Description of Historic Place

Prominent and highly visible, the Habitation is the dominant structure in Port Royal National Historic Site. It consists of six contiguous structures around a central courtyard that are constructed of hewn timber and brick, with steeply pitched roofs and tall stone chimneys. Small windows and numerous entrances face the inner courtyard. The absence of openings in the outer walls combined with the palisade and a cannon platform, create a dramatic overall form. The structure is situated in an open setting overlooking the waters of Digby Sound. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Port Royal Habitation is a Classified Federal Heritage building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
The Port Royal Habitation is one of the best examples of a structure built to present and commemorate a significant early phase Canadian history and events directly associated with Samuel de Champlain. Additionally, it is one of the best examples of the type of project implemented with funds made available by the Public Works Construction Act of 1934 which was introduced during the Great Depression to provide relief in the form of spending on Public Works. The Port Royal Habitation was constructed with the intention of achieving a degree of historical accuracy. This was done through the replication and commemoration of the original structures of the early European settlement based on written descriptions and a drawing from the Works of Samuel de Champlain and also expert analysis of historic Quebec architecture. The intention was also to illustrate early Acadian building techniques. The museum is associated with L. M. Fortier the Honorary Superintendent of Fort Anne and H.T. Richardson of The Associates of Port Royal who met in 1924 which resulted in the idea of the reconstruction of the Habitation.

Architectural Value:
The Port Royal Habitation is an excellent example of a construction which attempts to replicate the architectural style and methods of construction used by the settlers of early Acadia. The value of Port Royal is in its simple early settlement inspired design, and the very good quality of its materials and craftsmanship.

Environmental Value:
Prominent and highly visible, the Habitation is the dominant structure in Port Royal National Historic Site and establishes the historic character of the area. It is a familiar and symbolic landmark to both residents and visiting tourists.

Sources:
Shannon Rickets, Fort Royal Habitation, National Historic Site, Lower Granville Road, Port Royal, Nova Scotia. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 92-085; Port Royal Habitation, National Historic Site, Lower Granville Road, Port Royal, Heritage Character Statement 92-085.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Port Royal Habitation should be respected.

Its early settlement inspired design and good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced in: the steeply pitched roofs clad with hand split shakes; the tall stone chimneys of local fieldstone and other stone elements such as the well and pathways; the palisade and cannon platform; the hand-hewn timbers of the board-walls and floors, and the hand-made brick construction; the small windows and numerous entrances facing the inner courtyard; the absence of openings on the outer walls; the handmade door latches and other visible pieces of interior hardware; the handmade, traditional method of construction throughout the entire structure and fittings and the spirit of historic veracity.

The manner in which the building establishes the present character of the historic site within the dramatic open landscape of the area.

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 Port Royal Habitation at Port Royal, Nova Scotia was constructed in 1939-1940 as a replica of the original structures erected in 1605 by Sieur de Monts and his group of French settlers. It is administered by Parks Canada. See FHBRO Building Report 92-85.

Reasons for Designation

The Port Royal Habitation was designated Classified because of its historical associations, its status as an architectural reconstruction, and its environmental significance.

Port Royal Habitation is composed of a group of six buildings forming a quadrangle in an open setting near the waters of Digby Sound. Intended to replicate buildings depicted in a journal sketch by Samuel de Champlain, the site is the earliest large scale reconstruction undertaken by the federal government to commemorate Canadian history and is illustrative of an early attempt to achieve historical accuracy through scholarly interpretation.

In the reconstruction of the site, attempts were made to replicate the architectural style, method of construction and life of settlers early in the development of Acadia. Traditional materials and methods, and the involvement of local craftsmen, contributed to the spirit of historicity and to a revival of early skills. The group of buildings represents such functions as the guard's quarters, a chapel, a kitchen and bakery, artisans' quarters, gentlemen's quarters, and trading and storage areas.

The Port Royal Habitation is one of the best known of Canada's National Historic Sites. Character Defining Features
The heritage character of the Port Royal Habitation resides in its distinctive form and massing, its materials and finishes, and the relationship of the entire ensemble to the natural setting.

The Habitation is a picturesque group of six buildings, each with steeply pitched roofs and tall chimneys, and linked together to form a quadrangle. The buildings were constructed using traditional construction methods and native materials including fieldstone, hewn timbers and brick. The stone elements - chimneys, well and pathway - juxtaposed with the weathered patina of the wood is a character defining feature which must be maintained. The traditional skills, materials and methods of construction evident in the reconstruction should continue to be utilized when repairs are required.

Small windows and numerous entrances face the interior courtyard. The absence of openings on the outer walls, combined with the palisade and a cannon platform, two unroofed structures to the south-east and south-west corner corners, create a dramatic overall form. The arrangement of the buildings and the placement of openings are integral to the historic effect and should be maintained as constructed, and without alterations or additions.

At the interior, rough hand hewn board walls and floors reveal traditional construction methods and should not be altered.

The immediate grounds have a lived-in, unmanicured look that contributes to the authenticity of the site. Any alterations to the grade and landscaping of the courtyard should be preceded by research to guide the selection of appropriate features and surfaces. In the larger context, the manipulation of parcels of land near the Habitation has resulted in the removal of nearby buildings. Future interventions compromise neighboring buildings and landscapes of interest.