Description of Historic Place

The picturesque Myers House, with its distinctive Queen Anne Revival design, is a prominent presence in an older neighbourhood situated to the west of Minnedosa's business core. Built in 1901, the 2 1/2 - storey brick dwelling occupies a large river lot in an area whose heritage character is still evident. The municipal designation applies to the house and its site.

Heritage Value

The Myers House is one of the most substantial and refined Queen Anne Revival-style dwellings found in modestly sized communities in southwestern Manitoba. To create interest and a sense of elegance, its design relies on a balanced massing of elements and various shapes, angles and building materials, rather than an abundance of ornamentation. The home also is noted for its large well-planned site and rich interior. Built for Judge Robert Hill Myers and his family, the structure is an important feature of the historic development of Minnedosa and a landmark in the community.

Source: Town of Minnedosa By-law No. 2121, August 18, 1986

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that define the picturesque qualities of the site include:
- placement of the house within a large grassed lot surrounded by large planted trees on three sides

Key exterior elements of the well-executed Queen Anne Revival design include:
- the asymmetrical, yet balanced, massing, with elements such as a high rusticated stone base; steep cross-gable roof; three-storey tower with a polygonal roof at the southwest corner; three-storey circular tower with a conical roof on the east side; angled front verandah at the southeast corner, with paired half-Tuscan columns and a second-floor balcony; and the attached glassed solarium on the west side
- the number and variety of windows, including tall rectangular openings with flat and arched heads on all four elevations and, on the south facade, the second-floor oval window with keystones and the two small arched windows with keystones and decorative floral motif on the third floor
- the variety of finishes and details, including the buff-coloured brick cladding; red-painted patterned wood shingles in gable ends and around the top levels of both towers; arched lintels; rusticated stone sills; eave returns; a limestone cornerstone with the name `Tilson Place' at the northeast corner; chimney with drip courses and chimney head; tower finial; etc.

Key elements of the house's rich interior include:
- the unaltered central-hall plan with grand spaces off the entrance foyer, including two south sitting rooms and large north-side dining room and kitchen, and the five second-floor bedrooms leading off a wide central hall
- the details including, on the main floor, the southeast sitting room's three leaded-glass windows and pocket doors with etched glass panels and ornate brass hardware; the southwest sitting room's elaborate oak fireplace, decoratively enriched with ceramic tile and mirrored overmantel; the fine craftsmanship and joinery of the staircase details and contrasting plain baseboards and window and door casings; the maple hardwood floors of the main floor; etc.