Inside Earnscliffe Manor: The Historic Home of Canada’s First Prime Minister

The original home of Sir John A. MacDonald, which is located in our nation’s capital, was built in 1867. He chose to name the property “Earnscliffe”, which is old English for “eagle’s cliff.” At the time of purchase, the property was listed for $10,000.

Gothic Revival refers to an early English Medieval style, which was considered the most popular form of architecture in our country until 1950. These homes are built of stone and feature peaked roofs, decorative wood trim and arched windows. The revival style is also preferred in places with harsher climates like Canada.

MacDonald preferred to run the country from this private study, located on the manor’s main floor. During his time as Prime Minister, one of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connected Canada from the east to west coast.

Fifty to seventy per cent of the home is original. In 2011, the house was almost tragically lost in an attic fire, but thankfully Ottawa-based architect Chris Deimling and his firm were able to restore the estate and preserve its historic beauty.

The second floor offers a great vantage point of this regal dining room. Sir John A. MacDonald constructed a bench for his disabled daughter, which still remains in the home today. She loved to sit there and watch women enter for parties and events in their beautiful gowns.

The Prime Minister entertained many esteemed guests in this room, including Queen Victoria herself. The space is called a drawing room (originally called a “withdrawing” room) because at the end of a meal, the host and guests would “withdraw” to this more comfortable seating area.

In 1930, the British government purchased the historic manor. It’s now the official residence of the British High Commissioner, who is currently Howard Drake. This cozy space, called the “River Room” thanks to its scenic views of the Ottawa River, is his favourite place in the home.

The bedroom remains entirely in its original state. After years of fighting for this country and laying the foundation of our nation, Sir John A. MacDonald passed away here in 1891 at the age of 76.

Want more? Tour this historic home and more inspiring spaces with design star Tommy Smythe in our Great Canadian Homes documentary.