Summerscales House

The grandly proportioned Summerscales House sits majestically atop a rise along River

Road, with a view to the broad expanse of the Red River just south of Selkirk. Built in 1912, the 2 1/2-storey

wood-frame dwelling is situated on spacious landscaped grounds surrounded mostly by large-lot residential

development. The site's municipal designation includes the house and the land on which it sits.

The

Summerscales House is a fine, largely unaltered example of a substantial four-square dwelling, one with

features that make it a landmark in the Little Britain area near Selkirk. Its two-storey enclosed verandah

and well-lit dormers capitalize on the river setting, while its partial stone facing acknowledges a local

building tradition that began during the early decades of the Red River Settlement. Also noted for its

richly crafted interior and well-planned site, the Summerscales House is a reminder of the extraordinary

growth that occurred in the Selkirk area between 1870 and 1930.

Source: Rural Municipality of St. Andrews

By-law No. 4060, April 24, 2001

Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:

- placement of

the house at the front of the deep lot on the west side of River Road, with its front oriented to the

south and east facade with enclosed two-storey verandah to nearby River Road

- the extent and layout

of the spacious grounds landscaped with trees and grass

Key elements that define the dwelling's

form and large unaltered exterior include:

- its four-square plan typified by the square proportions,

frame construction with horizontal wood siding painted white, shallow hipped roof and symmetrically composed

front facade

- the picturesque qualities of the stone-faced lower portion of the enclosed two-storey

verandah with set-back upper portion; the south-facing one-storey open verandah; the carefully crafted

dormer windows on three sides, including the protruding east dormer; the subtle range of window shapes;

and tall brick chimneys

Key elements that characterize the building's rich interior include:

-

the layout surviving from 1912, with a large front entrance and L-shaped staircase; the balance of small

front parlours and large dining room and kitchen at the back; the six upstairs bedrooms and bathroom

located off the central east-west hall, with a stairwell to the attic

- the exceptional craftsmanship

of finishes and details, including the carefully joined woodwork of the entrance foyer with oak pocket

doors; the numerous staircase details; window and door casings; baseboards; oak fireplace mantel; built-in

cabinetry and window box seats in the parlour and dining room; dining room plate rail; decorative plaster;

etc.