MacKenzie Farmhouse
Kempt Head Road
1880
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This MacKenzie family settled on Boularderie Island in the 1820's. This farmhouse is the second house to be erected on the property. The original homestead (owned by Neil MacKenzie) burned completely, leaving only the foundation on the property. John MacKenzie built and lived in the current house. Two names have been found written on the wall boards: John and Hector. The last known family members were May, Jessie, and Lauchie MacKenzie. Jessie moved to the United States, remaining there until her death. Lauchie lived in the house until the autumn of 1968, when he passed away. Throughout the MacKenzies' ownership, the house was heated with a wood stove and fireplace; water was drawn from a nearby pool, and a two-seated outhouse was used. Since 1968, the house has changed hands twice. The current owners purchased the property in 1977, and have since renovated extensively in order to restore much of the interior to its original appearance
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Architectural Comment
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This farmhouse was built in an asymmetrical foursquare style, although a side ell and back porch addition have changed its stylistic appearance. The foundation was constructed of hand-cut stone in the 1880’s, and remains in its original condition. The root cellar is stone with lime mortar, likely produced at one of the numerous lime kilns in the neighbourhood. The house was constructed of locally grown and milled lumber, and held together with wooden pegs. It was originally clad in wooden shingles, which were also used as roofing material. The interior walls and ceilings were made of pine and spruce wood, and affixed using square metal nails.
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Contextual Comment
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Some of the foundation of the first MacKenzie farmhouse remains on the property. The land grant for the property comprises fifty acres. The existing house was constructed using locally grown and milled lumber. The original shingle cladding weathered very well: it remained unpainted until it was replaced in the past few years. Other renovations include an extension to the dining room and kitchen, a porch addition, a new chimney, and a new roof. There is a record of an Angus MacKenzie living in this house, but his historical context is unknown.
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