Built Heritage Resource Guide

The Runciman House is one of the best known Regency houses in Nova Scotia. Janet Wright Architecture of the Picturesque in Canada, p. 142, mentions "While the basic form of Girvan Bank [Runciman House] with its two bow windows was probably influenced by two earlier Halifax buldings -- Government House of 1800 and Gorsebrook of 1818 -- the gentler sweep of the large bow windows, repeated in the overhanging eave line and finally merged into the slope of the gracefully flared roof, contrasts with the straighter, more formal lines of the Halifax examples."

The characteristics of Picturesque buildings, 1790-1840 include:

- wood, brick construction
- 1 ½ to 2 storey with hip or pitched roofs, dormers absent
- 1/4 inset chimneys discreetly placed
- central doorway, rectangular transoms and sidelights, symmetrical side lights, French or bow windows, verandahs or open porches

In this architectural movement the landscape is more important than the architecture. Design of the building are found in the suburbs of towns and cities.

Photographer: Nova Scotia Bureau of Information

Reference: Nova Scotia Information Service Nova Scotia Archives no. 7119