Presents
19 West Street- For Sale
A rare opportunity to acquire an extraordinary historic property in Trinity, Trinity Bay - The home of early Trinity merchants, restored it to its former glory.
This merchant house built in 1840 was derelict when the current owners took possession in 1993. But they were captivated by the simple, elegant structure, large rooms with beautiful light, and the location with spectacular vistas of the town and harbour. The possibility of a magnificent garden made it even more intriguing. And so began a decade long labour of love, returning the vacant house to its proper place as an historical centerpiece in the community and a beautiful, cherished home, enjoyed beyond measure by everyone fortunate enough to spend time there.
Nestled on the rugged shores of Trinity Bay, the town of Trinity is a picturesque community steeped in history and charm. Founded in the 16th century, it is one of Newfoundland’s oldest settlements, once a bustling fishing and trading hub. Today, Trinity is renowned for its beautifully preserved heritage architecture, vibrant arts scene, and warmth as a welcoming community where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. The house at 19 West Street is a celebrated and inspiring example of what Trinity is about.
This Southcott Award winning mercantile vernacular home stands out as an architectural gem of Trinity. The structure is a 2 ˝ story saltbox with a slanted linhay rear extension. The form of construction, illustrated in the photographs, is balloon framing with 2.5 inch full studded, pit sawn and splined vertical lumber rising two stories. Ceiling joists supporting the second and third floor are connected to the studded walls via mortice and tenon joints, and the system is further strengthened by recessed diagonal bracing that crosses multiple studs at the corners of the structure’s interior. This robust form of construction was most likely in use in the South of England from where the majority of the Trinity population emigrated.
The House
The owner’s objective for the restoration was to upgrade all mechanical and electrical infrastructure to current standards with the least possible intrusion to the original structure. This was indeed accomplished. With careful attention to detail and always sensitive to the history of the house, necessary and tasteful modern conveniences were added. One such addition was indoor plumbing!
Entering from the back door there is a porch with room to hang wet coats and kick off muddy boots, and also a sneak peek at what’s in store for the visitor. With a long view, the length of the house, one is welcomed immediately to the marriage of old and new. The bathroom next to the porch is followed by the heart of the home – the kitchen and gathering space.
The kitchen is open to a casual family room allowing conversation with family and friends while preparing meals. The cast iron wood stove provides great comfort during the shoulder seasons. The exposed studded walls and open beams in this space and throughout much of the house add to the ambiance.
The large dining room features garden views and a traditionally styled propane fireplace. The adjacent living room, complete with a wood burning fireplace, is an ideal place to withdraw from the dining table to enjoy the town views and great company.
The front entry and porch opens to the central hall and the original staircase with a very finely turned newel post and rail. Pantry space is conveniently located under the stairs.
The spacious main bedroom has a working fireplace and outstanding views of the garden, town, and harbour. Across the hall is a bright guest bedroom and a full bathroom with soaker tub. And at the rear is the second level linhay, which extends the full width of the house. Currently, this space accommodates two single beds on one side and lounging space with a large desk on the other. This large, open room could serve a variety of purposes depending on the needs of new owners.
The top floor has two finished rooms; one currently used as an office and another as a spare bedroom. The bell shaped dormer is a striking feature added during the restoration to provide sufficient head room and natural light to the attic stairway. The interior details of the dormer are similar to those of an upside down trap skiff, fashioned by one of the renovation carpenters who was a wooden boat builder. This is but one example of the lovely details the house has to offer.
Views and Gardens
The views from inside the house and throughout the property are truly extraordinary. The Town of Trinity’s iconic structures, boats coming and going in the harbour, and the cliffs of Skerwink headland across the water, are all views enhanced in the foreground by the spectacular floral gardens surrounding the house. Indeed, the house and gardens are frequently photographed by passersby.
The owners have turned a nettle-filled property into an oasis of bloom comprised of several flower beds, massive rose hedges, two slate layered patio gardens, herb beds, strawberry and rhubarb patches, a potato bed, and many other edible plants in layered beds cascading the sloped landscape.
A garden shed stands by the top patio, and there’s a root cellar for storing vegetables after harvest. Plans for a new garden potting shed / greenhouse, designed by Frank LaPointe are available should the next owner be so inclined.
Restoration
Work done to the building envelope during the restoration included: new roof sheathing with new cedar shingles; rigid insulation installed under new, rough side out wooden clapboards and trims; all new pine windows and storms with 6/6 glazing, fabricated on site in traditional style; exterior doors, screen and storm doors, fabricated on site, chimneys dismantled and restored / rebuilt, one with original Daulton chimney pots re-installed; bell dormer and window at the rear of the third floor constructed on site; front porch and exterior stair totally rebuilt; new back porch added.
Inside, the following projects were completed during the renovation years: removing wall for open concept kitchen with laminated birch countertops and glass front kitchen cabinets; full bathroom with shower on main floor; sanding and refinishing original pine floors (some boards up to 18 inches wide); new pine floor in dining room; full bathroom with soaker tub installed on second floor; combining two adjacent rooms to create large main bedroom; and hours and hours spent removing layers of wallpaper and paint, everywhere.
There is also a well-curated selection of furniture and accessories in the house, some of which may be negotiable.
Amenities
The location at the corner of West Street and Court House Road makes the amenities of Historic Trinity within a short walk from your doorstep. A morning hike from the garden to the top of Gun Hill will reward you with an unrivalled view overlooking the historic town and across Trinity Bay through Baccalieu Tickle. Historic buildings and museums, whale watching, pickleball, volleyball, playgrounds and the annual Trinity Festival are all on offer. Live theatre and walking tours, casual and fine dining, and handmade crafts and artisanal chocolate are steps away. There’s berry picking and cod jigging to keep you busy on land and sea, and a place for you or your boating friends to dock at the Marina. Trinity also has a bank, post office, and medical clinic, with limited but regular hours.
Property and House Dimensions
Please see attached survey showing .15 hectares (.371 acres), 18.273 meters (60 ft) frontage on West St and 50.579 meters (165 ft) frontage on Victoria Road
The house measures approximately 1026 sq. ft. on the main floor, 974 sq. ft. on the second floor and 426 sq. ft. in the attic, for a total of 2426 sq. ft. There is also an unfinished, earth floor basement area used as a workshop and utility space, with an insulated room for the hot water heater.
The Opportunity & Terms
Entering the home today, the sense of history is ever present, as is the joy and comfort of the here and now. The result is an outstanding blend of old and new that brings a depth of experience difficult to describe. The house has transitioned beyond what many thought possible. Restored with intention and care, it has brought three seasons of joy to the current owners and their family and friends each year (plus a few magical Christmases!) It is truly an extraordinary house in an extraordinary setting.
Asking price $699,000
For additional information about this rare opportunity and an appointment to view, please call or text Chris O’Dea at 709-685-6559
Enjoy the photos that follow. One can stop viewing after the first 50 or so. After that, one can view archival and “as built / pre-reno” photos followed by a large collection of additional photos for those that want to see more. Enjoy.
Room dimensions are as follows
| Living Room | 11’ 9” x 18’ 8” |
| Dining Room | 11’ 10” x 17’ 7” |
| Kitchen | 5’ 4” x 7’ 11” |
| Family Room | 18’ 8” x 11’ 11” |
| Bathroom | 7’ 11” x 5’ 10” |
| Front Porch | 4’ 0” x 5’ 2” |
| Back Porch | 4’ 6" x 10’ |
| Main bedroom | 11’ 10” x 18’ 2” |
| Bedroom | 11’ 10” x 11’ 4” |
| Linhay | 29’ 4” x 11’ 9” |
| Main bathroom | 11’ 10” x 8’ 2” |
| Office third floor | 12’ x 14’ with knee walls |
| Bedroom third floor | 12’ x 14’ with knee walls |
Click thumbnail below to enlarge image:
