The Thomas & Elizabeth Turnbull House (Circa 1888): Where Heritage, Craftsmanship and Modern Living Converge

Step into a rare piece of New Westminster history with this beautifully restored late Victorian-era residence, offering over 2,500 square feet of living space, including a fully self-contained 1 bed / 1 bath mortgage helper.

Built in 1888 by master carpenter and contractor Thomas Turnbull, this distinguished home stands as the first residence constructed on Ninth Street—a cornerstone of the Brow of the Hill’s earliest development. Lovingly restored in the 1990s to reflect its original floor plan, the home seamlessly blends timeless character with thoughtful modern functionality.

From the moment you arrive, the home’s charm is unmistakable. Decorative scroll-cut woodwork, made possible by early steam-powered craftsmanship, showcases the pride of a bygone era. A distinctive Scottish flag motif adorns the verandah railing—an homage woven into the home’s very identity.

Inside, history lives in every detail. The elegant parlour features an original ceiling medallion, hidden for decades and rediscovered during restoration. Authentic period lighting casts a warm glow across spaces that tell stories of craftsmanship and care. The dining room is a true conversation piece, featuring heritage wainscotting salvaged from the original Burr Block and a ceiling sourced from a historic Samuel Maclure-designed residence. Custom-milled fir trim and baseboards add a cohesive, artisanal finish throughout.

The home offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms, which includes the ground-level suite. The garden suite is a legacy of the home’s former triplex configuration and provides excellent income potential or space for extended family.

Upstairs, a truly unique feature crowns the home—a metal Widow’s Walk, rich with its own storied past, thoughtfully integrated to complement the home’s architecture while offering a striking vantage point.

Outdoors, the grounds are equally enchanting. A century-old boxwood hedge frames the property, while an authentic late 19th-century Egyptian iron gate welcomes you in. Beneath the dining room window blooms a heritage “Albertine” climbing rose—its lineage tied to Queen Victoria’s era—adding fragrance and romance to the garden setting.

This is more than a home—it is a living piece of history, carefully curated and lovingly maintained, offering a rare opportunity to own a landmark property with modern versatility.

Property Highlights:

• 2,500+ sq ft of restored living space
• 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms
• 1 bed / 1 bath mortgage helper suite
• Fully restored original 1888 floor plan
• Authentic period fixtures and reclaimed heritage materials
• Iconic architectural details including scrollwork and verandah design
• Private garden with heritage landscaping and historic features

Own a piece of New Westminster’s story—timeless, elegant, and truly irreplaceable.

Showings by appointment only – call Lori at 604-312-0738 or email lorifralic@gmail.com for more information about this property.