Langley's historic Little Red House destroyed by fire after 137 years

The Little Red House — formally known as McIver House — has been destroyed by fire after standing in the Township of Langley for nearly 140 years.

The home, built by Murdoch and Annie McIver between 1887 and 1890, burned down early Thursday in the Glen Valley area. The Gothic-style farmhouse had become one of the most photographed and painted structures in the region, with its rural character drawing artists, photographers and visitors for decades.

The house served as a backdrop for photo shoots and videos and "evoked memories of simpler times," according to the Langley Heritage Society. Despite its cultural significance, the home had fallen into disrepair. Township records show it was still occupied until the early 1990s, but by 2010 it had been surrounded by a turf farm and sat uninhabited and deteriorating.

Township Councillor Rob Rindt shared videos of the house engulfed in flames, describing its destruction as "incredibly sad." "So many people photographed, painted and stopped to admire this house over the years, and now these images capture its final moments," he said.

The Langley Heritage Society said in a statement Friday that it was "sad and unfortunate" the home was never preserved. The cause of the fire has not been reported.