Description
Monks House is a two-and-a-half-storey, common purlin gable roof house located in King’s Cove, NL. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Statement of Significance
Formal Recognition Type
Registered Heritage Structure
Heritage Value
Monks House was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1990 due to its aesthetic and historic value. Monks House has aesthetic value because it is one of few structures still standing that reflect the building styles in its area during the mid 19th century. The unusual common purlin roof construction in addition to its steeply pitched roof and symmetrically placed windows make it distinctive. On the main façade there is a large handmade clock, one of the most recognized features of the house. The clock was fabricated by Kenneth Monks, who lived in the home for about fifty years, and remains as a testament to his craftsmanship and watch-making abilities. Monks House has historic value due to its association with Kenneth Monks, a furniture maker whose works have been documented by material culture scholars. Researchers such as Gerald Pocius of Memorial University’s Folklore Department and curator Walter Peddle with the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, have documented Monks’ contributions to Newfoundland’s material culture and examples of his work have been included in provincial and national museum exhibits. Monks also made significant additions to the religious carvings and inscriptions at the local Anglican Church. Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “King’s Cove – Monks House – FPT 304”
Character Defining Elements
All original features which relate to the age and 19th century vernacular design of the house including: -steeply-pitched gable roof; -symmetrical placement for openings in front and back facade; -narrow clapboard; -simple decoration common to outport buildings; -original handmade clock on front facade; -location within community; and, -all original interior features related to age and use of building.
Location and History
Community
King's Cove
Municipality
Town of King's Cove
Civic Address
Wharf Road
Construction (circa)
19700101 - 19700101
Style
Rectangular Long Façade
Location
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