732 Sutherland Ave

The heritage value of the house at 732 Sutherland Avenue derives from its architecture, reflecting a form of housing construction common in Kelowna's South Central neighbourhood during the first phase of civic development after incorporation and prior to the outbreak of WW I.

This house was built before 1914 by contractor J. Harris for Kate A. Coubrough, a widow. She owned the house until at least 1933, and probably until 1947, making several additions.

The original is the part seen at the left of the photo, with a steep gabled roof, asymmetrical cross-gable having Tudor Revival half-timber detailing, and narrow horizontal beveled wood siding. In its wood construction, scale, and details it is characteristics of many Kelowna houses of the time. The simply-treated wing at the right is a later addition done in 1922.

In 1947, and until the 1960s, it was the residence of Herbert G.M. and Ethel Gardner (or Gardiner - the documents disagree). The Gardners retired there from farming outside the city. A Cambridge University graduate, Herbert Gardner came to Kelowna in 1913; he served in the 47th Battalion, C.E.F., in the First World War, and was wounded in the arm. Ethel had been a resident of Kelowna since 1911. The Gardners were active in sports, being founding members of both the Kelowna Tennis Club and the Badminton Club. Herbert Gardner died in 1963, Ethel in 1967.