Charles Macdonald Concrete House

Cement sculpted Trophy Buck tdrahos (Atlas Obscura User)

Tucked away in Nova Scotia’s scenic Annapolis Valley is the quiet hamlet of Centreville, home to one of the most unique houses you will find in the Canadian Maritimes. Originally built as his concrete factory, Charlie Macdonald converted this hand-constructed cement building to a unique home for his bride Mabel Misner. The landmark, known locally as the “concrete house” is a unique property surrounded by Charlie’s concrete lawn sculptures of deer, a mountain lion, giant mushrooms, and other fanciful figures and furniture.

Inside the house, every surface is hand-sculpted from concrete. In the center of the living room a fireplace and surrounding bench feature relief sculptures of local wildlife and camping scenes. The newel post up the winding cement stairs depicts a young maiden and canoe. The house is home to all of Charlie and Mabel’s artwork which is displayed each summer.

Know Before You Go

The grounds are open year round, the interior is open July and August. In keeping with the legacy of Charlie and Mabel Macdonald admission is free. To see more sculpted buildings by Charles Macdonald travel further up the road to Huntington Point, NS and find 4 of the 5 faerie cottages Charlie made in the 1930s. The Blue Cottage is owned by the Charles Macdonald Society and available for organization members to stay in overnight.