Description of Historic Place

The Leslie House is a two-storey, wood frame building, located at 1380 Hornby Street in Vancouver's Downtown South neighbourhood.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Leslie House resides largely in its historic, cultural and architectural significance. Built in 1888, the Leslie House is one of the earliest surviving examples of single family housing in the downtown Vancouver. Its longevity as a rare survivor make it an asset to the community.

It is architecturally significant as a rare example of a 'cottage' version of a Queen Anne style Victorian house, a style familiar to Vancouver in the 1890s and 1900s. This style began in Britain in the 1860s, making its way to Victoria in the 1880s and then traveling south into the United States where it was modified to be somewhat more flamboyant, before it came back to Vancouver and Victoria, where it was further modified to include some Italianate elements. It represents this style through its hipped roof, irregularly projecting gables, an octagonal tower projecting from the front corner, and the decorative surface treatment, such as turned spindlework and ornamental balustrade details of the open front porch and upper balcony.

Source: City of Vancouver Heritage Conservation Program

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Leslie House are:

Siting and Context:
- Small set-back with yard at the back
- 25’ wide lot
- Orientation to the street

Architectural Qualities:
- Cottage Queen Anne Victoria style
- Simple massing
- Elaborate detailing
- Use of wood material

Architectural Elements:
- Off-centre front door and covered porch, with decorative spindles, balustrades and fretwork
- Open balcony above front porch, with decorative spindles and balustrades
- Hipped roof
- Corner tower projection
- Horizontal wooden siding

General:
- Its historic relationship to the central business district, the Burrard Bridge and the Granville Street Bridge.