Duff Heritage House, an early 20th-century structure, is one of the last remaining original dwellings in the Mundy Pond area from when that neighbourhood was considered to be at the outskirts of the city. Today, of course, it is a mere 10-minute drive to the heart of the downtown core. Built in the Colonial Revival style, this striking two-storey features a prominent front portico with pediment and columns, and a porch which spans the entire front façade. Typical of Colonial Revival, there is limited ornamentation, but the house does include small modillions beneath the eaves, stained-glass windows on the side porch, and some decorative woodwork on the corner boards and window trims. Though renovated over the years, the structure remains generally unchanged, and all concrete and masonry were repaired using original moulds.
This 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom house can accommodate up to 10 guests in comfort.
Built by William Duff (a local machinist with his own shop on nearby Ropewalk Lane) over the course of five years between 1932-37, the space boasts brass handrails for the elegant mahogany staircase, designed by Duff himself. The staircase is a nod to the province’s shipping history in its porthole-like design. The house was the life-long home of his daughter – trailblazing St. John’s woman, Elizabeth (Bettie) Duff. Ms. Duff was the first female clerk of the House of Assembly in Newfoundland, and the first female clerk of any legislative body in all of Canada. She was private secretary to former premier Joseph Smallwood for 23 years, and held executive assistant positions in government before becoming clerk. Ms. Duff lived her entire life in Duff House.
