Thomas and Elizabeth Turnbull House

Thomas and Elizabeth Turnbull House

217 Ninth Street

Built: 1888
Builder: Thomas Turnbull

Built in 1888 by carpenter Thomas Turnbull for his wife Elizabeth, this late Victorian Italianate cottage was the first home on Ninth Street, then known as Halifax Street. The Turnbull family raised six children here before moving to a larger house nearby in 1907.

Over time, the house underwent significant changes. Following a succession of owners, it was converted into a triplex in 1945. The second-storey verandah was enclosed, and the exterior was covered in asbestos shingles. By the early 1980s, the cottage narrowly escaped demolition as part of a proposed townhouse development.

A comprehensive restoration beginning in the 1990s returned the house to its original form. Guided by historical photographs and physical evidence within the structure, the original floor plan was carefully re-established. Interior walls were removed to “read” the markings on the original floorboards, allowing the home to be reconstructed with remarkable accuracy. The verandah was reopened, original clapboard siding revealed and restored, and missing architectural details—including the front porch and trim—were faithfully recreated.

Today, the house reflects both its 19th-century origins and the craftsmanship of its restoration. Decorative scroll-cut woodwork, made possible by early steam-powered tools, and a verandah railing featuring a subtle Scottish motif pay tribute to Turnbull’s heritage. Inside, high ceilings, mouldings, and custom-milled fir trim restore a sense of proportion and craftsmanship, while salvaged architectural elements from other historic New Westminster buildings have been thoughtfully incorporated. Notable features include a ceiling medallion rediscovered during restoration, heritage wainscotting, and period lighting that reflects the character of the era.

The home has continued to evolve while respecting its origins. Its current configuration includes multiple living spaces, reflecting its history as a multi-family dwelling, while maintaining the integrity of the original design. In 2025, the house received a grant from the New Westminster Heritage to support refurbishment of the verandah.

Set within mature landscaping, the property includes long-established garden features such as a century-old boxwood hedge, an ornamental iron gate, and heritage plantings including a climbing rose dating to the early 20th century. Together, these elements contribute to the home’s enduring presence in the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood.

The Turnbull House stands today as a carefully restored and continually maintained example of New Westminster’s early residential history.