Canonville House

Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

Canonville House, also known as Canonville House, is an iconic residence on the island of La Réunion, located at 17 rue Auguste-Babet, in downtown Saint-Pierre. Built in the 18th century, it is distinguished by its unchanged original architecture, with the exception of its missing interior decorations. Unlike traditional dwellings, it was built perpendicular to the highway, reflecting its original vocation as a trading house, notably as a central repository of rums in 1913.

Located in the first urbanized area of Saint-Pierre, this house bears witness to the economic history of the island, linked to colonial trade. Its addition to the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments on October 22, 1998, underscores its heritage importance. Protection includes not only the building, but also its grounds, appendices, fence walls and grids, as evidenced by the references of the Merimée base.

Canonville House illustrates the typical Creole architecture of La Réunion, marked by an adaptation to climatic constraints and commercial uses. Its state of conservation makes it a rare example of 18th century buildings on the island, offering an overview of urban and economic practices of the colonial era.

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