Summer Residence of Sir John A. Macdonald, Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec

This building, located at 336 Fraser Street in Saint-Patrice-de-la-Rivière-du-Loup in the Lower St. Lawrence region, was the summer residence of Sir John A. Macdonald (1815-1891), one of the leading Fathers of Confederation and the first holder of the office of Prime Minister of Canada. Purchased in 1882, this house was more than just a summer retreat, as it served as a place for Macdonald to relax and work while he continued to govern the country. Here, the Prime Minister conducted many of his official duties, received notable guests, and discussed important matters. Issues addressed while he was in residence included the construction of the railway, the economic challenges of the 1880s, and the development of the West. In 1885, the Riel affair was discussed during a cabinet meeting held at the house. Macdonald was particularly fond of this place, where he found the calm and detachment he needed when summer rolled around.

The house was built in approximately 1850, on a rocky inlet serving as a promontory that provides a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River. Lady Macdonald acquired it in 1882 and named it “Les Rochers”. At that time, its square footage was nearly doubled by adding a wing in the Second Empire style with a characteristic mansard roof and dormer windows, onto the house’s western side. The older section has a central triangular dormer window in the Gothic Revival style. With its long covered verandah – running along main facade, the rear wall and the west side – as well as large shuttered windows, the house has the feel of a cottage.

The presence of the Macdonalds in the region attracted friends and associates. At the end of the 19th century, Saint-Patrice became a popular resort community, frequented by businessmen, senior government officials, and politicians including Governors General Lord Monck and Lord Dufferin, former Prime Minister Louis St-Laurent, and Lord Shaughnessy, who purchased the property from the Macdonald family in 1895, four years after Macdonald’s death. Through the years, this house, considered a typical example of the summer homes located in Saint-Patrice, has remained in excellent condition, both inside and out. The fact that few changes have been made to it gives it outstanding value among the 40 or so buildings of Old Saint-Patrice.

-30-