Eldstrom House

The Eldstrom House, built by Lust Eldstrom in the early twentieth century, is recognized primarily for its historical connection to the fishing and farming history of the South Arm area of Richmond. This area was one of the earliest farming districts on Lulu Island, and retains much of its agricultural character today. In particular, the house represents the experience of settlers from Finland who arrived in Richmond in the late nineteenth century, settling along the sloughs and participating in the Fraser River fishery. Many eventually purchased land in the area on which they cultivated vegetables and livestock in addition to fishing.

Set at the front of a narrow lot, the design of the house is representative of Richmond's very early South Arm rambling utilitarian farmhouses, with its gabled roof and front verandah. The landscape with its large narrow lot and mature trees, and the orientation of the house to Finn Road and Woodward's Slough reflect the original settlement patterns in this area when transportation was primarily by boat.