A Glimpse of the Past

Ryan Mansion takes you back

When Robert Hall first entered the grand foyer of one of Newfoundland’s most storied landmarks, he knew it was something special. A real estate agent who specialized in the sale of historic properties, Hall was there to see his prospective client. He met with the owner and left with an inkling of an idea – one that would see Hall purchase the property himself and eventually transform the famed mansion into a luxury boutique inn.

A fisherman’s tale

Ryan Mansion was built over a two-year period – between 1909 and 1911 – at the behest of James Ryan. James was the son of Michael Ryan, an Irish immigrant who moved to Bonavista and set up a local store. James’ managed to grow his father’s small business into a fishing empire with a fleet of 200 schooners and a lucrative trade with European markets.

In 1905, James was well on his way to becoming the wealthiest man on the island. Political aspirations saw him relocate his main residence to St. John’s.

“The House”, as named by James, features ornate exterior detailing and intricate interior wood detailing. The Grand Staircase, finely carved from English White Oak, is said to have been custom crafted by the same artisans who fitted the world-famous Titanic.

“James took advantage of all those empty schooners coming back from Europe,” recounts Hall, who adds that other features of the house include Italian tile, finely carved mantles, crystal and bevel glass from Waterford. “All of these treasures were imported from Europe.”

There were other imports as well. Ryan Mansion features the first telephone switchboard system, a fresh air exchange system, a main floor kitchen, and a Carriage House – to shelter the first motor vehicle in St. John’s. Even the chauffeur was imported from London.

“Rumour has it that James and his family would sit in the vehicle in their best clothes every Sunday for three months while neighbours looked on, until the petrol to power the vehicle arrived from England,” says Hall.

Alas, James passed away before he could realize his political ambitions. Ryan Mansion remained in the family until James’ two great granddaughters were convinced to sell it to Anthony Brait, who was moving from London to Newfoundland to become president of the Newfoundland Telephone Company. The two spinsters had been schooled in London and had chosen that city as their home.

When Brait eventually met his demise, his wife decided to move back home to Cambridge, Ontario. And thus the need for a real estate agent seasoned in historical properties.

Labour of love

“As soon as I walked in, I saw that it had remained completely unchanged and was as magnificent as the day it was built,” recalls Hall. “I was instantly enamoured. I had been in the hotel business in my younger years. It didn’t take much time for me to decide to buy it and convert it into an inn.”

Hall purchased the property in 2002. He spent the next five years lovingly converting the mansion into the extraordinary boutique inn it is today. The property has six guest rooms, each of which features a fireplace and an ensuite bathroom with heated marble floors and a separate marble/glass shower.

“Essentially, I had to create the bathrooms and rework a few bedrooms,” says Hall. “But the house remains very similar to what it was back when it was built.”

Guests at the Ryan Mansion do include some locals looking to celebrate special occasions. But the majority include travellers from further afield, including the U.S. and Europe.

“We do get some very interesting visitors,” says Hall, who cites King Charles and Queen Camilla as having stayed at the inn in 2009. Princess Anne was also a visitor in 2010. “We have been privileged to host a number of celebrities over the years.”

Referrals and returning guests keep the bookings full pretty much year-round. And the lobby’s stately James 21 Club provides a private and intimate retreat where Hall can sit back and get to know the guests – if they choose to socialize.

“Everything in this property is there for a reason,” adds Hall. “They are all cherished objects, whether it be the vintage rugs, the antique artifacts, the paintings hanging on the wall or even the throw pillows. Every little piece has a bit of a story behind it.”

With Ryan Mansion itself having such a rich history, it’s no wonder that Hall has continued the tradition and made the boutique inn a true home-away-from-home for those who find their way to this little corner of St. John’s.

“It’s a very rewarding business,” concludes Hall, adding that he has no plans of selling the inn anytime soon.

- Eastern Hotelier Magazine