Commissariat House
A 1820 Georgian gem, Commissariat House was the British supply officer's home & offices, offering a glimpse into colonial St. John's.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Commissariat House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1820 Georgian gem, Commissariat House was the British supply officer's home & offices, offering a glimpse into colonial St. John's.
"Really interesting historical site to visit, the tour is super informative and the workers are lovely. "
🎯 Ask the Guides!
Staff like Jim and Ann are super knowledgeable and friendly. Chat with them for deeper insights! :speech_balloon:
📜 Scavenger Hunts for Kids
Keep the little ones engaged with fun scavenger hunts offered at the site. :detective:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Georgian Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the classic Georgian design, a testament to early 19th-century British colonial architecture in St. John's.
The Stable's Informative Displays
Old Stable
Explore fascinating information boards detailing the city's rich history within the sturdy old stable.
Christmas by Candlelight Event
Throughout the House
Experience a magical evening with festive music, cider, and a candlelit tour during the holiday season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Richer Experience
Understand What's Original vs. Recreated
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask the Guides!
Staff like Jim and Ann are super knowledgeable and friendly. Chat with them for deeper insights! :speech_balloon:
📜 Scavenger Hunts for Kids
Keep the little ones engaged with fun scavenger hunts offered at the site. :detective:
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Entry is often included with Newman Vaults tickets, making it a great value. :moneywithwings:
🏠 Manage Expectations
Much of the decor is recreated, focus on the architecture and history. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask the Guides!
Staff like Jim and Ann are super knowledgeable and friendly. Chat with them for deeper insights! :speech_balloon:
📜 Scavenger Hunts for Kids
Keep the little ones engaged with fun scavenger hunts offered at the site. :detective:
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Entry is often included with Newman Vaults tickets, making it a great value. :moneywithwings:
🏠 Manage Expectations
Much of the decor is recreated, focus on the architecture and history. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Stable
Don't miss the stable for detailed historical information boards. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Commissariat House an interesting historical site, appreciating its Georgian architecture and the informative displays in the stable. While some furnishings are recreations, the house offers a good glimpse into Newfoundland's past. The guides are generally friendly and knowledgeable, though some visitors wished for more original artifacts.
"The house itself is interesting if you think of how impressive and large it would have been in it's time. I was surprised at how small it was however as I was expecting a large mansion from the pictures online. The guide was stumped a few times at our questions and wasn't able to answer. Also a bit disappointing to find out that very little is original in the house and all the furnishings, dishes, paint, and floors are recreations. The tour only takes about 20 mins with a small group.
I'm not sure what kind of show they used to put on in the past but we didn't experience any tastings, performances, wine vault, or activities of any sort as described in past reviews. Also too bad the rooms are cordoned off with rope for further expooration."
Laura Scott
"Enjoyed reading the political history of Newfoundland.
Also the historic home of the commissionariat is really sturdy, made of brick and wood. It's around 204 years old and one of the oldest homes in St. John's, NL.
My kids had a great time doing a scavenger hunt there!"
Rachel Bee
"What a great place to go. Discover some of our heritage. The tour was very informative and friendly. Highly recommend."
Gina Parsons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Commissariat House is centrally located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with nearby attractions like the Newman Wine Vaults. Parking availability can vary, so checking local parking regulations is advised.
Yes, Commissariat House is within walking distance of many downtown St. John's hotels and attractions. The stroll offers a chance to see the city's charming streets and architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or contact the site directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, especially outside of peak tourist season.
Admission fees may apply, but often entry is included as part of a combined ticket with other historic sites like the Newman Wine Vaults. This offers excellent value for exploring multiple heritage locations.
While online booking might not always be available, purchasing tickets in person at the site or as part of a package is common. Checking the official heritage Newfoundland and Labrador website is recommended for any online options.
Yes, the house hosts special events, notably 'Christmas by Candlelight' which offers a unique, festive experience with music and refreshments.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A typical tour of Commissariat House lasts around 20-30 minutes, especially for smaller groups. This allows for a focused look at the house's history and architecture.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the scavenger hunts available at the site, making the historical exploration interactive and fun for the whole family.
Built in 1820, it served as the British supply officer's house and offices, making it one of the oldest and most historically significant Georgian buildings in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Access to certain rooms may be restricted by ropes to preserve the historic elements. However, the guided tour provides comprehensive access and information.
The house and its associated stable offer insights into the political and social history of Newfoundland during the British colonial era, with detailed information boards available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the house itself doesn't have a full restaurant, special events like 'Christmas by Candlelight' may offer refreshments such as hot cider.
St. John's has numerous restaurants offering traditional Newfoundland cuisine. You can find excellent options for seafood, Jiggs dinner, and toutons within a short walk from the Commissariat House.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the house, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. Capturing the Georgian interiors and recreated furnishings can be very rewarding.
The exterior showcasing its Georgian architecture is a prime photo opportunity. Inside, the well-preserved rooms and historical displays offer unique shots. The stable's historical boards also make for interesting detail shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the house itself contains recreated furnishings, the historical context and the stable's detailed displays provide ample learning opportunities. The friendly and knowledgeable guides, like Jim and Ann, can also make the visit more interactive and enjoyable for kids.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay attention to the political history of Newfoundland as presented on-site, and consider the context of the house as the former residence of the British supply officer. The recreations, while not original, are historically informed and help paint a picture of 19th-century life.
📸 Photographers
+1Inside, the preserved rooms, even with recreated elements, offer atmospheric shots. The stable's detailed information boards can also yield interesting close-up or documentary-style photographs. Consider visiting during special events like 'Christmas by Candlelight' for unique, atmospheric photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Significance of Georgian Style
+1Understanding the context of its construction is key. As the residence and offices for the British supply officer, the house was designed to be both functional and impressive, projecting the power and presence of the British Empire in Newfoundland. The use of brick and wood, common local materials, is also noteworthy, showcasing how colonial architecture adapted to its environment.
While many interior furnishings are recreations, they are carefully chosen to represent the period accurately. This allows visitors to imagine life within the house during the early 19th century, appreciating the lifestyle and domestic arrangements of the time. The house's preservation offers a tangible link to this significant period in Newfoundland's history.
Exploring the History Beyond the House
Visitors have noted that the information presented in the stable is fascinating and extensive, making it a valuable part of the overall experience. It's a place where you can spend considerable time absorbing details about the city's evolution. This complements the more focused narrative within the house itself, offering a richer historical context.
Some visitors have also mentioned specific historical narratives, such as the political history of Newfoundland, being particularly engaging. This suggests that the site aims to provide a well-rounded historical perspective, appealing to those interested in the social and political forces that shaped the province.
Community Events and Performances
+2These events, like the 'Mayflies2023' performance or dance showcases by groups such as @serakadanceco and @duds4life, bring a dynamic element to the historic location. They offer a unique opportunity to experience art and culture within a significant historical backdrop, creating memorable moments for both performers and audiences.
+1The 'Christmas by Candlelight' event is a particularly popular example, transforming the house into a festive wonderland with music, cider, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This highlights how the Commissariat House actively engages with the community and offers diverse experiences beyond traditional historical tours.
Social
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