Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

Dunluce was been designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1993 because of its aesthetic and historic value.

Dunluce has aesthetic value as it has been virtually unaltered since the time it was built. Constructed in 1859, this house is quite decorative while maintaining a clean-looking, symmetrical facade. Pilasters and entablatures trim the door and windows on the first level of the front façade while simple shelves trim the windows on each gable end. One distinctive feature of the front façade are the five-sided dormers (also known as Scottish dormers), which are common in Nova Scotia but rarely used in Newfoundland. At the rear of the house there is a large, classical window which was installed to highlight the central staircase on the interior of the building.

Equally as important as the house is the land on which it sits. The 2.5 acres of land surrounding the house hosts many mature trees. Small gardens located around the property have, in the past, been the subject of poems and the location of numerous weddings. Originally located on the outskirts of St. John’s, Dunluce now sits in the center of Town. It has, however, been able to retain its large lot size, a rarity in the city.

Throughout its history, Dunluce has been the home to some well known residents of St. John’s. Originally, this house was built for James A. Whiteford, an Irish watchmaker. After its completion, Whiteford named the house Dunluce after a castle of the same name in County Antrim, Ireland. After passing through a number of hands, the house became the property of G. Rex Renouf in 1948. Renouf, a prominent local lawyer, historian and politician, was well known throughout St. John’s and the surrounding areas.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “St. John’s – Dunluce – FPT 1478”

Character Defining Elements

All original features which relate to the age and Merchant style of the building including:

-mid-pitched gable roof;
-symmetry of façade including location of window and door openings, chimney placement and finials on front facade;
-three Scottish dormers located on front facade;
-entablatures and pilasters along first level windows and doors;
-sidelights along main entrance;
-original Classical window at rear of house;
-all original exterior wooden windows and wooden doors;
-narrow wooden clapboard;
-simplicity of exterior decoration;
-greenspace surrounding house including all mature trees and gardens.

Community

St. John's

Municipality

City of St. John's

Civic Address

003 Renouf Place

Construction (circa)

1859 - 1859

Style

Rectangular Long Façade