A Cumberland Historical Landmark

This 3-story Queen Anne style home was built in 1895 for newly-weds Frank and Josie Smith. Frank was the original surveyor of Cumberland's coal mines and was also responsible for the layout and naming of the town's roads.

In 1910 the house was purchased by businesswoman Diana Piket, owner of the successful Cumberland Hotel, (still operating today on Dunsmuir Avenue). She was known for her independence, as well as her "grand soirées." Later, she sold the house to Robert McAllister, whose family held title for over fifty years. Many Cumberland old-timers still refer to it as the "McAllister House"; newcomers often call it "that house with the twisted chimney," its most unusual characteristic.

In 2007, Teresa Wild and I purchased this home and joined its long lineage of custodians. We call it The Twisted Chimney and operate it as both a gallery of our own (often co-created) artwork, and as a B & B.

The Twisted Chimney is also the home of The Cumberlander.