07/06/2023
The Location
Our "home to Come Home to" is situated on the rugged and magnificent coastline that starts in Burnt Head, Cupids, Newfoundland and runs the entire picturesque and historic coastline past the Deep Gulch, around (or through, if by a small boat or kayak) Burnt Head, exploring Greenland, past historic Brigus Lighthouse and into Brigus Harbour.
Please visit Burnt Head Trail for some incredible pictures, videos and best of all, stories! We love stories. Here are our own photos from hiking the Burnt Head Trail. Check out TripAdvisor for even more wonderful discussion of all the trails in and around Burnt Head, Cupids.
To get to the Burnt Head and Spectacle Head Trails from our home you could either go by road, taking Burnt Head Loop up the hill to the old church and Anglican graveyard (track the ancestry of Harry John Bishop, builder of Harry John's House. Although Harry John himself is not shown as buried in the Anglican Cemetery). Or if you love yourself some authentic and more rustic Newfoundland adventure, we know a path through the woods behind our house that will take you to the trails. Start your adventure the moment you step out the door.
A note about old St. Augustine Anglican Church (most recently operated as a lovely B&B), at one time, the minister working there and serving the Anglican community living in Burnt Head lived in Harry John's House. He was "given" the house (as the local lore would have it) to live in - together with his servants (who slept in our Loft) - while he served the community as minister.
The entire history of this home could fill a book with rich and engaging stories. I hope to one day have learned them all.
Stories, like those of the pure coincidence that tell of the times Jennifer's dad, Joe and his brother, Bruce would (back in the '60's) spend weekends at Harry John's House with their good friend, John Mugford. John owned the house at the time. Jennifer and I bought the home from John's son.
Another wonderful story is that of our first official guest. On May 29th of this year the lovely young woman who (born in the '80's) was the first child brought home from a hospital to live at Harry John's House. Blair's sister "owns 'er". Who, also, lives just up the road.
I must qualify the '80's of that last story...as the 1980's. The 1880's saw this house a home for over decade. Harry John originally built the house in 1876.
For more wonderful stories, and an incredible journey through the history of Guy's colony, and the history of the community that lived, survived and thrived for centuries here in Burnt Head, visit the Cupids Legacy Center.
The House
When we acquired Harry John's House in 2019, it was bare bones. Great bones. Well built and cared for bones, but largely just bones. We immediately made 2 significant changes that upgraded our historic and authentic Newfoundland home into a slightly more sensational and inspirational, historic and authentic Newfoundland home. The first was the creation of the Great Room, complete with an amazing view of Baie de Grave and Cupids Harbour. And of course, the raging sea slamming against our land.
Expertly built (nearly 160 years ago), thoughtfully renovated, artfully decorated. This house - an absolute gem from our past - with its stately presentation has been carefully and respectfully reinvigorated into a wonderful home. And to anyone looking to experience authentic Newfoundland, both the young and the old, this home provides a truly special and unique way to capture your own Newfoundland memories and experiences.
With its stunning white washed walls, incredible views, Harry John's House is a wonderful home when away from home.
