Runciman House

(Girvan Bank)

Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

The historic Runciman House—often called the prettiest house in Nova Scotia—is an excellent example of the early 19th-centruy Regency cottage style. Built in 1817 for the Rector of St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Rev. John Millidge, it was known as Girvan Bank. The house was sold to the Runciman family in 1830, who owned it until it was transferred to the National Trust for Canada in 1978.

The National Trust added an extra level of protection to this Municipally Registered Heritage Property prior to transferring ownership in 2010 by applying a conservation easement agreement that will ensure the building’s protection in perpetuity.

During its stewardship of the building, the National Trust invested in restoring the two-storey side porch, uncovering the decorative hardwood floors, and re-roofing the building. 

Prior to selling the building, the National Trust added an extra level of protection by entering into a conservation easement agreement with the Ontario Heritage Trust that will ensure the building’s protection in perpetuity.