Property Description

John Dunn House - 68 Queen Street

Offered at: $495,000 CDN

This truly remarkable house which he built and expanded to include his customs office in 1784-90, is the most original and intact homes of this period that one will find in St. Andrews. From the time you first step into the original entrance foyer, with its raised panel walls, original glass, and brass door latch, you will know that you are beholding something special. It is a surprisingly bright and airy house for the period with pleasant proportions throughout. The house retains all of its period details such as original brass or iron hardware, wide plank floors, original 9 over 6 windows, doors and mill work including several built-in cupboards, cornice moldings, bead board details, original plaster walls and 7 working fireplaces (all have been carefully restored). The home's pleasant layout is also original, including the summer kitchen and attached barn/carriage house. Of course there have been many sympathetic upgrades to accommodate comfortable living with the addition of bathrooms and a more modern kitchen with all systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, alarm, etc.) having been updated in recent years.

The generous entrance hall leads to the stately livingroom/parlour (19'10" x 18'11") with its built-in bookcase and cupboards, fireplace and patio doors leading to the courtyard and garden. Across the hall is the elegant dining room (17'4" x 16'3") with original raised panel dish cupboard and fireplace. The cozy den also has a built-in bookcase and cupboard. The charming kitchen features a spacious eating area, a wood stove, prep area with wood counters, a laundry area and Dutch door to the yard. The summer kitchen (19'2" x 16'10") may be the most amazing room in the house with its huge cooking hearth, complete with fireplace crane, painted hutch, candle box, Betty lamp and large braided rug which are original to this room! This room with its bead board wall and original L hinges on the doors has become a favourite for casual dining and entertaining with only candles and the fireplace providing light. Adjacent to this room is the attached barn/carriage house, which today serves as a garage and workshop. The main level also has a half bath hidden under the back stairway.

Upstairs is a spacious foyer which could be used as a sitting area or as it is currently -an office. The generous master bedroom (19'11" x 19'6") includes original raised panel cupboards, chair rail, cornice, fireplace and additional built-in clothes cupboards. The main bath features a large clawfoot tub and pedestal sink and a separate adjoining dressing room with built-in cupboards. The guest bedroom (19'9" x 15'4") also features a fireplace and original built-in cupboards and its own spacious ensuite bath, again with clawfoot tub. Towards the rear of the building is another bedroom again with fireplace and over the ell is an original servants' bedroom and its fireplace even includes a separate smoker. An original wood wall separates another smaller bedroom or storage area adjacent to a small foyer with a third stairway that leads down to the summer kitchen. This area includes John Dunn's original customs office and a large bright back room which would be perfect for use as a hobby room or artist's studio. The exterior of the building features original shutters with clapboard and cedar shingle siding. Three separate entrances lead from the house to the beautifully landscaped private yard and gardens which feature a flagstone patio in the courtyard and a fountain.

This property has a prime location just a short walk to the town centre and all amenities and even enjoys some ocean view from the upper level.

Although this special home is over 220 years old, it has only been occupied by three discerning families over this entire period - a testament to it's charm.

The sale will include all chandeliers, all the Brunschwig et Fils curtains with thermal linings, the period andirons, fenders, firebacks and screen and a few select furnishings. Many of the outstanding period furnishings found throughout the house may be available by separate negotiation.

St. Andrews has enjoyed a colourful past and is currently benefiting from a renaissance of sorts, in part due to it's idyllic setting on the Bay of Fundy and its wonderful climate. The town has escaped the overcrowding that plagues many resort communities even though it is conveniently located only 30 minutes from the US border at Calais, Maine and just over one hour from the airport at Saint John.

Don't miss this truly once in a lifetime opportunity.