Fairfield-Gutzeit House Rehabilitation
RTM completed a multi-phase heritage rehabilitation of the Fairfield-Gutzeit House, a historic 1796 timber-frame property located in Bath, Ontario. Working with Loyalist Township and RJC, RTM carried out sensitive repairs to preserve the building’s historic character while improving the long-term performance of the structure and exterior envelope.
Project Scope
RTM completed a multi-phase heritage rehabilitation of the Fairfield-Gutzeit House at 341 Main Street in Bath, Ontario. The project included exterior envelope restoration, structural timber repairs, masonry rehabilitation, porch and verandah restoration, chimney repairs, window restoration, plaster and paint restoration, exterior wood repairs, gutter replacement, and related mechanical/electrical coordination.
The specifications identify the house as a two-storey timber-frame building constructed in 1796, bearing on a limestone rubble foundation with masonry chimneys, wood siding, single-hung windows, and a corrugated metal roof.
Notable Details
The work was meticulously phased over 2023 and 2024. Phase 1 included rehabilitation of the south verandah, north porch, and east porch; restoration of stone steps and landings; chimney rehabilitation; localized timber structure remediation; west foundation wall repairs; west timber sill replacement; wall cladding restoration; exterior wood element repairs; gutter and rainwater leader replacement; and HVAC modifications. Phase 2 included window restoration, interior plaster and paint restoration, and fence/gate remediation.
The project required careful heritage restoration methods across multiple disciplines, including historic masonry repointing, brick and stone replacement, fine finish carpentry, wood decking, wooden window and door restoration, and exterior painting.
Detailed restoration work addressed the south verandah, south porch deck replacement, north porch framing restoration, east porch rehabilitation, west foundation wall rehabilitation, east stair restoration, and custom gutter detailing.
Final Result
The completed rehabilitation preserved and renewed one of Bath’s most significant heritage properties. RTM’s work helped stabilize the building, restore deteriorated exterior and interior elements, improve envelope performance, and maintain the historic character of the 1796 Fairfield-Gutzeit House.
The restoration was publicly recognized upon completion, with the Fairfield-Gutzeit House successfully reopening to the public following the two-year restoration effort, highlighting the successful structural renewal, window restoration, plaster and painting, and extensive foundation and porch repairs.
