Auchmar, Hamilton

Auchmar House is the centrepiece of Clairmont Park, the estate of the Honourable Isaac Buchanan, one of Hamilton's most influential citizens. It was built between 1852 and 1854 and is located at the northeast corner of Fennell Avenue and West 5th Street. The manor house, its several remaining outbuildings, and stone orchard wall occupy about 8 acres of land which include most of the original built features of the estate. However, the tiny Gatekeeper's Lodge, which resembles Auchmar House architecturally, became separated from the surviving portion of Clairmont Park. Auchmar House and the remaining contiguous portion of the Buchanan estate is a unique heritage asset owned by the citizens of Hamilton. It is recognized by the Ontario Heritage Trust as having significant historical value. Auchmar House is recognized as an outstanding example of the domestic Gothic Revival and, with its surrounding acreage, is a very rare example of a mid-Victorian estate in Ontario surviving in relatively intact condition. ()