Samuel Maclure designed a “Chinaman’s Cottage” for Robert Butchart in 1917.  Samuel Maclure’s architectural drawing appears below.

Samuel Maclure architectural drawing of the "Chinaman's Cottage" for Robert Butchart, Esq., 1917 (courtesy of UVic Library - Special Collections)
Samuel Maclure architectural drawing of the “Chinaman’s Cottage” for Robert Butchart, Esq., 1917 (courtesy of UVic Library – Special Collections)

Here is an explanatory excerpt from Chapter 7 of From Devastation To Beauty – The Creation Of The Butchart Gardens:

“…..Although the term “Chinaman’s Cottage” would be considered extremely offensive today, it was commonly used in late 19th and early 20th century British Columbia.

Wealthy families, like the Butcharts, employed servants and often provided separate accommodation for their domestic staff. The servants were often Chinese or Asian, which led to the term “Chinaman’s Cottage.”

This building was originally used as a residence for some of the Butchart’s Chinese household staff. The original 1917 Samuel Maclure plans show two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living room. The absence of a kitchen suggests that the staff members prepared and ate their meals in Benvenuto, the main house.

By 1922, the “Chinaman’s Cottage” was being referred to as the “Gardener’s Cottage.”

The Butchart Gardens now uses this building as a “Men’s Washroom” facility…..”

The "Chinaman's Cottage" designed by architect Samuel Maclure in 1917 as it appeared in November 2003. It is now a Men's washroom at Butchart Gardens. (Photo by Author).
The “Chinaman’s Cottage” designed by architect Samuel Maclure in 1917 as it appeared in November 2003. It is now a Men’s washroom at Butchart Gardens. (Photo by Author).
The Begonia Bower and the building designed in 1917 by Samuel Maclure as a "Chinaman's Cottage and later renamed the Gardener's Cottage (Author's collection)
The Begonia Bower and the building designed in 1917 by Samuel Maclure as a “Chinaman’s Cottage” and later renamed the Gardener’s Cottage, circa 1950. (Author’s collection)

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