Description
Monks House is a two-and-a-half-storey house with a steeply pitched roof 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 as it is reflective of regional building styles in the mid 1800s. The steeply pitched roof, wooden roof shingles, and symmetrical placement of windows on the front facade are all common aesthetic features from the era in which the house was constructed. However, the symmetrical rear facade with a central entrance is a unique feature. The front façade features a large handmade clock, one of the most recognized elements 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:
-number of storeys;
-steeply-pitched gable roof;
-wooden roofing shingles;
-chimney number, style and placement;
-narrow wooden clapboard;
-wooden corner boards;
-symmetrical placement for openings in front and back facade;
-size, style, trim and placement of wooden windows;
-size, style, trim and placement of exterior wooden doors;
-simple exterior decoration;
-original handmade clock on front facade;
-dimension, location and orientation of building.
Location and History
Community
King's Cove
Municipality
Town of King's Cove
Civic Address
Wharf Road
Construction (circa)
1840 - 1850
Style
Rectangular Long Façade
Location
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