The charming 1 ½ storey Victorian Cottage at 362 12th Street was built in 1899. The gable roof is embellished with gable-shaped dormers, and intricately carved bargeboard trim and brackets. The brick exterior is decorated with a brick belt, segmental windows, and an enclosed porch. The design also features a canted bay window and beautiful stained glass windows.
One of the first owners of the home (if not the original) was William Dorsey, who lived here with his wife Emma and their five children. Dorsey moved to Manitoba from Tecumseh County, Ontario, in 1883. He was a successful farmer in the Methven area for nearly twenty-five years before moving to Brandon as director of the Wawanesa Insurance Co.’s Brandon branch. Previously, Dorsey had been selected as the company’s first president. William Dorsey passed away in 1911. His wife, Emma, continued to live in the home until 1919.