Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

The Lawlor House has been designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador due to its aesthetic and historic value. Built in 1871, the Lawlor House has aesthetic value because it is an excellent example of a modified saltbox style that was popular throughout Newfoundland during the late 19th century. An interesting feature of this house is that, unlike many saltbox houses that were designed with a one-storey linhay, this house has a two-storey linhay allowing for extra space on the second floor. The house has simple lines and a dignified façade, which is a feature of this style of house. The 6/6 and 3/6 windows are in keeping with its modest design features and speak to the age of the house. The house is relatively unadorned except for the five-sided Scotch dormer on the front façade. The Lawlor House stands as a reminder of an era in Newfoundland’s architectural history. The Lawlor House has historic value in the Trinity Bight region because it was the home of one of Trinity East’s notable citizens. It was built for Robert Lawlor, a respected cooper in the area. In addition to his coopering business, Lawlor was also bestowed the title “Inspector of Pickled Fish” in 1875. While the house has always been used as a family dwelling, for a while two rooms were used for Roman Catholic religious services. Following Robert’s death, the home remained within the Lawlor family, who continued the coppering tradition until the 1950’s. Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Trinity East – Lawlor House – FPT 143”

Character Defining Elements

All elements that define the building’s salt box design including: – number of storeys; – steep gable saltbox style roof; – two-storey linhay on rear façade; – style of two chimneys (corbelled top) and their placement; – narrow wooden clapboard; – wooden corner boards; – dimensions and location of all window and door openings; – size, style, trim and placement of wooden windows; – size, style and placement of five-sided Scotch dormer on front façade; – dormer window size, style, trim and placement; – size, style, trim and placement of exterior wooden doors; – shaped lintel over rear door; – symmetry of front façade; – unadorned exterior typical of that style of home; – unimpeded view of the ocean, and; – dimension, location and orientation of building.

Community

Trinity East

Municipality

Not specified (Newfoundland)

Construction (circa)

19700101 - 19700101

Builder

Mr. Grant

Style

Rectangular Long Façade