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Online Heritage Inventory

Goldie Harris House

General Information
Thumbnail photograph of Goldie Harris House
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Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: Goldie Harris House
Address: 11620 No 4 Road
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): Gilmore
Construction Date: 1912
Current Owner: Private
Designated: No

Statement of Significance
Description of Site
The Goldie Harris house is an early South Arm home situated in a fairly isolated area among large agricultural fields on a quiet narrow road. The house, located close to the road, is a large two-storey structure, with vertical massing and a hipped roof, while the lot has a garden and a number of mature trees.

 Statement of Values
The Goldie Harris House is valued for its historical association with pioneer and historical Thomas Kidd. The house was owned by Goldwin Herschel Harris whose wife was the eldest daughter of Thomas Kidd. Thomas Kidd later lived and wrote in the house until his death. The house is a landmark in the area, and is a good example of an early prosperous farmhouse, surrounded by gardens, orchards and agricultural fields. The property is significant for its retention of its agricultural function, appearance and setting. The house is part of the distinct historical landscape setting of the South Arm Slough district.

 Character Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:
· The historical association of the house with pioneer Thomas Kidd
· The design of the house as a two-storey, relatively large and imposing farmhouse, with strong vertical massing and decorative details such as a bell-cast hipped roof with a hipped dormer, two central brick chimneys, a wraparound verandah with hipped roof, and decorative brackets and spindle railings
· The house as a landmark in the Slough District
· Landscape features associated with the house, such as the enclosed front garden with mature trees, and orchards at the rear of the house.
· The South Arm Slough District location of the house, as this was one of the earliest farming districts on Lulu Island, and retains much of its agricultural character today.

 History
The Goldie Harris house is an early South Arm home situated in a fairly isolated area among large agricultural fields on a quiet narrow road. The house, located close to the road, is a large two-storey structure, with vertical massing and a hipped roof, while the lot has a garden and a number of mature trees.

 Architectural Significance
Architectural Style
Edwardian with Craftsman Influences

 Building Type
Domestic

 Design Features
The house is rectangular in plan, and has a concrete foundation and symmetrical massing. There is a hip roof addition to the rear. The house is capped with a bellcast hip roof with two central brick chimneys. There is a hip dormer in the roof. A hip roof covers the verandah, which wraps around two sides of the building; the verandah has been partially enclosed. There is balcony above the front entry. Both the verandah and the balcony have square supporting piers and decorative triangular scroll cut brackets. The remaining verandah section has a decorative turned spindle railing. The front door is original; the wooden front entry stairs and railing appear to be original. The windows are generally double hung wooden sash; the verandah enclosure has had newer windows installed. The cladding is horizontal clapboard siding with cornerboard detailing; wood lathe screening covers the lower portion of the house.

 Construction Method
Wood frame construction.

 Landscape Significance
Landscape Element
Agricultural Setting, Orchard Remnants and Mature Trees

 Integrity
Alterations
A major alteration to the house is the enclosure of the original wraparound verandah.

 Original Location
Yes

 Condition
The house is appears to be in very good 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

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