Inverarden House

Inverarden House is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

Inverarden House is a very good illustration of the re-creation of the genteel lifestyle by middle and upper class British immigrants of the 19th century. By virtue of his status as land owner, employer and Justice of the Peace, the designer, North West Company fur trader retiree John McDonald became important in the community, and his home reflected his social standing and recalled a genteel, upper middle class, British Lifestyle.

Architectural Value

Inverarden House is an excellent example of design based on picturesque early 19th century British country estates. Its value lies in its formal symmetry and classically derived detailing. These are featured in the façade’s symmetrical arrangement of casement windows on either side of the classically inspired doorway accentuating its simple form, in the subtle colouring of the roughcast stucco walls, and in the decorated cornice and detailed woodwork found in the structure.

Environmental Value

The location of Inverarden House on a rise of land, looking down a narrow curving drive flanked by trees, toward the St. Lawrence River contributes to the picturesque character of its country estate setting. Its simplicity of form, delicacy of detail and subtlety of colour enhance, and are enhanced by, its wooded setting. It is the only building at the site and is an integral component of its setting.