Heritage property
1242 Bronte Rd
1242 Bronte Rd, Oakville, built c.1860s-1870s, is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by Town of Oakville By-law 2024-152.
History
The Woodlands has cultural heritage value for its direct associations with two important families of the area, specifically the White, Campbell and Atkins families. James White was a notable figure in local history as an MPP for Halton, lumber merchant, sawmill owner, gentleman farmer, livestock breeder, and the winner of the first Queen’s Plate. Paul Campbell, the son-in-law of James White, was well-known in Toronto and in Canada as a dry goods businessman, and his work at The Woodlands made the orchard famous on a national level. The property is also associated with George Stuart Atkins, a respected farmer, broadcaster, and the creator of Farm Radio International who was recognized both locally and nationally. He also helped to create the Bronte Creek Provincial Park and worked to protect The Woodlands, notably the Bronte White Oak Tree that remains today.
Heritage attributes
The Woodlands is a representative and evolved example of a circa 1860s-1870s Gothic Revival style farmhouse with unique elements adapted to the style around 1905 after a fire. The house includes many historic elements, including its: large, tall two-and-a-half storey massing and form with prominent gables; wooden soffit and boxed frieze with decorative bargeboards and brackets; stone construction with stucco cladding; front entrance, including recessed columns beside the front door and large transom window; wraparound porch with wooden columns, ceiling, brackets, beams and second-storey porch and railings; and fenestration on the south, north, and east elevations. The property also contains a remnant stone chimney and fireplace from a former building, as well as an almost century-old Norway Spruce tree planted by the Atkins.
Criterion met under Ontario Regulation 9/06
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community.
What the status means
Designated individually under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by a Town by-law. Alterations to the heritage attributes and demolition need Town approval.
Sources
Sources
Town of Oakville
By-law 2024-152Town of Oakville
Heritage Properties (open data layer)Town of Oakville
Heritage Districts and Properties
The OakvilleIQ Brief
Heritage designations and district changes
What changes on the Town's heritage register, once a week.