Book Launch – The Ontario Cottage: Perfect of Its Kind

October 30th, 2025 7-9pm at Novel Idea (156 Princess St Suite 201, Kingston)

In their new book The Ontario Cottage: Perfect of Its Kind, authors Lynne DiStefano and Dan Schneider share their fascination with the Ontario Cottage, one of the most recognizable historic houseforms in the province. The book, which includes 75 full-page photographs and many other illustrations, examines the design lineage of the cottage, its proportions and distinctive parts, and the reasons for its enduring appeal. Several examples of Ontario Cottages from Kingston and area are profiled.

About the Authors

Lynne DiStefano, PhD (UPenn) is a specialist in cultural heritage and architectural conservation. Co-founder and past Director of the University of Hong Kong’s Architectural Conservation Programmes, she is a Faculty Associate at the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. Previously, Lynne was a Chief Curator at Museum London. She is the Co-author (with Nancy Z. Tausky) of Victorian Architecture in London and Southwestern Ontario: Symbols of Aspiration.

Dan Schneider is a heritage enthusiast, policy wonk, writer and professional heritage consultant. Currently president of the Stratford-Perth County branch of Architectural Conservancy Ontario, Dan was custodian for many decades of a c. 1856 limestone Ontario Cottage near St. Marys. His award-winning and widely consulted heritage policy blog OHA+M is housed on the website of the Heritage Resources Centre of the University of Waterloo.