(Definitely not) the last homely house

I have to watch my English-born husband's language. For he, like most Brit-speakers, has been known to describe a cozy homelike spot as 'homely.' Now we know what he means. But we have to hope the home-owner does, likewise.

'Homey' is safer. And their homey quality is what is so endearing about houses like this. Not surprisingly 'The Last Homely House' was the name Tolkein chose for Rivendell, an Elvish sanctuary, the last place of safety before travellers voyaged into the terrors of the Misty Mountains, and Mordor.

These homely houses attract me on our regular self-guided tours, even when they aren't a 'stop' on the route because of  associations with notable citizens, or important architectural details, or stories of dramatic rescues from demolition. These spots just draw me in because of their setting, their scale, the shadows cast by their sheltering trees. They feel safe. They're places I could imagine living in. Like these. Watch for others.

Now is this in the domain of 'the exception that proves the rule?' Must be the trees and shadows, and the polite green and white neighbour with the darling porch that drew me. For here is another less lovely angle of the yellow shiplap clad house with its brown trim, three gables, two Gothic windows, and mighty verandah. And some information from the Delta walking tour brochure. It's the 1862 Joel Copland house.The family operated a pharmacy in the Jubilee Block (more on that later.) In later years, this was the home of a celebrated and much-loved country doctor, Dr. Joseph Kelly.