The Matthews House

The Matthews House spans two separate properties (203 and 205 Sydenham St) on the north-east corner of Sydenham and Queen Streets in downtown Kingston. Built circa 1840, the Matthews House is an early example of a limestone double-house in Kingston. The dwelling displays a high degree of craftsmanship and artistic merit through its varied stone detailing, such as smooth ashlar stone belt course and quoining, and use of blinded windows to maintain a symmetrical fenestration pattern. The property is associated with well-known builder, mason and devout Scottish Presbyterian, Robert Matthews, who owned and lived in (and possibly built) the dwelling, until his death in 1876. Heritage attributes include the 2.5 storey limestone dwelling with symmetrical fenestration pattern and various architectural stone detailing.