101 years, 1 house: London centenarian given heritage award for care of lifelong home
Annie Biddle, a London woman who resided in the same house in the city’s Carling Heights neighbourhood for an astounding 101 years before selling it last fall, has recently been honored for her remarkable dedication to the property. At the 2025 London Heritage Awards held at Museum London, Annie was presented with a commendation by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and the Heritage London Foundation.
The commendation highlighted Annie’s unintentional preservation of a heritage building, noting the rarity and extraordinary nature of her long-term stewardship of the residence located at 66 Boullee St. Annie, who had lived in the home since 1923, made the difficult decision to sell her lifelong abode for $400,000 in September, as reported by HouseSigma.
Reflecting on her emotional journey, Annie shared with CBC News, “It was quite a shock when I moved, you know, because I’d been in that little old house for all those years. You hate to give it up, but it comes a point where you need help, and you can’t expect people to run in and out all the time.”
The nomination for Annie’s commendation stemmed from a community member who was inspired by her story, initially featured in the London Free Press last September. Susan Bentley, the chair of the London Heritage Award committee, expressed admiration for Annie’s achievement, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging her unparalleled dedication. Annie herself attended the awards ceremony alongside several family members, describing the experience as “quite a thrill,” despite her reluctance to deliver a speech.
In reminiscing about her childhood and the evolution of her neighborhood, Annie recalled simpler times when her father worked for the railway, much like the other men in the area. She fondly recounted playing with neighborhood children on unpaved, muddy streets and highlighted the challenges her family faced during her upbringing. Despite the hardships, Annie remained steadfast in her commitment to her family home, providing support to her parents in their later years.
Since moving out, Annie has been residing with her niece, Catherine, though she admits to missing her former residence, particularly the sunroom where she could leisurely observe the world outside. Reflecting on her enduring connection to her old home, Annie expressed a desire to visit and witness the changes made by the new owners, acknowledging that they may not appreciate her unexpected visit.
Annie’s story serves as a testament to the profound impact of long-term stewardship and the sentimental attachment individuals hold towards their homes. Her unwavering dedication to her family residence has transformed it into a heritage house, encapsulating a lifetime of cherished memories and experiences.
