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.