Christien House

Place Description

The historic place is the 1.5-storey squared-log Christien House, built in 1890, and now a part of the Pandosy Mission complex, located at 3685 Benvoulin Road in Kelowna's Mission sector.

Heritage Value

The Christien House, built 1890, is valued as an extant early pioneer residence and has significance for its connection with Joseph Christien (1829-1916) who was among the first settlers in the Okanagan Mission area and was instrumental in the development of Benvoulin. Christien settled in the area in 1861 just two years after Father Charles Marie Pandosy, of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, founded the first white settlement in the Okanagan Valley. Christien later sold his land, developed the Benvoulin Christien townsite, and subsequently relocated to Ellison, where he purchased a ranch from David McDougall, who is thought to have built this log house for him.

The Christien House is a superior example of vernacular log construction, demonstrating the resourcefulness of pioneers in utilizing available resources while settling the frontier. This cross-gabled house displays typical features of a vernacular log structure, with wall construction of squared logs assembled with dovetailed notching. The later additions illustrate the growth of the house over time, as economic conditions allowed.

The Christien House also played an important role in Ellison’s early educational initiatives, with its top floor serving as a classroom in 1894. The heritage value for this house also lies in its interpretive value within the Father Pandosy Mission site, an important cultural feature for the interpretation of the Okanagan Valley’s heritage to the public. The house was moved here in 1970, and is operated as part of the historic site.

Character Defining Elements

- Vernacular log building, with squared logs and dovetailed joints
- L-shaped plan with cross gable
- Wood double-hung windows, mostly 6-over-6 sash
- Three brick chimneys
- Scalloped fascia boards
- Verandah
- Part of the 10-building Mission complex