Description of Historic Place

James Simpson Murchie House consists of a white three-storey wood frame Second Empire residence located on Milltown Boulevard in St. Stephen. Formerly a family home, it now houses the Charlotte County Museum.

Heritage Value

James Simpson Murchie House is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with the Murchie family.

James Simpson Murchie House was built in 1864 for James Simpson Murchie. It represents a good example of mid-nineteenth century Second Empire residential architecture in St. Stephen. This style is exhibited in such details as the traditional mansard roof with dormers, the symmetrical façade with bay windows and the elaborate detailing.

James Simpson Murchie was a prominent lumberman, businessman and a leading entrepreneur in the area during the 19th century. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of New Brunswick. In 1928, his daughter, Emma J. Murchie Eaton, presented the house to the Town of Milltown. Subsequently, James Simpson Murchie House was used as the Town Hall for 45 years and, since 1980, has been the home of the Charlotte County Museum.

Source: St Stephen Town Hall - Historical Places file "James Simpson Murchie House"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe James Simpson Murchie House include:
- rectangular 3-storey massing;
- overall symmetry of door and window placement;
- mansard roof;
- modillions under the eaves;
- dormer windows with pediments;
- rectangular and segmented arch double-hung sash windows;
- bay windows;
- oriel window;
- central oculus window
- quoin corners;
- central portico with Corinthian columns;
- clapboard siding.

The character-defining elements that describe the interior of the James Simpson Murchie House include:
- 75' black walnut staircase;
- carved mouldings;
- marble fireplaces.