Exterior view of Beban House, 2004
Photo: City of Nanaimo, Christine Meutzner, 2004
- Built
- 1930
- Recognized
- 1996
- By
- Local government
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Beban House is a two-story, Rustic style building located outside the downtown core. The historic place comprises the building, garage and grounds.
Heritage value
Beban House is a rare and sophisticated local example of Rustic style architecture. Popular in the 1930s, rustic architecture was based on a design philosophy of sympathy with the surrounding landscape. Beban House has many of the features typical of this style including its log construction, stone foundations and chimneys, small paned windows and overhanging roofs.
Beban House is significant because it's interior is one of the most intact and well-preserved 1930s interiors in public ownership in British Columbia. Beban House's size, park-like setting and its location on a slight rise make it a highly visible landmark in this neighbourhood.
Located on a major thoroughfare, Beban House gives Nanaimo one of few tangible links with its history in the north end of the city.
SourceCity of Nanaimo, Development Services Department, file #6800-20-H01-02/2290 Bowen Road
Character‑defining elements
Character-defining elements of Beban House include:
-All the elements of Rustic style architecture as expressed in the half-log horizontal siding, square double columns on front porch, log corner pilasters, stained glass panels on rear facade and double hung wooden sash windows.
-All of the elements of the period interior including the wood paneling, Art Deco style light fixtures, textured plaster walls, wood flooring, massive river rock, brick and stucco fireplace, built-in sideboard-bookcase, wall sconces, kitchen cupboards, 1930s bathroom tiles and fixtures and 1930s wallpaper.
-The parklike setting including the garage, the stand of mature evergreens and gravel roadways.
-The location on a slight rise on a major thoroughfare outside the city core.
End of the register’s text
Location
2290 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T, Canada
49.19438° N, 123.99250° W
Get directions (opens in a new tab)Being on the register doesn’t make a place open to visitors. Many are private homes or businesses; please view them from the street.
Loading map…
Similar places
Places whose register descriptions are closest to this one.
From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.