Fraser Octagon House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fraser Octagon House |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Octagon Mode |
| Town or city | 63 Church Street, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 45°42′45″N 63°17′39″W / 45.712602°N 63.294183°W |
| Construction started | 1857 |
| Completed | 1857 |
| Type: | Provincially Registered Property |
| Designated: | 1993-03-31 |
| Reference #: | 00PNS0171 |
The Fraser Octagon House is a very special old house located in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was built way back in 1857 and stands out because of its unique eight-sided shape. This interesting building is a great example of a style called "Octagon Mode," which was popular for a short time in the 1800s. Today, it's recognized as an important historic property in Nova Scotia, showing us a piece of the past.
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Why is the Fraser Octagon House Special?
The Fraser Octagon House is special because it's one of the few remaining "octagon houses" in Canada. These homes were a unique trend in the mid-19th century. They were designed to be more efficient and comfortable than traditional square houses.
Unique Eight-Sided Design
An octagon house has eight walls, making it look like a stop sign from above. This design was thought to offer many benefits. It allowed more sunlight to enter the rooms throughout the day. It also made heating and cooling the house easier. This was because there was less outside wall space compared to a square house of the same size.
Greek Revival Style Details
Even though it's an octagon, the Fraser Octagon House also has features from the "Greek Revival" style. You can see these details at the front entrance. There are "pilasters," which are like flat columns attached to the wall. There's also an "entablature," which is a fancy horizontal section above the pilasters. These elements give the house an elegant and classic look.
History of the Fraser Octagon House
The Fraser Octagon House was built in 1857. It has stood in Tatamagouche for over 160 years. It shows us how people lived and built homes in the past.
Construction and Original Purpose
The house is one and a half storeys tall. This means it has a full main floor and a smaller upper floor, often with sloped ceilings. It was built with a wood frame. This was a common way to build houses in Nova Scotia during that time. The house also has a wood frame shed nearby.
Heritage Recognition
Because of its unique design and age, the Fraser Octagon House is considered very important. On March 31, 1993, it was officially recognized as a "Provincially Registered Property" under the Heritage Property Act. This means it's protected and valued for its historical and architectural importance in Nova Scotia. Its location on a corner lot also makes it a prominent landmark in Tatamagouche.
