The Fairfield House is a premier example of 18th-century New England Loyalist architecture located in Amherstview, Ontario. Built in 1793, this protected farmhouse served as the heart of the Fairfield family estate for 180 years. Visitors can enjoy guided summer tours and heritage programming that highlight the building’s original features and its significance to early Canadian history.
William and Abigail Fairfield left Vermont in 1784 to stay loyal to the Crown and built this house by hand in 1793. It is still standing with most of its original materials intact, which is why the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada put it on their list of the 250 best examples of Canadian architecture. The New England styling gives away where the family came from. Loyalist Township manages the property now, and the Fairfield Homestead Heritage Association runs the interpretation. The house sits within a lakeside park on the Loyalist Parkway with picnic areas and a playground, so most families stay a while after the tour.
What to Expect
A wood-frame house built by hand in 1793, with a high percentage of its original materials still in place. The guided tours walk you through the interior and explain what you are looking at. Outside, the lakeside park overlooks Lake Ontario and is a good spot to settle in with a picnic after the tour.
Here’s What’s Different
- Recognized as one of the top 250 architectural examples in Canadian history.
- The New England styling directly reflects the Fairfield family’s Vermont roots.
- The best-preserved 18th-century dwelling in Eastern Ontario.
Good to KnowÂ
- Unlike many heritage restorations, this site still carries a high percentage of its original building materials. It is a primary stop for those exploring history & heritage in the region.
- LOCAL TIP
- After the tour, the playground and shoreline access are right there. Local families use them regularly, and it is an easy way to round out the visit.
- FAST FACTS
- The house was built by hand in 1793.
- Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1994.
Your Route
What We Offer
Common Questions
Tours typically run from July through August. Check the official Township website for specific 2026 schedules.
Yes, the Fairfield House is part of the Light up the Season event. Check the seasonal festival map for participating landmarks.
The Amherstview house is the original 1793 family farmhouse. The Fairfield Gutzeit House in Bath is a later Georgian-style residence built by the same family.
Yes, the house is open seasonally for tours, but the surrounding park and playground are accessible throughout the year.
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Getting Here
4574 Loyalist Parkway in Amherstview
The house is easily visible from the main road along the Lake Ontario shoreline.