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

Holiday home in St. John's with kitchen and patio

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

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
Exterior
Living Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Port of St. John's
  • Place, George Street
  • Place, The Rooms
  • Airport, St. John's, NL (YYT-St. John's Intl.)

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

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

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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The Light Keepers Houses (Photo courtesy of Dave Greening)
Most Unique Vacation Home in St. John's!
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
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10.0 out of 10, (124 reviews)
Most Unique Vacation Home in St. John's!

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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. The Rooms and Railway Coastal Museum 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'sOpens in a new window
Map
St. John's, NL

What's nearby

  • Fort Amherst - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Port of St. John's - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • George Street - 5 min drive - 3.6 km
  • The Rooms - 5 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Signal Hill National Historic Site - 10 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Battery Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bagel Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Terre Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bannerman Brewing Co - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Olivers Restaurant - ‬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).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 103 out of 109 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 109 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 109 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 109 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 109 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely perfect!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

PAT B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent -the setting, the house, the owners. No complaints. Hope to come back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

deb d.

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

Perfect family vacation

The easiest vacation I’ve ever planned. Everything we expected was there and than some, like added bonus of stunning views. Location was fantastic, easy to get to anywhere, any direction there’s a highway close by and just a few minutes to downtown. Our favourite part of the evening was having a tea or wine on the porch watching the ships in the harbour go in and out and looking across to Signal Hill. We definitely highly recommend staying here, we know we will again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen P., Sainte-Adele, Quebec, Canada

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

6/10 Okay

Brent M.

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

Erin D.

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

Jim P.

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

Tranquility by the Sea

Staying here felt like stepping into a postcard: crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and the Atlantic stretching endlessly in every direction. It’s like standing on the edge of the world.The space was clean, roomy, and full of character, with just the right mix of old-world charm and modern comfort. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and watching ships drift quietly into the harbor was unforgettable. Way better than your typical hotel stay.Peter and Nicole were amazing hosts—warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to.There are some great little trails nearby, and the views are unreal. Loved being able to point to the lighthouse from Signal Hill and say, “That’s where we’re staying.”Would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Margaret L.

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
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Amazing

Good location, very central, comfortable, nice decoration, nothing bad to say.

10/10 Excellent

Elsie K., Leduc, Alberta Canada

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

Sidney W.

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

Perfection

Perfect spot to experience hurricane Earl. You will not be disappointed with this listing. It is as listed. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Duane L., Ottawa

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

Anna L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fully equipped kitchen, very spacious. Most comfortable bed I've ever slept in!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Art L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was good. Lots of room. Enjoyed having breakfast in the kitchen as well as playing cards. Nice to have a tv in every room also. Comfortable beds, 3 bathrooms. Highly recommend this cottage.
Good parking space and easy access to downtown through Uber or taxi. Just 10 minute drive to town
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First off, let us say that we absolutely loved this magical place. Not just the spectacular location with the view of the harbour and the wide open Atlantic, but everything else involved with it. Especially the cab drivers who got us back and forth on the very narrow twisty track.The house was very comfortable, roomy and excellently outfitted with all supplies. Every window gave an amazing view! The art work and photos provided connections to the history of the house.While happily staying put, looking out over the narrows watching ships of all sizes come and go, we enjoyed delivery service from Coleman’s, Shoppers and Ches’s Fish & Chips. Peter and Nicole were very helpful in organizing our arrival.Everyone we told that we were staying at the Lighthouse Keeper’s residence was jealous. Even some cab drivers had not been there before so took pictures.We promised everybody that we would come back!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time. The view is going to be missed!House was spacious and clean. We were 4 adults and enjoyed 4 days. Highly recommended!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a unique location and experience! Overall a great time was had.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Grandson was playing lacrosse in the Canada Summer Games so we booked this for a family vacation. Due to the Air Canada strike only our Daughter and Son in Law were able to stay at the light keepers house. They were extremely happy with everything about the accommodations. We were sad that we weren’t able to make it but at least someone was able to make use of the reservation.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The check in was easy, the kitchen facilities' were very well stocked with all we needed. The wifi worked great. The views of the harbor and signal hill from the front deck was amazing! Overall it was wonderful experience. We would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott J.

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

Great Location!

Our stay at the light keepers’s house was great! It has a neat location at the end of a private drive right at the lighthouse. People coming up to see the lighthouse were friendly. There was plenty of room for myself and my three teenagers to spread out and the kitchen was stocked with all of the cutlery, utensils, and other things needed to prepare meals when dining out was getting old. The foghorn at the lighthouse was in operation two of the night we were there, but it is not really that loud and quite honestly was very soothing to hear. Being able to watch fishing vessels and ocean going tugs pass right by your front porch was such a neat experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sophie P.

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

Deluxe accomodation in wondrous location

Amazing spot - highly recommended. You can go out to spot whales from the Lighthouse and have great views of the coast and the city. House is clean and luxurious. Hosts responsive with helpful guestbook.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob & Jean B.

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

Lighthouse

A very unique experience enjoyed by all
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerry S.

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

Magnificent views!

St. John’s is a terrific place to visit. Picturesque and hilly. People were wonderful and welcoming. Best fish and chips. We rented both lighthouse homes for 7 nights. Accommodations were comfortable, but updates to the window treatments would be appreciated and inexpensive. Hosts were great and communicated with us regularly. This is a very special location and I would definitely return
Sunrise thru bedroom window
The lighthouses from Signal Hill
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian J.

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

Character Home and Location

We were totally impressed with the courtesy and efficiency demonstrated by the owners. This is a stay you will never forget. Don't forget to book early and be prepared to either just enjoy the scenery and/or visit all the unique sights.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Owner/Manager

Host profile image
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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