Speer House

• the privacy and shelter provided to the farmyard by an enveloping stand of deciduous trees and a treed berm on the eastern limits
• the siting of the farmhouse, facing the approach to the south and in close proximity to the barn and sheds to the east

Key elements that define the house's external pioneer heritage as constructed by John Speer include:

• the L-shaped plan with sizeable proportions, rising to a maximum height of two storeys with gable and shed roofs of varying heights, one brick chimney in each gable and one in the summer kitchen
• the use of locally milled lumber and local craftsmanship as seen in the balloon framing, clapboard siding, double-hung clear glass windows, basement constructed of local limestone set in mortar, etc.
• the screened-in verandah spanning the south facade

Key elements that define the house's intact interior layout, finishes and details include:

• the spacious, formally planned layout, brightly lit with a series of connected rooms, including an entrance hall adjoining the parlour and dining room, a summer kitchen and a separate rear staircase to the second floor
• the original finishes, including linoleum and some wallpaper in the entry hall, period woodwork in the finely finished hardwood banister on the main staircase, period door and window mouldings and hardware, wainscotting in the kitchen, etc.