Home / Accueil

Bentley House

3590 Brock Road, Brougham, Ontario, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1992/11/26

Rear view of Bentley House, showing the exterior walls of red brick with contrasting pale brick for window trim and corner quoins, 1992.; Public Works and Government Services Canada / Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada, 1992.
Rear view
View of the main façade of Bentley House, showing the centre door accentuated by a delicate porch, supported by delicate Italian colonnettes, 1992.; Public Works and Government Services Canada / Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada, 1992.
Façade
Detail view of the main window on the principal façade of Bentley House, showing the belvedere crowning the house with glazed, arched openings and bracketed roof, 1973.; Agence Parcs Canada / Parks Canada Agency, 1973.
Detail view

Other Name(s)

n/a

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1853/01/01 to 1855/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2008/08/05

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

Bentley House, situated amongst mature trees and set back from the road, is prominently located in the historic village of Brougham. It is a well-proportioned, two-storey, brick structure in the Italianate style. It is distinguished by a hipped roof, crowned by a splendid belvedere, and accented by a prominent columned porch. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Bentley House is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
Bentley House is associated with the growth of Upper Canada after the War of 1812 and the attendant development of surrounding towns. One of the community’s founders, William Bentley, immigrated to Pickering township from New York State in 1829. His brothers joined him in establishing a family store and a patent medicine factory which served the surrounding area and helped the village flourish. Bentley House represents the heyday of the village.

Architectural Value:
Bentley House is a very good example of an Italianate villa as evidenced by the combination of Renaissance massing and the picturesque expression of its materials and detailing. It is also distinguished by its good functional design, good quality materials and craftsmanship.

Environmental Value:
Bentley House establishes the present historic character of Brougham village and is familiar to those in the neighbourhood, using Highway 7 and Brock Road.

Sources: Leslie Maitland, Bentley House, 272 Brock Road, Brougham, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 91-163; Bentley House, 272 Brock Road, Brougham, Ontario Heritage Character Statement 91-163.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Bentley House should be respected.

Its Italianate style and good quality materials and craftsmanship, as evidenced in:
-the two-storey massing that is five bays wide;
-the hipped roof with deep, bracketed eaves;
-the belvedere crowning the house with glazed, arched openings and bracketed roof;
-the exterior walls of red brick with contrasting pale brick for window trim and corner quoins;
-the centre door accentuated by a delicate porch, supported by delicate Italian colonnettes;
-the interior decorative features such as mouldings and fireplace surrounds.

The manner in which the Bentley House establishes the rural character of Brougham village and is a familiar local landmark, as evidenced by:
-its prominent location at the heart of the historic village.

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Federal

Recognition Authority

Government of Canada

Recognition Statute

Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy

Recognition Type

Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Recognition Date

1992/11/26

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Function - Category and Type

Current

Historic

Residence
Single Dwelling

Architect / Designer

n/a

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

5441

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

SEARCH THE CANADIAN REGISTER

Advanced SearchAdvanced Search
Find Nearby PlacesFIND NEARBY PLACES PrintPRINT
Nearby Places