08/28/2026
The Cobblestone Manor in Cardston, Alberta, is a fascinating building rich with history, a true labour of love that has been designated as an Alberta Historic Resource
1. Humble Beginnings (1893)
The story begins with a simple two-story log house built by Joseph Young in 1893. Young was sent to Cardston by Utah church officials to help establish the Mormon community in Southern Alberta. The log home was one of only two two-story houses in Cardston at the time.
2. A Labor of Love (1913–1929)
The home's destiny changed in 1913 when it was purchased by Henry Hoet, a reclusive Belgian immigrant and master finishing carpenter. Hoet had come to the area to work on the Cardston Alberta Temple and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton.
Hoet began a multi-year project to transform the humble log cabin into an ornate, sprawling stone house.
The Cobblestone Exterior: After a major flood in 1908 left the surrounding land filled with river rocks, Hoet, often accompanied by his large Newfoundland dog, hauled hundreds of tons of these cobblestones from the nearby Lee's Creek bed. He used them to replace the original log walls and add new, stone-clad rooms.
Exquisite Craftsmanship: Inside, Hoet showcased his incredible skill, creating elaborate woodwork and unique designs:
Honeycomb Ceilings: He crafted intricate, honeycomb-patterned ceiling tiles, with the Golden Oak Room alone featuring tiles made of 61 pieces of mitred oak each.
Rare Woods and Glass: He used hardwoods imported from around the world and scraps of rare wood left over from the construction of the Alberta Temple. He also imported colourful stained glass from Italy in the 1920s to create beautiful Tiffany lights and bookshelves.
Join us FRIDAY and SATURDAY for our WEEKEND BUFFET from 5:00pm -8:00pm!
173 7 Ave W, Cardston, AB T0K 0K0
1 403-653-2701
