Drake House: A Resettlement Story

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Explore Drake House in Arnold's Cove: A heritage museum preserving Newfoundland's resettlement history and outport life in a beautifully restored 19th-century home.

Drake House, in Arnold's Cove, is a preserved late 19th-century home relocated from Haystack, Newfoundland, representing the province's resettlement era. Now a museum, it shares stories of resilience and outport life.

A brief summary to Drake House

319 Main Rd, Arnold's Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0B 1A0, CA
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Local tips

Check the Arnold's Cove Heritage Foundation's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially during the off-season.
Combine your visit with a walk on one of Arnold's Cove's hiking trails for scenic views of the area.
Consider visiting the nearby Billy Wareham Fishing Premises for a broader understanding of the area's heritage.

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Getting There

Driving

From the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1), take Exit 26A onto the Arnold's Cove access road. Follow the road into Arnold's Cove. Turn right onto Main Road. Drake House is located at 319 Main Road. Parking is available near the museum. There are no tolls on this route.
Public Transport

DRL-LR operates a bus service from St. John's to Goobies Jct - Circle K, which is located near Arnold's Cove. From Goobies Jct, you would need to take a taxi to Drake House in Arnold's Cove. The bus fare from St. John's to Goobies Jct is approximately $51-55. A taxi from Goobies Jct to Drake House would cost approximately $20-$30.

Discover more about Drake House

Drake House, located in Arnold's Cove, Newfoundland, offers a poignant glimpse into the province's past, particularly the resettlement era. Built in the 1890s in Haystack, Placentia Bay, by George and John Drake, the house was home to George's son, Frank, who famously resisted resettlement. In 1969, he had the house barged to Arnold's Cove, marking the end of Haystack's permanent settlement.Today, Drake House stands as a historical interpretation center and community museum. It showcases late 19th-century outport vernacular architecture, featuring a Georgian central hall plan, decorative woodwork, and a tar paper roof. Inside, visitors can explore well-preserved interiors, including a fine central staircase, unpainted wood trim, and original furnishings that evoke the period.The museum's exhibits reflect the cultural heritage and historical significance of the area, highlighting the lives of early settlers and the community's evolution. Through artifacts, photographs, and documents, Drake House tells the story of Newfoundland's resettlement, offering insights into the traditions, challenges, and triumphs of its people. It is a Registered Heritage Structure, symbolizing a significant chapter in Newfoundland's history.