AWARD OF HONOUR

The Bilston Farm House Restoration, Metchosin

Andrew and Melanie Penn

Bilston Creek Farm was established in 1853, the first colonial settlement in Metchosin. John Witty purchased the farm in 1867; the house was built for Mrs. Witty in 1902 and was occupied by the family until 1950.

The house was a rental home until 2002 when it was sold to Capital Regional District Parks. Although maintenance had been minimal, it was quite well taken care of on the interior.

Andrew and Melanie Penn acquired the property in 2004, and decided to restore and rehabilitate the house as their home. This decision was not taken lightly but the alternatives of demolition or maintaining it as a secondary building would not have done this property justice. Engineer Robert Patterson assisted with design consultation and drawings, and Green Bros Contractors carried out the work.

A new foundation was constructed. Some design changes were made in the lean-to attached to the kitchen to provide covered access to the basement and a better bathroom. On the other side of the kitchen, an open, covered porch was added. The house was balloon framed which, although structurally sound, provided wonderful access for animals to the walls and attic, so it was necessary to remove the interior wall finishes and do a complete clean up. Most walls had been covered with cloth scrim and wallpaper as an alternative to plaster that was not available at the time of construction. Some of the wallpaper was still unpainted and was photographed.  Previously lowered ceilings were removed, which also facilitated rewiring and plumbing. The windows were either refurbished or replaced along with new exterior doors and storm windows from Vintage Woodworks.

Since moving in, the Penns and their children have restored and upgraded the adjacent workshop.

The Penns are to be congratulated for their energy and commitment to retaining this unique historic property.