The Fairfield Gutzeit House is a beautiful 1796 Georgian-style home located in the historic village of Bath. As one of the first dwellings built in Ontario, it remains fully furnished in Victorian-era style. This lakeside estate offers a glimpse into early Canada and the legacy of the Fairfield family in Loyalist Township.
Brothers William Jr. and Benjamin Fairfield built this house in 1796, making it one of the first dwellings ever constructed in Ontario. The two were members of the Jessup Loyal Rangers, and the steep-pitched roof reflects the Vermont heritage they brought with them. The home stayed in the family until the 1860s, and in 1938, Mabel Fairfield Gutzeit bought it back and renovated it in the style of that era. It sits on lakeside grounds in Bath, not to be confused with the nearby Fairfield House in Amherstview, and stands as one of the oldest examples of history & heritage along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
This property is owned/operated by Loyalist Township.
What to Expect
The Georgian exterior is well preserved, and inside the furnishings reflect the Fairfield Gutzeit family’s 1930s and 40s renovations. The lakeside grounds are generous and look out over the North Channel. On a guided tour, you walk through rooms that have been lived in by the same family, on and off, for close to two centuries.
Here’s What’s Different
- One of the very first dwellings constructed in the province of Ontario.
- The steep-pitched roof is a rare architectural detail tied to the family’s Vermont heritage.
- The home was owned or occupied by the same family for nearly 200 years.
Good to KnowÂ
- The Fairfield Gutzeit House is the oldest of three significant heritage properties in the immediate area. Recent renovations have kept the structure sound and the interior intact as a living example of early Canadian life.
- LOCAL TIP
- Walk over to the nearby Bath Museum to see artifacts from the same Loyalist era. The two visits pair well together.
- FAST FACTS
- The house was completed in 1796.
- Built by two brothers from the Jessup Loyal Rangers.
Your Route
What We Offer
Common Questions
The house is in Bath, not Amherstview. Seasonal guided tours are available. Check current schedules for interior access.
They were prominent United Empire Loyalists and among the earliest settlers of the village of Bath.
Yes, the waterfront grounds are a popular spot for photography.
A major restoration of Fairfield Gutzeit House took place from 2023 – 2025 to repair and restore both the interior and exterior of the historic building. Foundation, finishes, and structural elements were restored to preserve the building’s integrity and ensure its long-term use.
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Getting Here
341 Main Street in Bath
Easily accessible from the Loyalist Parkway.