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Online Heritage Inventory

Beckwith Barn

General Information
Thumbnail photograph of Beckwith Barn
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Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: Beckwith Barn
Address: 18331 Westminster Highway
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): East Richmond
Construction Date: 1919
Current Owner: Private
Designated: No

Statement of Significance
Description of Site
The Beckwith barn is located in an area of Richmond in which the rural character still predominates. It is surrounded by agricultural fields, other farmhouses and buildings of similar character. The gambrel-roofed, rectangular wooden barn forms one side of a small farm precinct that is visible from the road. It is situated with its long side parallel to the road, and at right angles to its farmhouse, the Beckwith House.

 Statement of Values
The Beckwith barn is a good example of a post World War I gambrel barn. The barn and adjacent farmhouse form a cohesive unit, which, with the intact agricultural setting, is representative of the rural heritage character of East Richmond. The Beckwith barn is associated with the history of dairy farming in Richmond, at a time when Richmond was known for being in the forefront of technical advances in the dairy industry. The barn and its rural setting illustrate a particular way of life, as well as the importance of Richmond’s agricultural heritage.

 Character Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:
· The defining features of a gambrel barn as illustrated by a steep dual pitched gambrel roof, exposed rafter ends, sliding entry door with two loft doors above, monitor vent and shed dormers.
· The visual immediacy of the barn due to its location close to the road, together with the farmhouse, outbuildings, and intact setting which form a cohesive grouping typical of later and smaller farms in Richmond.

 History
The Beckwith barn is located in an area of Richmond in which the rural character still predominates. It is surrounded by agricultural fields, other farmhouses and buildings of similar character. The gambrel-roofed, rectangular wooden barn forms one side of a small farm precinct that is visible from the road. It is situated with its long side parallel to the road, and at right angles to its farmhouse, the Beckwith House.

 Architectural Significance
Architectural Style
Gambrel Barn

 Building Type
Agricultural

 Name of Architect or Builder
Designer unknown; probably built by owner Randall May who built the adjacent farmhouse.

 Design Features
The barn is rectangular in plan and sits on a post foundation. Its roof is a dual pitched gambrel, covered in cedar shingle overlaid in some areas with sheet metal, and with exposed rafter ends. The windows are multi-paned wooden sash with plain trim, several of which are missing. The barn is clad in horizontal drop-siding with cornerboard detailing. There is a sliding entry with two loft doors above. The roof has a monitor vent on top and shed dormers with cedar shingle roof coverings. There is a shed addition on the west side of the barn; there is no indication as to its building date but it has the same building materials and detailing as the main barn structure. There is a post and wire fence installed along the roadway, and a large metal gate, painted green, at the entry to the site.

 Construction Method
Heavy timber construction.

 Landscape Significance
Landscape Element
In context with the farmhouse, land and outbuildings, the barn creates a small heritage precinct, which could be considered a cultural landscape.

 Integrity
Alterations
Alterations are considered minor only.

 Original Location
Yes

 Condition
The barn appears to be in 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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