Loyalist House, Saint John

Loyalist House stands proudly as a museum and National Historic Site. Constructed in 1817, this historic residence served as the cherished home of the Merritt family for over a century, leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape.

Intriguingly, Loyalist House is often hailed as the oldest structurally unaltered building in Saint John, a survivor amidst the ashes of the Great Fire of 1877 that claimed many of its contemporaries. The architecture reflects the New England Federalist style, a nod to the cultural heritage of its original owners.

This two-and-a-half-story structure unfolds a tale of symmetry and grandeur. The main living quarters, mirrored on both floors, housed the family's intimate spaces, including living and dining rooms, a kitchen, study, and multiple bedrooms. The meticulous design features a main and servants' staircase, a centralized bell system, fireplaces aplenty, and an abundance of large windows that flooded the space with natural light. Although gas lighting once illuminated the halls, traces of this early system are now but whispers in the historical corridors.

Venture to the top floor, originally reserved for servants' quarters, and encounter a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of those who maintained this grand residence. Skylights added later by the Merritts illuminate a space that would have once known no windows.

Today, the museum showcases the rich tapestry of Georgian and Victorian furniture from esteemed collections like the New Brunswick Historical Society, the New Brunswick Museum, and Kings Landing Historical Settlement. Open during regular business hours from Loyalist Day in May until the beginning of September, the museum warmly welcomes visitors, offering guided tours that delve into the lives of the Merritt family and the opulent lifestyles of 19th-century Saint Johners.