The historic and beautiful Government House in Halifax threw open its doors to the public last weekend. And Mrs Nosey (me) wandered in to take a look. 
Constructed in the early 19th Century – it was move-in ready by 1805 – this is the oldest continuously occupied government residence in Canada.
In fact, it rivals only the White House in Washington for the title within North America.
That’s an interesting fact, don’t you think?
Even more interesting, and one worth researching,is the story of Governor John Wentworth and his clever, social climbing wife Lady Francis.
This couple secured the funding and commissioned the construction of this Georgian mansion, in the style of a grand English manor house.
This hand painted silver wallpaper was imported from China, via England, and was transported in tea crates cut into squares to fit the crates. As you can see, Halifax’s salt air has a oxidizing effect on the silver. Making it all the more beautiful, I believe.
I’m so happy for the chance to take this fun and frivolous tour. It’s a property I’ve rushed by hundreds of times in downtown Halifax.
(Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors)
Rose Bay Letters 
Beautiful photos.
Thank you!
Love that wallpaper…the dragon on the lamp in front of it too!
The light and reflections made room absolutely luminous!
It’s a wonderful shot! The dragon actually looks alive ๐
That place is even more elegant than I thought it would be. I have pictures from the outside but I’ve never been in there so this was a real treat for me.
By the way our final travel plans are coming together for later this summer so keep an eye out for a message from me soon. Hopefully we can get together for a doorscursion. Cheers!
Sounds great, Norm!
What a wonderful place – thank you so much for sharing it …. if I didn’t know I would surely have thought it was in England. I’d wager it’s a place you might want to visit again and again when those doors are open ๐
Hmmmm. I bet youโd win that wager. ๐.
I really like that although it’s elegant, it’s elegant in relative simplicity.
janet
Thanks!!
What a lovely treat to see inside. We’ve been inside Government House in Melbourne and it was beautiful too.
Oh, I bet it is!! Iโd love to visit Melbourneโs Government House! Maybe some day …
I hope you come to visit one day, Janet.
Was Govโt House closed for renovations last year?
I think that was a few years ago. It seems to me they participated in the Open Doors event last year at least. (And I missed the opportunity to visit then).
Beautiful, beautiful home. I wonder if this is the same John Wentworth who was born in Portsmouth, NH, and served as the Governor of NH. Interesting.
It is, Judy. The very same John Wentworth. A very interesting story.