Just north of a series of restored Georgian houses stands this large and elegant frame residence, completely surrounded by a veranda. Constructed in 1834 by John Harris, a retired Royal Navy captain, the house was for many years a centre of social and cultural activities in 19C Southern Ontario. Its furnishings reflect a refined way of life at a time when most pioneer settlers were living in log cabins. Owned by four generations of the Harris family, the house was donated to the City of London. The library and drawing room are particularly noteworthy.