The John S. Magee Residence is located near the Bay of Fundy in downtown St. Andrews. This beautiful house features the distinctive triple-gabled Maritime Gothic Revival style, with three steep gables on the front façade. A vivid red and black color scheme, a veranda extending the full length of the front façade, and a coastal view add to the architectural importance of this house. The building is also notable for not just one, but two of its former residents.

The residence was originally erected circa 1867 for John S. Magee, who owned it until 1884. An Irish immigrant, Magee first settled in Saint John before later moving to St. Andrews. In St. Andrews, he ran a dry goods business known as the Albion House. From 1879 to 1889, he edited the local newspaper, Bay Pilot. Lastly, he played an important role in founding the company responsible for The Argyle, St. Andrews’ first high-standard hotel. The Argyle was a major reason for St. Andrews’ recognition as Canada’s first seaside resort destination.

Later, from 1899 until his death in 1930, the residence was inhabited by Fredericton native Thomas Aaron Hartt. Originally a schoolteacher, he went on to found a mercantile business in St. Andrews. From 1903 to 1911, Hartt was also a member of the House of Assembly for Charlotte County, after which he resigned and was elected to the House of Commons. He was then re-elected to the House of Commons in 1917.

In the present day, the John S. Magee Residence has been converted to a seaside restaurant called The Gables.