Beckwith Barn

General Information

Type of Resource: Building
Common Name:
Address: 18331 Westminster Highway
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): East Richmond
Construction Date: 1919
Current Owner: Private
Designated: No

Statement of Significance

Description of Site

The Beckwith barn is located in an area of Richmond in which the rural character still predominates. It is surrounded by agricultural fields, other farmhouses and buildings of similar character. The gambrel-roofed, rectangular wooden barn forms one side of a small farm precinct that is visible from the road. It is situated with its long side parallel to the road, and at right angles to its farmhouse, the Beckwith House.

Statement of Values

The Beckwith barn is a good example of a post World War I gambrel barn. The barn and adjacent farmhouse form a cohesive unit, which, with the intact agricultural setting, is representative of the rural heritage character of East Richmond. The Beckwith barn is associated with the history of dairy farming in Richmond, at a time when Richmond was known for being in the forefront of technical advances in the dairy industry. The barn and its rural setting illustrate a particular way of life, as well as the importance of Richmond’s agricultural heritage.

Character Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include: · The defining features of a gambrel barn as illustrated by a steep dual pitched gambrel roof, exposed rafter ends, sliding entry door with two loft doors above, monitor vent and shed dormers. · The visual immediacy of the barn due to its location close to the road, together with the farmhouse, outbuildings, and intact setting which form a cohesive grouping typical of later and smaller farms in Richmond.

History

The barn was built by John Beckwith, a contractor, who lived in the adjacent house on a five acre dairy farm with his wife Elizabeth until 1947. There is no documentation to verify the construction date of the barn, but it is reasonable to assume that it was built shortly after the house was completed in 1919. There are farm outbuildings associated with the barn, which were built at various times up until 1955. This dairy farm was built and developed in the peak period of expansion in the dairy industry from about 1920 until World War II, when dairying grew to become one of Richmond’s foremost industries.

Architectural Significance

Architectural Style

Gambrel Barn

Building Type

Agricultural

Name of Architect or Builder

Designer unknown; probably built by owner Randall May who built the adjacent farmhouse.

Design Features

The barn is rectangular in plan and sits on a post foundation. Its roof is a dual pitched gambrel, covered in cedar shingle overlaid in some areas with sheet metal, and with exposed rafter ends. The windows are multi-paned wooden sash with plain trim, several of which are missing. The barn is clad in horizontal drop-siding with cornerboard detailing. There is a sliding entry with two loft doors above. The roof has a monitor vent on top and shed dormers with cedar shingle roof coverings. There is a shed addition on the west side of the barn; there is no indication as to its building date but it has the same building materials and detailing as the main barn structure. There is a post and wire fence installed along the roadway, and a large metal gate, painted green, at the entry to the site.

Construction Method

Heavy timber construction.

Landscape Significance

Landscape Element

In context with the farmhouse, land and outbuildings, the barn creates a small heritage precinct, which could be considered a cultural landscape.

Integrity

Alterations:Alterations are considered minor only.
Original Location: Yes
Lost: No

Condition

The barn appears to be 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