Compton House is an enchanting Victorian mansion just a
15 minute walk from historic downtown St. John's.
Designated a Heritage Property by the City of St.
John's, Compton House is situated on a three quarter acre beautifully
landscaped estate lot in the Waterford River Valley.
This professionally restored home is lavishly decorated
with polished wood, ornate mouldings, many fireplaces and furnished with
antiques. There are large living and dining rooms and a cozy library,
all with fireplaces. A sundeck overlooks the garden and mature trees
overhang a cozy patio at the back.
For Vacation:
Compton House is within easy walking distance of many of
St. John's most interesting attractions:
- Restaurants
- Victoria Park
- Bowering Park
- Downtown Shopping
- The St. John's Waterfront
- Boat tours and the colourful nightlife of George
Street
By vehicle, our guests are only minutes away from some
of Newfoundland's, indeed Canada's most historic sites, such as:
Signal Hill, site of Marconi's first wireless trans-Atlantic
message transmission. Cape Spear National Park, Canada's most easterly
land point. A sampling of Newfoundland Outport life is also just
moments away. Dotting our coastline are many beautiful and uniquely
different fishing villages. "The Gut", "Lower
Battery" (in the city) and Petty Harbour (on the outskirts of the
city) blend beauty with ruggedness to give visitors an insight into
this style of living. Availability of a vehicle wont be a problem as a
main bus route runs past Compton House.
The hosts of Compton House have lived in the area all of
their lives and are quite knowledgeable about both the history of the
city as well as the history of their historic home.
Children over 12 are welcome and would enjoy the
park-like grounds that surround Compton House.
For Business:
Compton House is situated on a major public
transportation route and within easy walking distance of The Delta St.
John's Convention Centre and Downtown St.John's.
Suites are spacious, quiet and luxuriously appointed
with private baths, telephones (with free local calls and messaging
service), colour cable TV, in-room computer modem jacks, daily room
make-up and ample free off-street parking. Breakfast times can be
pre-arranged for tight schedules.
A Romantic Getaway:
For a memorable evening or weekend, reserve a suite. The
bedroom has a queen size bed, fireplace and remote control TV/VCR. An
adjoining sunroom or sitting area overlooks the beautiful English garden
and all suites include a whirlpool tub. To top it off, breakfast is
served daily fireside in our elegant dining room.
These suites are perfect for wedding nights or
anniversaries. For very special occasions, ask about our special
package. Special weekday rates available.
Rooms:
The spacious guest rooms and suites are all uniquely
different. Each has a private bath, phone with free local calls, colour
cable TV and offers a different combination of extras such as an
adjoining sunroom, whirlpool bath, fireplace sitting room, full kitchen
or adjoining bedroom.
Beds are generally queen size and a full complimentary
breakfast is served fireside each morning. The house has been fully fire
rated and approved as a heritage inn.
History:
Spread out over 7000 square feet, Compton House is a
late Victorian style home that was built in 1919 by the Cousens family.
Ethelbert Cousens, proprietor of a cooperage on the
Southside of St. John's, made application to build the house on July 17,
1919.
In the mid-1920's, the house was occupied by Ethelbert
and Roy Cousens. The couple was said to have split the property down the
middle so that each had a private residence.
In 1926, a two-storey wing was added to the west side of
the house to accommodate a second kitchen with a housekeeper's quarters
upstairs.
In 1945, the Cousen's family sold the house to Ches
Pippy and his wife Edna. The Pippys extensively renovated the house and
returned it to it's original status as a single family home.
Ches Pippy was a successful businessman who founded
Newfoundland tractor in 1927. The company, which remained in the Pippy
family until 1997, enjoyed immediate success in supplying equipment for
road and other construction work which began in the 1920's.
Years later, in the 1960's, Ches Pippy gave $1 million
dollars to the provincial government to acquire land. This land was
developed into a large park in the City of St. John's, The park, St.
John's C.A. Pippy Park is named in his honour.
Today, the house on 26 Waterford Bridge Road is owned by
Bob and Cindy Holden. The Holden's bought the home in 1988 and underwent
extensive renovations to convert the home to a 8 guest room Heritage
Inn.
Much of the old beauty and late Victorian charm lost
over the years was restored with the refurbishment of the home. Compton
House is now designated as a Heritage property by the City of St.
John's.
Compton House is named after Compton Castle in Devon,
England; A Pippy ancestral home.
Location:
Compton House is located just a short walk from St.
John's Downtown core, close to all amenities including restaurants,
convention centres and nightlife. Compton House is a 10-15 minute drive
from St. John's Airport. Many car rental companies offer their services
at the airport. A major bus route also runs past the front of Compton
House.
