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Keeper's Dwelling

Belle Isle, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0K, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1990/06/07

Exterior Photo; Transport Canada (1988).
Exterior Photo
No Image
No Image

Other Name(s)

n/a

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1856/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2006/07/26

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

The Keeper’s Dwelling is located on the barren and rocky terrain of Belle Isle. Attached to a lighttower, the dwelling is a one-and-a-half storey, stone and brick structure with a side-gabled roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Keeper’s Dwelling is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Keeper’s Dwelling is strongly associated with campaigns to improve the safety of maritime commerce at coastal locations by building navigational aids. Its construction, along with the Upper and Lower light, marked a major step in the development of the marine route around Newfoundland.

Architectural Value
The Keeper’s Dwelling is valued for its good aesthetic design. Its simple proportions, projecting dormers and prominent end gable chimneys give the building a residential appearance. The red roof shingles and white painted exterior exhibit the traditional colours characteristic of Canadian lightstations. Constructed of stone, fire brick and shingles the building possesses a good functional design.

Environmental Value
The Keeper’s Dwelling establishes the coastal maritime character of its barren and rocky isle setting. The dwelling is a familiar landmark in the region.

Sources:
Martha Phemister, Belle Isle Lighthouse, North East Belle Isle, Newfoundland, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 88-132.

Upper Light and Residence, Belle Isle, Newfoundland, Heritage Character Statement, 88-132.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Keeper’s Dwelling should be respected, for example:

Its residential appearance, functional design and quality craftsmanship, for example:

-The one- and-a-half storey, rectangular massing with two separate entrance sheds;
-The side-gabled roof with red asphalt shingles, projecting dormers and prominent end-gable chimneys;
-The wall construction consisting of stone, fire brick and white painted wood shingles;
-The regular arrangement of window openings.

The manner in which the Keeper’s Dwelling establishes the coastal maritime character of its barren and rocky isle setting, and is a familiar landmark in the region, as evidenced by:

-The residential appearance of the dwelling with its Upper Light, in combination with the surrounding secondary buildings and the Lower Light which form a group of structures that dominate and establish the setting;
-The visibility of the Keeper’s Dwelling to passing sea-going vessels.

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Federal

Recognition Authority

Government of Canada

Recognition Statute

Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy

Recognition Type

Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Recognition Date

1990/06/07

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Function - Category and Type

Current

Residence
Single Dwelling

Historic

Architect / Designer

n/a

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

National Historic Sites Directorate, Canadian Inventory of Historic Building Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 525, 25 Eddy Street, Hull, Quebec.

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

3409

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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