Local landmark was built in 1876 by Joshua Bobier, an early settler

The address is 29480 Fingal Line.

But the house is so well-known that homeowner Victoria Spencer says she has received mail directed simply to her at the Stone House, Wallacetown.

“It still got to me,” she says.

And indeed, Google “stone house wallacetown” and Bob’s your uncle!

I think we all know the imposing house in Dutton-Dunwich just outside of the west Elgin community.

It was built in 1876 by Joshua Bobier, an early settler — and apparently a thrifty one as well.

Artist Jenny Phillips supplies a history that accompanies a picture she painted of the residence.

“Oral history claimed that Joshua Bobier took note of the accumulating piles of ballast rocks at Tyrconnell, a nearby active harbour where settlers shipped out lumber and grain.”

That ballast came in boats from across Lake Erie.

“Bobier took the free rock home and built three sides of his home with these.”

But he was bankrupted by his grand scheme. Victoria says the back of the house was completed with simple fieldstone from the farm, now hidden by an addition.

Through the years, the unique house has become a magnet for sightseers.

“I have people stop in front of the house. I have them knock on the door.

“I had a picnic on the lawn out front!”

Victoria graciously left the uninvited picnickers to finish their meal.

Looking for a country place for her dog rescue, Victoria bought the house in 2016.

And through the ensuing years, she has come to appreciate it all the more.

“The character and the warmth . . . it just feels like home.”

At her request, the house was designated in 2019. It was the first to be designated in the municipality.

But even though it’s of an age, the house also is up to date with all mod cons.

However, Victoria’s life, as life will be, is headed in new direction. It’s time to downsize for herself and her partner, who also own a nearby blueberry farm, so the four-bedroom stone house now is for sale, listed at $869,000.

“It’s bittersweet,” she says.

“(But) I have other good things ahead,” she also says.

The house is........

© Sarnia Observer