This somewhat exotic Italianate villa contrasts sharply with Kingston's more traditional stone buildings. When completed (c. 1840), it caused quite a sensation and was the home of John A. Macdonald (1815-91) for a short time (1848 to 1849). A Scot by birth and Canada's first prime minister, Macdonald opened a law office in Kingston in 1835. The house is furnished as it would have been at the time of Macdonald's residence.