The Benjamin Barbour house, the original homestead of the Barbour Family, is set in Newtown, Bonavista Bay, and is an outstanding example of the architecture in that particular area. The construction of the residence began around 1873 under the creative direction of the local mason Mr. Bridle and the St. John's designer and decorator Mr. O'Grady. Benjamin Barbour and his sons undertook the actual construction of the building. It has been, since its completion, a dwelling house for the Barbour family famous across the province as one of Newfoundland's greatest sealing families.

A testament to the skill and integrity of its builders and designer, the Benjamin Barbour House survived over a century of Newfoundland's relentless climate virtually unscathed. The structural condition of the house remained intact, with aesthetic elements both interior and exterior in need of some repair. Originally built as a double residence, for the two youngest of Benjamin's sons, Edward and Samuel, it has never been partitioned and has thus retained an unusual double stairway in the front hall. The exterior of the house sports a number of distinctive and attractive features which make it stand out as an important vernacular structure. The dignified, double-doored bay portico provides a grand entrance to the residence. The six over six, double-hung windows are a feature typical of nineteenth century rural architecture in this province. The number of large windows combined with the openness of the surrounding landscape serve to illuminate the beautiful interior of the structure, accentuating features from simple exposed beams to more elegant detail work.

The interior as a whole is filled with pleasant surprises and finishing touches, such as the bracketing details on the centre rails of doors, and the floral motif on the open stringers of the staircase.

In December of 1986, the Benjamin Barbour House was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. In May of this year, during the Sealing Symposium, the Benjamin Barbour house was awarded an updated plaque to commemorate the dedication of its owners.