Government House was designed for hosting parties.

When built in 1883, it was built as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. There were 15 bedrooms across the top storeys and staff quarters in the basement. There was a library, breakfast room, dining room, serving room, and office spaces.

The Federal Government paid $23,995 to construct the house, hiring architect Thomas Seaton Scott. Built in the Second Empire style, Government House has solid masonry walls and a timber frame, with ornate wooden cornices along the roofline. A tower, centered along the main entrance, is capped by iron railings. All main floor interior rooms could be connected to form a large suite for gatherings.

After two years, the Federal Government sold it to the Province of Manitoba for $1 with one simple stipulation: The home must be used “as residence for the Lieutenant Governor, and for no other purpose”.

Since 1885, it has been the ceremonial residence of the acting Lieutenant Governor. Many esteemed guests have stayed at Government House and the home has been renovated and adapted to suit evolving needs.

Bedrooms have been changed into storage and office spaces, a veranda and ballroom were added, but the house remains remarkably well-preserved.