Henry J. Bird, one of the founding citizens of Bracebridge, built this octagonal house in 1882, being inspired by a 19th century architectural philosopher, Orson Squire Fowler, who believed that the shape promotes physical and mental health, on top of being the most efficient use of materials and living space. It was also the first house in the area to have electric lighting and indoor plumbing. Octagonal house is supposed to provide more space, and also allows more sun to come in.

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Excerpt from Ontario's Historical Plaque: Bracebridge has been a centre for the administration of justice in Muskoka since it held the first court sessions in the region in 1868. The province built this court house after Bracebridge became the District Town of the new District of Muskoka in 1898. It is an early example of a style of court house built by Frank R. Heakes, who became chief architect in Ontario's Department of Public Works in 1896. Its classical form and red-brick, two-storey design also distinguished Heakes' later court houses in Kenora, Fort Frances, Haileybury, and Sault Ste. Marie. These prominent public buildings proclaimed the significance of the justice system in the civil administration of the province.

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