The Town of Cobourg has issued a formal Notice of Intent to Designate the residential property at 323 King Street West, also known as the Field House, as a site of cultural heritage value under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Built around 1847, the 1-and-a-half-storey brick home is a rare example of the Ontario Regency Cottage style and is associated with the Field family, prominent early residents of Cobourg. John Field established a dry goods business that operated from 1832 to the late 1920s and was involved in town council, finance and church affairs. His descendants continued to serve Cobourg in roles such as judges, doctors and teachers.
The house features unique mid-19th-century architecture, including French doors, brick chimneys, a fieldstone foundation and original diamond-pattern glazing. It sits in a historically significant area of King Street West and continues to be occupied by descendants of the original family.
The town believes the home’s design and long-standing social connection to the community make it worthy of protection.
Residents have until August 21, 2025, to submit any objections to the proposed designation. Objections must be sent in writing to the Town Clerk’s Office by email, regular mail or in person.
For more information or to view the full designation notice, visit cobourg.ca or contact planninginfo@cobourg.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
