Percé - Jersey legacy lives on at the LeGros House
LeGros House, Pointe Saint-Pierre, Gaspé Peninsula (Photo by NCC)
The LeGros House, named after the family that lived there until 1959, seems frozen in time. Dating from the end of the 19th century, the building is a testament to the little-known history that shaped pointe Saint-Pierre as we know it today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) acquired this house in 2007 in addition to the surrounding property, also owned by the LeGros family.
In the 18th century, pointe Saint-Pierre, which is located on the coast between Gaspé and Percé, was rediscovered by sailors from the island of Jersey — one of the Channel Islands between England and France. These new arrivals were in search of trade opportunities just as the cod fishing industry was expanding in Canada. Within a few decades, hundreds of Jerseymen immigrated to the Gaspé to exploit this industry, the centre of which was in pointe Saint-Pierre. During this time they built homes using many elements of the Victorian architecture typical of their homeland.
Maison LeGros, Point St. Peter, Gaspé Peninsula (Photo by NCC)
With its Victorian style and embellishments, sweeping central staircase and furniture, the LeGros House truly stands out from other, more modest homes in the area built during the same era. It's also a testament to the riches of the LeGros family, which owned the general store in pointe Saint-Pierre. Reminiscent of the seaside homes on the island of Jersey, the LeGros House has unparalleled historical cachet and is considered a jewel in the Gaspé’s heritage.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada, which has already protected half of the land in pointe Saint-Pierre, wishes to invest in the restoration of this house and thus preserve its exceptional legacy. This project, which will enrich both the Gaspé community and the visitor experience to the area, is currently being developed. Until then, the house is not open to the public. However, visitors are invited to enjoy the landscape of pointe Saint-Pierre surrounding the house, traveling on the trails.
Directions:
Videos
Click here to watch the video: Across the Pond - From Jersey to Gaspé.
