The first owner of Bannock Burn was James McFarlane (1833-1899). Born in Perthshire and educated in his native Scotland, McFarlane immigrated to Canada in 1856, and shortly after his arrival located to the empty lot where the stately stone house now sits. In 1861 he married Eliza Stewart, a neighbour’s sister, and they had five children: Eliza Ann, Jane, Agnes, John and Isabella. In 1878, after two years of hard labor, the remarkable fieldstone house was finally completed.

McFarlane was a very progressive farmer, importing purebred sheep, horses and cattle from Scotland, traveling back and forth many times. He also planted impressive orchards. James died in 1899 and Eliza in 1912. Their son John farmed the acres until his death and in the 1950s the farm was sold out of the family.

Today, the rooms in Bannock Burn Bed and Breakfast are named after MacFarlane’s daughters.