26. Stone Cottages

26a. Stone Cottage, (Seeley Bay near the Rideau Canal)

Stone cottages were also structures for some of the earliest settlers. This was particularly true if the family had lived in a similar building in places like Britain or Europe. Ireland and Scotland, in particular, were known for their masonry. And there was a ready availability of stones in the Maritime's Appalachian Mountains or the Canadian Shield in Quebec and Ontario.

26b. Stone Cottage (Kemptville)

26c. Stone Cottage (w. of Durham, Que.)

What to look for (clues)

- By today's standards the buildings were crude, often with windows and doors placed where they were most suitable.

- Many of the original homes probably had thatching on the roof which, of course, has long since vanished.

- The sizes were small with most of the cottages limited to a single room.

- Since glass was expensive and difficult to secure, homes often started with wax paper over the windows which were later replaced with numerous small panes.

26d. Stone Cottage (Merrickville, near the Rideau Canal)

Where to find it

Search around the small, older settlements, especially ones close to the Rideau and Trent-Severn Canals.

More information:

26c is the house to a small winery in the Eastern Townships. There are a surprising number of wineries and cider establishments in this area.