Built like an alpine ski chalet, the Eckhart Log House is the oldest residence in Markham.

The Eckhart family was part of the Berczy’s group of German-speaking pioneers, the very first Europeans to settle in Markham.

After failing to secure land in New York, they trekked up North and made a deal with then governor of Upper Canada, J. Simcoe. The 200-acre farmland granted by Simcoe near the log house would become known as “Settler’s Hill”.

Its closest relative in Toronto would be “Scadding Cabin” (1794), now a museum. Architecturally, the steep pitched roof and two-storey verandah, according to Dr. Finlayson’s archeological study (2021), is more closely related to Cugnasco House (1740) in Switzerland.

Large diameter logs were hewn flat. Wide (32’) but thin (8’) logs from old growth pine trees were used to form the walls. The corners of the cabin were connected by intricate dovetail joints. The wooden eaves extend to a point, there is sufficient depth to act as a porch.

Symbolically, perhaps Eckhart Log House would sit alongside Cox Cottage (1797), Drumsnab (1834), and Woodlawn (1840). These old houses are some of the oldest private residences in the Toronto area, with their orientation predating the street grid, and future neighborhoods shaped around them.

As their family grew, it was commonly believed that the whole log house was raised in the air with extensive effort to make room for a new ground floor with a kitchen wing.

The original “Rosedale” Villa and “Summerhill” Estate were demolished long before people valued their historical significance.

Throughout the years, under different ownerships with local farmers like the Bartletts and Becketts, this German log house has stood its ground.

225 years later, Settler’s Hill has now become a playground. As children play, in front of them is the humble beginning of Markham on display.

60 Aksel Rinck Drive, Markham

An old photo of the house, taken circa 1900 from the book “Historic Unionville”

Some older photos of the house from Markham Archives.