Historic Sites of Manitoba: Inkster House / Bleak House (1637 Main Street, Winnipeg)

Bleak House, the home of long-time sheriff Colin Inkster, was erected in 1874 in the Red River frame style of construction. Originally situated on a large lot, the family gradually sold their land, eventually leaving 6½ acres of grass and trees around the historic house. The last member of the Inksters to live in the house was Sybil, Colin’s daughter, who died in 1973. It was later used as a drop-in facility for senior citizens. The building is a municipally-designated historic site.

Inkster House / Bleak House

Inkster House / Bleak House (May 2011)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough

Inkster House / Bleak House

Inkster House / Bleak House (April 2019)
Source: Rose Kuzina

Inkster House / Bleak House

Interior of Inkster House / Bleak House (January 2024)
Source: Rose Kuzina

Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.93277, W97.12000
denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Colin Inkster (1843-1934)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Seven Oaks House Museum (115 Rupertsland Boulevard, Winnipeg)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites

Sources:

Colin Inkster Residence “Bleak House” (1637 Main Street), Winnipeg Historical Buildings Committee, June 1980.

We thank Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 14 January 2024

Historic Sites of Manitoba

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