The property was gifted to us in 2017 by the estate of Danny Haughn. Four properties total of 28.6 acres (11.6ha) and they are bounded by highway 3; a short section of Middle River Road; private property (including a new subdivision at the end of Cove Ridge Road); the Chester Connection Trail. It also contains a crescent of Cooks Branch which is a tributary of the Middle River. Approximately 30% (9 acres) of the property has been harvested in the past 10-15 years. Older stands of large pine and spruce do remain intact.

The former home (circa 1839) of Danny Haughn occupies the southern portion along with a small duck pond and outbuildings. The driveway drops in from highway 3 to the house, then an old haul road rises toward the back of the property. This drops again into a shallow valley, then a gradual upslope again to the northern edge of the property where it abuts the rail-trail.

The property is approximately 180m wide x 750m long.

Footpaths, deer paths, and skidder paths can be found to traverse the entire length. The entire property is generally moderately sloped and well drained.

With the gift of the property, a trust also is available to the Municipality. This was intended to help preserve and maintain the dwelling.

There is also a small parcel of land on the south side of highway 3, immediately downstream and river-left, of the Middle River bridge. Access is only via the steep road embankment and it is generally unusable.

The house is perhaps the most unique asset on the property. It was designated as a heritage property by Municipal Council in 1990 because it was built in 1839, is a Victorian Duplex, and was home of two prominent Chester Basin families. This designation prohibits significant alteration or demolition without approval by Council. Its condition has not been fully assessed but it is expected to create management challenges in the future. Despite this, we are fortunate to be provided with an opportunity to imagine its future uses and public benefits.

The fact that this a relatively large tract of land that also connects highway 3 to the Chester Connection Trail, uninterrupted, is a valuable characteristic.

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