3 Forest Road

In 1843 when William P. Thomas, a St. John’s merchant, bought the land between Forest and King’s Bridge Roads, upon which Devon Place now stands, it was known as Bollard’s Meadow. The double dwelling appeared on Noad’s map of 1849 and the index lists the house fronting on Forest Rd. as being occupied by Hon. William Thomas, while the one at the rear was owned by his brother, H.B. Thomas.

It is assumed that the house would have been built shortly after 1843 and if that is the case, it would have survived the fire of 1846, and again survived the fire of 1892.

At the time of its construction, Devon Place was one of the most architecturally stunning pair of private dwellings in St. John's. In the years since it was first built, it has also made a mark by being home to some of Newfoundland's most well-known figures.

The list of people who have lived in the twin houses in the years after the Thomas family sold them reads like a who's who of Newfoundland history. Among the houses' more famous residents are: Merchant James Murray, Robert J. Pinsent, a Supreme Court judge; Charles Bowring, one of the island's richest merchants; Harry Duff Reid, President of the Reid Railway Company; the Honourable Robert Thorburn, a prime minister of Newfoundland; and Sir Ambrose Shea, a governor of Newfoundland, Sir Edgar Bowring, John Shannon Munn, The wife of Hon. Sir John Crosbie, and Dr. Charles J. Hutton.

Devon Place is built in the Classical Revival style and is one of the finest examples of this style in the province. The roof is gabled with four dormers. The west side of the building has a pediment supported by two columns. Four large walk-in bay windows are on the first floor. Two have cut glass and leaded ornamental glass. Two have French doors opening to the garden. All windows have ornamental mouldings. The front door has four fluted columns with granite steps.

Despite its age, Devon Place remains in excellent shape. Devon Place was recognized as a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in June 1988. This structure was also awarded the Southcott Award for heritage restoration by the Newfoundland Historic Trust.

The Southern half of Devon House is now being offered for sale by the current owners.

In fact, what is being offered for sale comprises 3 and 3A Forest Rd and a buyer can readily convert 3A Forest Road back to a totally stand along dwelling as it was up to about three years ago.

3A Forest Road has about 4224 sq ft on three levels and the larger space at 3 Forest Rd has approx 7186 sq. ft on four levels.

Words alone cannot describe the incredible architectural gem contained at this address. As a picture is worth a thousand words, you can come to your own conclusion after viewing the selection below.

For additional information and to make an appointment to view, Devon House, please call Chris O’Dea at 685-6559.

	3 Forest Rd
	Grand entrance
	Entering front hall
	Front Hall 1
	Front Hall 2
	Formal Living Room 1
	Formal Living Room 2
	Formal Living Room 3
	Formal Living Room 4
	Formal Living Room ceiling Rosette
	Formal Living room plaster decoration 1
	Formal Living Room plaster decoration 2
	Formal living room corinthian columns
	Garden access from living room
	Dining Room 1
	Dining Room 2
	Primary kitchen 1
	Primary kitchen 2
	Primary kitchen 3
	Music Room partitioning games room
	Music Room
	Music Room fireplace
	Games Room through glass
	Games Room
	Den
	Den Light fixture and architectural detail
	Secondary kitchen
	Bathroom on first floor
	Outstanding window on landing
	Master Bedroom 1
	Master Bedroom 2
	Master bedroom fireplace
	Ensuite
	Bathroom second level
	Bathroom entrance second level
	Fireplace in one of bedrooms
	Attic bedroom
	Attic craft room
	View of West parking area
	East view showing parking
	Bay window detail
	Exterior carved capital
	Heritage Foundation award
	Front entrance from west side
	West Garden
	Awaiting your viewing pleasure
	Winter photo 1
	Winter photo 2
	Winter photo 3