Turner House Heritage Restoration
A rendering depicting what Turner House will look like after its restoration.
Turner House at present day with its temporary roof and wrap.
LOCATION:
34965 Clayburn Road, Abbotsford, BC
CLIENT:
BUILDER (RESTORATION):
TYPE:
Heritage Restoration
STATUS:
Preliminary Design
ABOUT:
Turner House is an arts and crafts style home constructed in the 1870s. It is the oldest settler building in Abbotsford and the only surviving example of an early Matsqui Prairie farmhouse.
Turner House is historically significant for its age, condition, and its intersections with people and places during a critical time in BC's history. It is named for George Turner, the Royal Engineer that surveyed the first roads in Matsqui - with his house at their intersection. Turner House's construction was well documented by the builder, Alben Hawkins. In his diary, Hawkins names Indigenous individuals as paid contributors to the construction of Turner House.
In 2018, Turner House was moved from its original location overlooking Matsqui Prairie to Clayburn Park. Turner House is currently protected with a temporary wrap and roof until its restoration takes place. Once restored, Turner House will be used as programming space for everyone in the community to enjoy.
