Ashton House Heritage Site

The Ashton House stands as one of the most unique and meaningful heritage landmarks in our region—telling a powerful story of family, resilience, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s resettlement era.

Originally built in 1952 in Little Harbour Deep by the eldest son of Ashton and Lily Cassell, this home sheltered a large family of fifteen and became deeply rooted in their lives and memories. In 1965, during the resettlement of Little Harbour Deep, the house was carefully moved—floated on a raft across the water—to Hooping Harbour. Just four years later, in 1969, it made a second remarkable journey by sea to its present location in Bide Arm.

As one of the first homes relocated during resettlement, the Ashton House represents not only a physical structure, but a symbol of the strength and determination of families who were forced to leave their communities and begin again.

After years of sitting vacant, the house was eventually saved and, through the dedication and hard work of local residents, has now been fully restored. Today, the Ashton House Heritage Site stands proudly as a place of reflection, education, and community pride.

Visitors can step inside and experience a glimpse of life in earlier times through artifacts, photographs, and stories that capture the realities, hardships, and strong sense of community that defined the era. It is a place where past and present meet—where memories are shared, stories are preserved, and history comes to life.

The Ashton House is more than a museum—it is a testament to who we are and where we come from.

If you’re visiting the Great Northern Peninsula, be sure to add the Ashton House Heritage Site to your bucket list. It is a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss.