Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse

Located on Gilbert's Point, along the shoreline of St. Mary's Bay in the County of Digby, Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse is a two storey square building with wood-shingles, a hipped roof, a lantern centrally mounted and a large lean to on one side. Included in the heritage designation are both the lighthouse and its surrounding property.

One of only two known lighthouses of this style to remain, Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse has a square floor plan and centrally mounted lantern. It is situated on a point of cleared land and is a valuable record of Nova Scotia's navigational heritage.

The lighthouse is also valued for its association with William Melanson, the first lighthouse-keeper of Gilbert's Cove. For nearly half a century, Melanson kept constant watch in all weather, playing an even greater role during the Second World War by preventing German U-Boats from tracking targets. Following his death, Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse continued to be tended by members of the Melanson family up until 1972.

The lighthouse was officially decommissioned in 1984, and operates today as a museum and teahouse.

Source: Provincial Registry File No. 141, Heritage Property Program, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3A6

Character-defining elements associated with the unique style of Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse include:

-the form and massing of the lighthouse

-centrally mounted lantern

-square floor plan

-wood shingle cladding

-hipped roof

-wood-framed lean to on side of building

-wooden sash windows with four over four pane arrangement

-context of isolated building on point of land extending from shoreline