Description of Historic Place

McKnight House is a two-storey L-plan Classical Revival residence from the mid-19th century in Rothesay. It is located on Green Road and sits near Spy Glass Hill.

Heritage Value

McKnight House is designated a Local Historic Place for its association with its former owners and for its age. Former owners of McKnight House that add to its historic merit include Harry Green, a respected electrician, and Mr. Ron Bovaird, a local mason. Harry Green, aside from being a local electrician, also lent his name to the road upon which MacKnight House sits. Mr. Ron Bovaird is specifically notable for his work on the refurbishment of The Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia, which was repaired from its ruinous state over the course of two decades to a historical landmark and park.

Built circa 1850, McKnight House is the oldest home in the community of East Riverside/Kingshurst, which is one of the five communities that now make up the Town of Rothesay.

Source: Rothesay Living Museum, Historic Places file “McKnight House”

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the McKnight House include:
- two-storey L-plan massing;
- gable roof;
- small gable dormer over the entrance;
- stone foundation more than half a metre thick;
- association with noted members of the community Harry Green and Mr. Ron Bovaird;
- status as the oldest house in East Riverside/Kingshurst area of Rothesay.