Martlet House

Martlet House is a university building with Scottish Baronial architecture located at 1430 Peel Street. The structure displays detailed stonework, conical roofs, tourelles, and battlements that evoke designs from Scottish castles.

Built in 1928 by architect David Jerome Spence, the structure served as the Canadian headquarters for the Seagram Company before being donated to McGill University in 2002. The university has occupied it since then for its Development and Alumni Relations operations.

The building showcases 19th century Scottish Baronial features with Late Gothic elements and fortified domestic details that create a castle-like appearance. This architectural style stands out distinctly from the surrounding urban buildings and gives the structure a historic European feel.

Visitors can view the structure from outside while exploring the Peel Street area and admire its architectural features. Daytime visits provide the best lighting to see the stonework details and intricate design elements clearly.

The name Martlet House references a heraldic bird symbol and originally designated multiple other properties in Montreal. An earlier building with this name was a stone mansion constructed in 1925 on De la Montagne Street.

Location: Ville-Marie

Architects: David Jerome Spence

Architectural style: Scottish Baronial architecture

GPS coordinates: 45.50020,-73.57380

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30