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Online Heritage Inventory

Edwardian Cottage

General Information
Thumbnail photograph of Edwardian Cottage
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Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: Edwardian Cottage
Address: 2680 River Road
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): Thompson
Construction Date: 1905
Current Owner: Private
Designated: No

Statement of Significance
Description of Site
Constructed around 1905, the Edwardian Cottage is a small, one-storey cottage-style dwelling constructed to the rear of its lot and almost invisible from River Road, the nearest access. The lot contains two other related dwellings, both constructed closer to the road.

 Statement of Values
The heritage value of the Edwardian Cottage lies in its historical association to the development of Terra Nova, an early farming, fishing and fish processing community which began to develop here in the 1890s. The development integrated both settler’s homes and cannery related structures in its settlement pattern.
The Cottage may have served as a dwelling for workers at the Terra Nova Cannery, or it may have formed part of the cannery owner’s estate. The Cottage is a key component of the remaining original building cluster consisting of early settlers’ homes and structures related to the Terra Nova Cannery. The Cottage is significant for its early construction date and for its cottage style, unique to both the Terra Nova settlement and to Richmond. Its mature domestic landscape represents past land uses in the everyday lives of Terra Nova’s settlers and residents.

 Character Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:
· The overall style of the house, a simple cottage with minimal detailing, represented by its rectangular shape, high hipped roof, and wooden front door with an oval window
· Its location on one of the original lots in the Terra Nova heritage area, and as a key component within a core group of historic building relating to the early development of the area
· Its landscape features, including a mature and well-developed garden, a combination of mature trees, such as oak, maple, chestnut and holly, fruit trees that are associated with old orchard planting, shrubs, and perennials, as well as fences and small outbuildings
· The agricultural setting seen in the fields to the south of the house.

 History
Constructed around 1905, the Edwardian Cottage is a small, one-storey cottage-style dwelling constructed to the rear of its lot and almost invisible from River Road, the nearest access. The lot contains two other related dwellings, both constructed closer to the road.

 Architectural Significance
Architectural Style
Edwardian Cottage

 Building Type
Domestic

 Design Features
The Edwardian Cottage is L-shaped in plan with a post foundation. It has a high hipped roof with a hipped roof extension at the rear, and a hipped roof porch and shed addition, also at the rear. The chimney is brick and is located offset front. It is a simple cottage with minimal detailing, with the exception of the original front door that has an oval window typical of the era. The cladding is cedar shingle, and the windows are double hung wooden sash.

 Construction Method
Wood frame construction.

 Landscape Significance
Landscape Element
Significant Garden, Orchard Remnants, and Agricultural Character

 Design Attributes
The Edwardian Cottage has an associated mature and well-developed garden. It is a wonderful combination of mature trees, such as oak, maple, chestnut and holly; fruit trees that are associated with old orchard planting; shrubs; and perennials; all being encroached upon by native grasses and blackberry. To the south lie agricultural fields that add to the historic character. Maple and chestnut trees are planted along the road at the entrance.

 Integrity
Alterations
The front porch of the cottage has been removed. New sliding glass doors have been added at the rear.

 Original Location
Yes

 Condition
The cottage looks a bit run down, but over all appears to be in fair condition.

 Lost
No

 Documentation
Evaluated By
Denise Cook BLA, PBD (Public History)

 Date
Sunday, September 24, 2000

 Documentation
Inventory Sheets by Foundation Group Designs, January 1990
“Heritage Inventory Phase II” by Foundation Group Designs May 1989
“Richmond, Child of the Fraser” by Leslie J. Ross 1979
Richmond Archives Item no. 1977 15 33

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