Abercrombie House

General Information

Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: Thompson House
Address: 13333 Princess Street
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): Steveston
Construction Date: 1895
Current Owner: Private
Designated: Yes

Statement of Significance

Description of Site

The Abercrombie House is an early Richmond Arts and Crafts influenced farmhouse, with a T-shaped plan and a gable roof, currently located within a suburb of the city.

Statement of Values

The Abercrombie house has historical significance as part of the development of the Middle Arm area of Richmond. As one of a number of farms which lined the riverfront along the dyke, the house was part of the pattern of early agricultural development in this area. Aesthetically, the house is an excellent example of Richmond’s early farmhouse vernacular, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, and exemplifies the historic character of early agrarian settlement in Richmond.

Character Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include: · The use of a balloon framing structural system, in which the supporting wooden studs run the full height of the two storeys. · Its T-shaped plan and gable roof. · Details relating to its farmhouse style, including the small, asymmetrical open porch with square columns, exterior cladding of horizontal drop-siding, curved heavy timber gable screens drop finials, and unusually narrow windows on the second floor. · The use of square wire nails in its construction.

History

No information available.

Architectural Significance

Architectural Style

Early Farmhouse

Building Type

Domestic

Landscape Significance

No information available.

Integrity

Original Location: No - moved from 4860 River Road
Lost: No

Condition

The house is in good condition

Documentation

Evaluated By: Denise Cook BLA, PBD (Public History)
Evaluation Date: Sunday, September 24, 2000

Inventory Sheets by Foundation Group Designs, January 1990 “Heritage Inventory Phase II” by Foundation Group Designs May 1989 “Richmond, Child of the Fraser” by Leslie J. Ross, 1979