Seven Oaks House is the oldest home in Winnipeg.

The two-storey log structure built between 1851 and 1853 initially belonged to John and Mary Inkster. The lengthy period for construction was due to a flood in 1851. John and Mary had already built the stone foundation and most of the first floor when the flood struck – and rather than abandon their home as many of their neighbours had, they strapped a tent to the second floor of the building.

The nine-room home, intact despite the flooding, was massive for the time. It was needed, though, as the Inkster’s had a large family. John immigrated to Canada from the Orkney Islands, and married Mary Sinclair, the daughter of the Chief Factor of Red River, in 1826. Across the next twenty years, the couple would have nine children.

The home, with its symmetrical facade and central entrance, is a subdued version of Georgian Revival architecture. A verandah wraps around the front, which is otherwise unadorned.

It remained the Inkster family home until 1912, at which point it was donated to the City of Winnipeg. It remained a private residence until it was restored and reopened in 1958 as Seven Oaks House Museum.