Official Residence Kick

I may have gotten off on a tangent here, but I felt that my Canadian pride took a beating yesterday, and I set out to find better photos of 24 Sussex Drive. However, apparently for security reasons, there are no interior photos of the Prime Minister's residence. What I did find in my search, however, were photos of the MANY official residences located in our nation's capital, Ottawa, and in nearby Gatineau. My pride has been restored - these are some very beautiful homes!!

24 Sussex Drive, Official Residence of the Candian Prime Minister:

The residence was built between 1866 and 1868 by Joseph Merrill Currier as a wedding gift to his wife. 24 Sussex was acquired by the Canadian government in 1951.

Harrington Lake (lac Mousseau), Country Residence of the Canadian PM:

Harrington Lake is located in Gatineau Park, 20 minutes north of Ottawa. The home was built by Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron Macpherson Edwards in 1925.

Stornoway, Official Residence of the Leader of the Opposition:

Ownership of Stornoway was transferred to the Canadian government in 1970, and is currently home to (Michael Ignatieff???). It was built for Asconio Joseph Major in 1913-1914.

The Farm at Kingsmere, Official Residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons:

The Farm was built in Gatineau in 1891, and was once the home of William Lyon Mackenzie King. The Kingsmere Estate was bequeathed to the people of Canada upon Mr. King's death in 1950.

Rideau Hall, Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada:


Built in 1838 by Thomas MacKay, the Governor General's residence is the only building open to the public. Many national events are held at Rideau Hall, including awards ceremonies and visits by foreign heads of state.

7 Rideau Gate, Official Residence to visiting Heads of State:

Rideau Gate was constructed in 1862 for Henry Osgoode Burritt and housed many prominent Ottawa families through the years. The Canadian government purchased the residence in 1966 to use as accommodation for visiting dignitaries.

To read more about these official residences follow the link to the website of the National Capital Commission. Or better yet, take a trip to Ottawa this summer to see these historical beauties first hand!!