Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour!

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Entire home

The Light Keeper's House

(Photo courtesy of Dave Greening)

Fort Amherst Light Station, St. John's, NL

Light Keeper's Houses, Fort Amherst Vacation Homes, St. John's, NL

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Barbecue grill
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available

Explore the area

St. John's, NL

George Street
‪7 min drive‬
Port of St. John's
‪9 min drive‬
Signal Hill National Historic Site
‪14 min drive‬
St. John's, NL (YYT-St. John's Intl.)
‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

This renovated former light keeper's residence is situated on the edge of The Narrows at the entrance to the port of St. John’s, a beautiful and unique vacation home located at Fort Amherst - the site of the first lighthouse in Newfoundland and one of the most photographed sites in the province. This property is one of two vacation homes operated at the Fort Amherst Light Station. The assistant light keeper's residence is also available for rent, please visit our listing at vrbo #371905.

House completely renovated, beautifully and tastefully decorated. Three bedrooms (two with queen beds and one with twin beds) each with flat screen TVs, three full bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, dishwasher, washer/dryer. Front wrap around deck with views of the spectacular Atlantic ocean, Signal Hill, downtown St. John's and the harbourfront. Sit back and watch the boats entering and leaving St. John’s harbor. Depending on the season lucky guests will have amazing views of icebergs along the coastline. Entrance point to the east coast trail just steps away.

Minimum three-night rental. Off-season rates available.

*Please note that rates are displayed in USD when viewing Rates and Availability Calendar. Can change to CAD at top of screen. Rates are computed in CAD when booking.*

Our vacation homes have been featured in newspapers across Canada.

Property manager

Owner/Manager

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Ocean view

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Similar properties

The Light Keepers Houses

(Photo courtesy of Dave Greening)

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

St. John's

Located in St. John's, this holiday home is by the ocean. Railway Coastal Museum and Newman Wine Vaults are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Atlantic Place and Village Shopping Centre. George Street and Mile One Centre are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

View more Holiday homes in St. John's

St. John's, NL

What's nearby

George Street - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
The Rooms - 9 min drive - 6.6 km
Port of St. John's - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
Memorial University of Newfoundland - 10 min drive - 7.4 km
Signal Hill National Historic Site - 14 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

St. John's, NL (YYT-St. John's Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

‪Bagel Cafe - ‬8 min drive
‪Bannerman Brewing Co - ‬9 min drive
‪Bellissimo Bistro & Espresso Bar - ‬9 min drive
‪The Battery Cafe - ‬9 min drive
‪Smoke's Poutinerie Inc - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour! located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is steps away from Fort Amherst Lighthouse and Fort Amherst. Railway Coastal Museum and Waterford River Walk are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Maggie D.

6 Apr 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enchanting!

It was enchanting! We loved it. Couldn't have picked a more charming spot in all of St John's!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin D.

21 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Donovan’s Delight

Four senior sisters and one spouse thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage. It is spacious, beautiful, unusual and delightful. We would definitely recommend it, and would love to come back. Thank you!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan C.

21 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Brent M.

18 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Communication

Great location

Stayed there 7 years ago just feel There needs to be some updating some of the blinds needs to be replaced the window seals needs to be cleaned or painted and the windows need to be replaced and would be nice to have a nice table and chairs for the front porch

Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

8 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay

From sunrise to sunset views and in between, this property will always be at the top of unique and amazing experiences—one that we could never get at a hotel.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arlene M.

31 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friend Vacation

Perfect location in Fort Amherst. Great views. Saw whales playing while sitting on the deck. We would recommend this vacation rental.

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David R.

9 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Iconic St. John's Lighthouse Stay

I would give the location more than five stars if that were possible. Staying at such as iconic St. John's location was a VRBO experience like no other.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Karen M.

6 July 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful View

My parents and I spent a week enjoying the St. John's area and coming home to this charming house each day. The view of the lighthouse and ocean is amazing, and we loved watching the ships come in and out of the harbour. The house was very comfortable, and we especially appreciated that each bedroom has its own bathroom.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

21 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lighthouse Keeper’s house

We loved our stay at the lighthouse keeper’s home. It was such a unique experience to be able to stay there for a few days. I am sure all the tourists who walked by were interested in our accommodations! We are very thankful that this place has been preserved and offered to the public. What an opportunity to be able to stay there and watch the comings and goings on in the harbour, the fog, the foghorn, the ships, the views, the seabirds, and the lovely, comfortable accommodations! Thank you!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara M.

15 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and fun!

This place was so much fun! The unique location made it very special. We had some fog while we stayed, so we got the full foghorn and lighthouse effects. The horn is really not all that loud (and I am a light sleeper) and didn't bother us at night - but it was cool to hear it if you woke up! The property is well equipped and very clean - had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. You can watch ships come in and out of the narrows to the harbor, and you have a great view of Signal Hill. Creature comforts (wifi, tv, microwave, coffee maker, etc) were great. We would love to return - and would hope for a little better weather when we do.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela F.

29 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My dream came true!

If you are a lover of lighthouses which I am this place was absolutely incredible in all aspects! Would stay here again in a heartbeat! Amazing property with breathtaking views! Very close to everything there is to do in St.John's!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glen C.

23 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible!

We stayed at the Head Lightkeepers House for a couple of nights in May. The house itself was so full of character! There's a picture in the kitchen of who I assume are past residents of the house. You can actually feel the presence of past residents. The house was very clean, the light was on and it felt like home. We were fortunate enough to have the fog for most of our visit, so we got to experience the fog horn! It didn't keep any of us awake but it certainly added to the ambiance. The owners were very pleasant and answered any questions that we had. We lost one night's stay due to flight issues and they were nice enough to offer us an additional night. Unfortunately, we had other plans and tours, so our 3 night stay was reduced to two. Hopefully, the airline will reimburse our lost night! I would definitely stay again and recommend this location to anyone thinking of visiting St. John's!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hendricks C.

20 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best spot in city

Vacation house of your dream, A plus scenery, very clean and nothing you can complain about.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Margaret L.

11 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Fort Amherst

Bedding was super warm and we had a storm blow through. We felt warm and safe.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elsie K., Leduc, Alberta Canada

19 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lighthouse Keepers House

Beautiful views. House is old but well kept and comfortable.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine p., Canada

17 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, charming environment, amazing view

Friendly people, fantastic hiking spots. Would highly recommend.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Alan S., Marblehead, Ohio

9 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Home

The home was very lovely however it was foggy every night and the fog horn blew every 20 seconds all night long from the adjacent lighthouse. The owner was very nice and the home was comfortable and had beautiful views when the fog lifted.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rob B.

27 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One-of-kind property

Our group of 6—3 couples—enjoyed the magical charm of this property for 3 nights in mid-August, 2023. The views were stunning, and the location was breathtaking. Saw boats and ships entering and leaving the harbor. One day/night brought some fog, so the foghorn sounded about every minute, or so. Made aware of this by the owners prior to our arrival, we brought ear plugs, but the foghorn is not the iconic long, low bass belch, but a pleasant higher pitched tone. Not only did it not bother us, it actually was a rather welcome addition to the milieu. One member of our group was a symphony chorale director (all of us sing in our community’s symphony chorale) and he took out his pitch pipe to determine that the foghorn was an Eb tone. 😀 All in all, a splendid stay at a truly one-of-kind property.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen P., Sainte-Adele, Quebec, Canada

21 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fort Amherst Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage

Excellent accommodation, great vistas, bring your earplugs or headphones for the fog horn!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Duane L., Ottawa

14 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Views Don't Get Better Than This!

When planning our trip to Newfoundland, I was looking for unique places to stay and the Lighthouse Keeper certainly fits the bill. The view of the Cabot Tower to watching ships coming and going from the harbour was wonderful. We spent a number of hours sitting on the front deck enjoying this view. We even got to see the sun rise one morning. The house is tastefully decorated with a large kitchen. The beds are super comfortable, bedding was 5star hotel quality and the bathrooms large. We even had an opportunity to talk with children of the last lighthouse keeper one evening as they still come up to the lighthouse for visits. The foghorn was operating during our last full day there and it is not as loud as one would think. All seven of us slept through the night with no problem when it was operating. We were on motorcycle so in the evening we used taxi to get around. The local taxis are more than happy to come right up to the lighthouse to pick up or drop off. Why anyone would want to stay at a cookie cutter hotel when there is a great property like this to be enjoyed.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

14 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a gem!

We were thrilled with our stay! A location to be admired and sought after. Perfect for a family stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn J.

7 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique Property

There are not many opportunities to stay in a former lighthouse keeper's house, so we enjoyed this opportunity to have a beautiful vantage point on the harbor and ship traffic, the fort opposite and the ocean. Nice kitchen.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Camilla W.

7 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique accommodation in St John’s

It was so much fun to stay in this house! We loved the location on this historic site. Stunning views of the harbour and Signal Hill. We watched many whales off the coast in the morning. The house itself was clean and very comfortable and we enjoyed all the local artwork on the walls. Definitely recommend!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carole M., Echo Bay Ontario

3 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Worth the Wait!

This trip was first planned for 2020, but Covid caused us to postpone til 2023. Lighthouse Keepers property was definitely worth the wait. St Johns unpredictable weather and the eerie sound of the foghorn provided a perfect backdrop for a Newfoundland experience. Part of the East Coast trail passes right by the front door, so we met folks from other parts of the world. Very unique spot- perfect for our group of adults!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gail M., Kars Ontario Canada

29 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highlight of our trip

Such a quaint cottage, absolutely perfect for our stay. The views are breathtaking and always something to see. Boats, icebergs, whales, the sea. The cottage is perfectly appointed and love all the photos and paintings. Thank you for this opportunity today see St. John’s from your spot.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Owner/Manager

The owner, Peter Gill, is the grandson of Leo Power, one of the longest serving light keepers at the Fort Amherst lighthouse. Peter operates Fort Amherst Vacation Homes along with his wife Nicole.

Why they chose this property

No other vacation home is located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with unique vantage points of city and sea.

What makes this property unique

All the benefits of a sea side property in out port Newfoundland with the convenience of being located in the city. See the downtown lights from the front deck. A 5-minute drive to downtown. Entrance to the East Coast Trail just feet away.

Languages:

English

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Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour!

Photo gallery for Head Light Keeper's Residence at the mouth of St. John's Harbour!

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

About this property