Description of Historic Place

The Stable at the Virginia Moore Farm is prominently situated on an open crest of land on a property of ninety-six acres in the western section of the city of Gatineau, Hull sector. Part of a group of six farm buildings, the large, H-shaped stable features numerous gables and a central cupola with a pyramidal roof. Features of note include round-headed windows and decorative finials. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Stable is a Recognized Federal Heritage building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Stable illustrates the theme of genteel working estates that arose on the outskirts of Canadian cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The farm shows the influence of the English country estate tradition and is associated with the development of agriculture in the area.

Architectural Value
The Stable is valued for its very good aesthetic design, and is a rare example of a stable built in the Queen Anne Revival style. Few stables of this style have survived and few of this stature are known. The good functional design is seen in the interior configuration with stalls, aisles and passages. The design emphasizes the picturesque massing of its numerous gables and central cupola. Good craftsmanship is exhibited in the ornamental kingpost gables and the ventilation cupola.

Environmental Value
The Stable maintains an unchanged relationship to its site, reinforces the agricultural character of its farm site and is well known to passers by. The structure is also a well-known local landmark.

Sources: Edgar Tumak, Six Buildings, Virginia Moore Farm, Boulevard Alexandre Taché, Hull, Quebec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Report 90-071; Stable, Virginia Moore Farm, Boulevard Alexandre Taché, Hull, Quebec, Heritage Character Statement 90-071.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Stable should be respected.

Its very good aesthetic, functional design and good quality materials and craftsmanship
for example: the large H-shaped massing with gabled roof; the timber construction and tongue and groove clad exterior; the ornamental kingpost treatment of the numerous gables; the central ventilation cupola with its louvred sides pyramidal roof and miniature gables; the placement of the doors and large round-topped windows; the interior configuration with stalls, aisles and passages.

The manner in which the Stable maintains an unchanged relationship to its site, reinforces the agricultural character of the Virginia Moore Farm and is a landmark as evidenced by: the building's on-going relationship with adjacent, barnyard structures; the design and form, which complement the location in a farm setting; the structure's visibility to passing traffic, and its prominent profile on a crest of land that make it a familiar local landmark.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The stable at the Virginia Moore Farm was built circa 1910, designer unknown. It is the property of the National Capital Commission (NCC). See FHBRO Building Report 90-71.

Reasons for Designation

The stable was designated Recognized for its architectural and environmental
significance. Built in an elegant Queen Anne Revival idiom combined with a specific function, few stables of this style have survived and few of this stature have been inventoried. The stable is well sited on an open crest of land and is highly visible from the road.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the stable is defined by its design, form, materials and detailing, and by its site and open setting above Boulevard Alexandre-Taché.

Clad with tongue-and-grouve siding, the design of this very large, H-shaped stable emphasizes the picturesque massing of its numerous gables and central cupola. The ornamental king-post gable treatment, finials and fenestration - particularly the round-headed windows - are integral to the design. The central ventilation cupola is noteworthy for its louvered sides, pyramidal roof, and miniature gables. The original exterior design, detailing and building fabric should be maintained and any repair effected using appropriate materials and techniques.

The interior has undergone few substantive alterations or additions to the original layout. The stalls and work room are separated by wide aisles; access to the stalls is further facilitated by narrow passages along the outside walls. The large windows provide light and ventilation. Finishing details around the round-headed windows, the stalls and some wood finishing in the workshop and tack rooms are noteworthy. The original plan and finish details should be maintained, as should the heavy-timber work of the upper hay loft.

The open areas around the structure are integral to both the historic and current setting of the stable and should not be compromised by new development.