Description of Historic Place

The building known as Cottage 1 is a double cottage unobtrusively located on the crest of a steep, well-treed hillside overlooking other station buildings and Passamaquody Bay. It is a cottage-like timber structure with a hipped-roof and two detailed verandahs. The exterior walls are clad in cedar shingles. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Cottage 1 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
Cottage 1 as part of the larger biological station, is associated with Canada’s early commitment to research, management and husbandry of its marine resources. It reflects the need for VIP accommodation and was built to house the Director and the Dominion Commissioner of Fisheries when they visited. A key resident and key figure in Canadian fisheries science and station research policy was Dr. Archibald Gowanlock Huntsman Director from 1916 to 1934.

Architectural Value:
Cottage 1 is a good, modest example of early 20th century cottage architecture and reveals elements of the shingle style. Its simple form, small scale and good quality materials and craftsmanship as seen in the exterior materials express its original residential purpose.

Environmental Value:
Cottage 1 is compatible with the natural picturesque setting on the crest of a wooded hillside. It is also a familiar landmark to those working on site or visiting the station.

Sources:
Mattie Heritage Enterprises, St. Andrews Biological Station, Brandy Cove Road, St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 97-103; Cottage 1 and 2, St. Andrews Biological Station, Brandy Cove Road, St Andrews, N.B. Heritage Character Statement 97-103.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Cottage 1 should be respected.

Its early 20th century cottage design and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
- the simple form and low massing of the building;
- the hipped roof and the two detailed verandahs;
-the wood construction and the cedar shingle cladding of the exterior walls;
-the simple treillage of the verandah columns, and the perforated panels at the bases of the columns, the repeating pattern of the balustrade and the detail of the exposed rafter ends;
-the regular pattern and simple design of the window and door surrounds.

The manner in which Cottage 1 is compatible with the natural picturesque setting and is a familiar landmark as evidenced in:
-the building’s simple form and rustic materials;
-the building’s current role as a Conference Centre, belvedere and meeting place for visitors.