The oldest house in Bonavista today is the 182-year-old dwelling built in 1811 by Alexander Straithie, a Scottish tradesman from Renfrew, Scotland. It is also the oldest surviving structure documented in Newfoundland. This is not to say that there may not be older structures in the province but that the Bridge House is the one to which the oldest date now known can be assigned.

The house is situated on Walkham's hill and was owned by William Alexander who came to Bonavista from Argylshire, Scotland. He started a mercantile business and founded the business of Alexander and Co. Mr. Alexander, who died on June 22, 1828 was laid to rest in the family plot in the old Anglican Cemetery in Bonavista.

As well as for private occupational use, the house was used as a boarding house for commercial travellers. The house was occupied until June of 1966 and is now owned by A. G. Swyers of Bonavista. On an interesting note, the year 1811 (the year the house was built) and the name of William Alexander is carved into a piece of glass that still resides inside the house today.

The house is a fairly straightforward gable roof house with gable end chimneys and a central hall. It stands today in its original shape and design as very little alternation has been done on the old house. It is one of Newfoundland's most significant structures that still stands as it did 182 years ago.