Duff Baby House, Georgian house in Sandwich district, Windsor, Canada
The Duff Baby House is a Georgian-style residence located at 221 Mill Street in Windsor, constructed with timber framing and brick infill topped by a steeply pitched roof with dormers. The building demonstrates construction methods typical of the region's early European settlement period.
Alexander Duff built the house between 1792 and 1798 as a fur trade post; James Baby bought it in 1807, and the Baby family kept it until 1871. It is said to have served during the War of 1812 as headquarters for U.S. General Harrison and for British Colonel Henry Proctor and General Isaac Brock. In 1816 the timber structure was refinished as Baby's residence, and in 1905 Dr. William Beasley bought it for his home and practice.
The name Duff-Baby combines the surnames of its first two owners, fur trader Alexander Duff and judge and politician James Baby. The Baby family owned the house until 1871. In the 1980s William Beasley's daughter arranged an agreement with the government for restoration and archaeological research on the property.
The house opens to visitors on select Saturdays throughout the month, with guided tours arranged through Museum Windsor during daylight hours. The site sits within the historic Sandwich neighborhood, within walking distance of other heritage properties.
The house was owned by the Baby family until 1871, when it passed out of their hands. In 1905 Dr. William Beasley bought it for use as his home and medical practice, and in the 1980s his daughter arranged an agreement with the government for restoration and archaeological research on the site.
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