Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

Heber John Abbott House was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1995 because it has aesthetic and historic value.

Heber John Abbott House has aesthetic value because it is an early example of a full studded hipped roof home. The decorative elements of the windows add character to an otherwise simple structure. The house is typical of 19th century construction when the use of wide corner boards, narrow clapboard and a single entrance were common features. It is typical of the earliest mode of construction in Newfoundland and Labrador using the full studded method and a rare, remaining example. With a three bay facade the simplicity of the house is set off through the use of 3/6 and 6/6 single hung windows. The pronounced rain caps are bracketed with bold drip mouldings and the front facade is in striking contrast with the rear where a single door is the only feature.

The historical value of Heber John Abbott House is defined by its age since it is estimated to have been built between 1840 and 1860. Since few ordinary houses remain from this time it is an important reminder of an earlier era. It is representative of a typical home of the time and an average person may have owned a house of this type.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Bonavista – Heber John Abbott House – FPT 200”

Character Defining Elements

All those exterior elements that define the architecture of the building, including:

-hip roof;
-central chimney;
-2 storey structure;
-3 bay facade;
-wide wooden corner boards;
-narrow wooden clapboard;
-size, style, trim and placement of wooden windows;
-size, style, trim and placement of exterior wooden doors;
-prominent rain caps supported by large brackets;
-rear entrance, and;
-dimensions, location and orientation of building.

Community

Bonavista

Municipality

Town of Bonavista

Civic Address

Cape Shore Road

Construction (circa)

1840 - 1860

Builder

James Way of Bonavista (possibly)

Style

Square