portico
- sunken cornice with bracket and pendant, and decorative frieze
- frontispiece featuring a triple window with semi-circular frame and arch radiating voussoirs
- centre window topped by large decorative labels