Taylor House is an impressive monument to one of Portage La Prairie’s most influential early citizens. Fawcett Gowler Taylor began studying law in Portage la Prairie in 1900 under W.J. Cooper. Called to the bar in 1900, he opened his private practice in town in 1902. Taylor later served as a crown prosecutor and then a judge. He also found time to serve as an Alderman in 1905, 1908, 1909, Mayor of Portage la Prairie in 1910, and Leader of the Manitoba Conservative Party from 1922-33.

Taylor House was built in 1913 by architect H.H. Holman and is a blend of architectural styles, drawing most prominently from the Prairie School style. Popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900s, the Prairie style is characterized by an emphasis on clean horizontal lines, natural materials and subtle Japanese influences.

The Taylor House has a gently sloped roof with overhanging eaves and multi-coloured geometric brickwork along the facade. Only the height of the building deviates from traditional prairie style, which typically would be around one-storey tall.

Refined materials can be found throughout the house, from the mahogany paneled walls of the first-floor music room to the ornate cast-iron radiators.