The Bell Family Homestead, Nepean's first designated heritage property, known locally as "Fairfields", was home to five generations of the Bell family. The family were most noted for the successful farming endeavours and also their prominent role in both law and politics in Nepean.
2013 marks the 190th anniversary of the arrival of the Bell family in the township of Nepean. William Bell was among Nepean's earliest settlers, having purchased his first plot of land in 1823. The fieldstone home was built on the property around 1840 and still stands today at 3080 Richmond Road on two acres of what was once their expansive 660 acre farm.
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The tour lasts for about an hour and presents the history of five generations of the Bell family, from 1823 until 2000, against the backdrop of the greater Ottawa area. The interior of the home has been refurnished with artefacts that reflect the different themes of the Bell family history. Learn about the family’s entrepreneurial, philanthropic, professional and political activities during your tour. To book your free interpretative tour of Fairfields Heritage House, please reserve by phone at 613-726-7936 or by email, at museums@ottawa.ca.
Free guided tours, led by a costumed interpreter, are offered by appointment only during the week - they are offered for drop-in visitors on Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while the Family Zone programs are being delivered.