One of St. Albert’s most iconic homes, the Lorne and Marguerite Akins Residence, has been sold. The 1937 Arts and Crafts-style bungalow, tucked into the tree-lined Braeside neighbourhood, holds a special place in the city’s history and was recently designated a Municipal Historic Resource. The sale marks a new chapter for a home that has long drawn admiration from neighbours and passersby alike.
Known affectionately as “the farmhouse,” the Akins Residence was originally built for Lorne and Marguerite Akins, prominent early residents who helped shape the community. Lorne Akins served as a school trustee and community leader for many years, and a junior high school in St. Albert still bears his name.
Today, the home he shared with his wife has been recognized for its enduring significance. Its designation under Bylaw 14/2022 legally protects its unique historical features, ensuring they will be preserved for future generations.
“A home becomes historic not just because it’s old, but because it tells a story,” said Tracy Tsui, a City of St. Albert planner.
In St. Albert, homes must be at least 50 years old and undergo a professional heritage assessment before being considered for designation. The process identifies character-defining elements such as original materials, architectural style, and the home’s cultural significance.
Once designated, the property receives a permanent plaque outlining its historical importance, a visible marker of its value to the community. Homeowners also become eligible for city grants to support restoration work. These include a one-time major conservation grant of up to $25,000 and an annual minor grant of $7,500, specifically for maintaining the protected heritage elements.
The Akins Residence is the first privately owned home in St. Albert to receive this designation.
“We hope this encourages other homeowners to consider preserving historic properties,” said Tsui. “This program helps us preserve the places that shaped our city.”
For Andrew Rafo, the home’s most recent owner, living there was a deeply personal experience. He and his wife purchased the home in 2022, drawn to its charm and history.
“We didn’t want a new build, we wanted something with soul,” Rafo said. “When we saw this house, we just fell in love. I honestly thought I was going to die in this house. It felt like home from day one.”
While Rafo made a few modern updates — a refreshed kitchen, air conditioning, and security upgrades, most of the heavy lifting had already been done by previous owners.
“I was lucky," Rafo said. "The electrical and plumbing were already modernized. The exterior is almost all original.”
Ultimately, Rafo and his wife decided to sell after making plans to move to a farm in Sturgeon Heights. The home remains a neighbourhood landmark, admired daily by residents who know its story and significance. With its designation in place and a new owner who values its legacy, the Akins Residence will continue to stand as a symbol of St. Albert’s roots.
“I’m just so glad it’s protected now,” Rafo said. “That means it’ll always be here like it deserves to be.”
