Description of Historic Place

James Simmonds House is a one-and-a-half storey wood frame constructed house in the Second Empire style. It is located on a raised lot that sits above Pleasant Street in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. James Simmonds House has been divided into several units but continues to maintain the scale and character of the streetscape it shares with other large registered heritage properties. The heritage designation applies to the building and the land it occupies.

Heritage Value

James Simmonds House is valued for its association with its original owner. The house was built in 1895 for James Simmonds, Mayor of former city of Dartmouth. Simmonds was also a partner in the hardware firm of James Simmonds and Co. He lived in this house until his death in 1918. Upon his death, his wife, Irene, took ownership of the house until 1922 when she sold it to Robert H. Bisset. Bisset divided the property in half by a party wall and the two halves were owned separately. Later, while owned as one property, the house was divided into several smaller units.

Architecturally, James Simmonds House is a good example of the Second Empire style. The defining feature of the style is reflected in the mansard roof, which is seen between the projections on the façade. The house features a substantial square projecting tower in the center of the house with a steeply pitched roof, making it a unique building on Pleasant Street.

Source: Heritage Property File: 51 - 53 Pleasant Street, James Simmonds House

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the James Simmonds House relate to its Second Empire style and include:

- projecting two storey square bay;
- pediment over three paned first storey window;
- hooded second storey double window;
- pediment over second storey double windows;
- mansard roof;
- two chimneys;
- asymmetrical façade;
- shingle and clap board siding;
- side and front projections;
- partially excavated street level basement.