The Hon. William J. West was a respected judge of the appeal court of N.B., and whose eye was caught by Good Housekeeping magazine’s 1937 "House of the Year." In 1938 Judge West ordered the plans and built an accurate facsimile for $8500, right down to the paint colours illustrated in the article’s photographs. The only major difference was his substitution of stone instead of brick, which was obtained from the northside’s Royal Road quarry. The internationally acclaimed artist Mary Pratt (neé West) grew up here with her sister Barbara, and the home has been featured prominently in her work. The house has never left the family, and is still lived in by Barbara and her husband George Cross.
Fredericton Heritage Trust is a volunteer-run organization, powered by people who care about our city’s history. Preserving our built and natural heritage isn’t just about the physical structures—it’s about the people and stories that have shaped our landscape. With no paid staff, our work depends on members, donors, and volunteers like you, who give their time and energy. Join us ain advocating for the stories, places, and history that make Fredericton unique.