The McNichol House of Cardigan is featured in H.M. Scott Smith's book The Historic Houses of Prince Edward Island on page 128. ( sorry for the fuzzy photo - my scanner is not working - I took a photo ). I will note a few excerpts from the book below to explain this house.
The house is situated on the Cardigan River...It's a large rambling, multi-gabled house built partially of Island sandstone with multi-paned windows and a slate roof...It was built in c.1920 as a summer residence for James McNichol, a United States Senator from Philadelphia, and his wife, the former Margaret Donahue of Cardigan. Senator McNichol died just prior to its completino. In 1973 it was sold to the renowned Dr. Charles H. Best, co-discoverer of insulin. Dr. Best died in 1978, but his daughter-in-law lived here after 1983.
The house is situated on the Cardigan River...It's a large rambling, multi-gabled house built partially of Island sandstone with multi-paned windows and a slate roof...It was built in c.1920 as a summer residence for James McNichol, a United States Senator from Philadelphia, and his wife, the former Margaret Donahue of Cardigan. Senator McNichol died just prior to its completino. In 1973 it was sold to the renowned Dr. Charles H. Best, co-discoverer of insulin. Dr. Best died in 1978, but his daughter-in-law lived here after 1983.
Below are drawings from the Prince Edward Island Public Archives and Record Office website. http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/P0002287.jpg
Re the McNichol house in Cardigan. I believe that when restoration of the home began in '74 or '75, they found much of the original furniture had been stored in the attic. It had been shipped from Philadelphia in the 20's but was never used and was found still in the original packing crates wrapped in 1920's Philadelphia newspapers.
ReplyDeleteA truly stunning estate!
ReplyDeleteRefer to book in Robertson Library, UPEI
ReplyDeleteHighlights of Cardigan area:edited by Beth Brehaut.
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S.l s.n. 1987
[p.80,81] Road's End Mansion
The house now owned by Eileen Best in Cardigan, was the summer home of Mrs. James P. McNichol (nee Margaret Donahoe of Roseneath). It was called Road's End and was built on the site of the Hugh (Lord) MacDonald home in 1919. The house was constructed of Island sandstone taken from a quarry on the north bank of the Cardigan River. The roof was slate and there was a brick terrace on the east and north sides. The architect was Mr. Hunter of Charlottetown. Pat, Adrian, and Urban Bradley of St. Theresa's were the builders.
[http://www.islandlives.ca/fedora/repository/ilives%3A209194/PDF/ilives%3A209194/Full%20Text.pdf]
NOTE: The home was purchased by Charles Alexander "Sandy" Best, son of Dr. Charles Best (co-discoverer of insulin) and his second wife, Laurie MacTavish. After their marriage ended, and his death, the property became the home of his first wife, Eileen (Thompson) Best and their four children.
The mansion was owned by both Dr. Sandy and Charles Best, both multi-millionaires. The estate is truly a beautiful and has the oldest known Linden trees on the island. Many weddings have been photographed on the grounds. The Canty's from the USA turned it into a beautiful 5 star inn and now own the estate privately and have maintained it since its purchase from Eileen Best.
ReplyDeleteThis mansion is very rare and unique on PEI. It is a designated heritage property. It was owned by Dr. Charles H. Best, the founder of insulin for diabetes. It is private and gated and is on 27 acres with a large amount of saltwater frontage with ocean access. We live in town and love these rare and truly unique island properties. This property and Fanningbank are my 2 favorites on the island!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful mansion with the island sandstone and with the very old and stately linden trees overlooking the saltwater river. It is quite a unique property on Prince Edward Island!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most beautiful property on the island. I have lived on the island for over 70 years!! The setting of the ancient old Linden trees and the mansion is so stately. It was built by multi-millionaire James P. McNichol for his island bride and it then became the property of the Best family in Toronto, Dr. Charles Best was the discoverer of insulin and his son Alexander pwned thousands of acres on the island and was himself a multi-millionaire in the 1970's. It became a designated Island heritage property and has been on TV, countless books and magazines over the years. A rare property on the island that's worth a fortune today for sure.
ReplyDeleteThis property is magnificent!!!!!! I love this gingerbread style mansion with all the gables and sandstone at the bottom. It is very private and secluded and the beautiful trees must be 200 or more years old. I would love to live in such a house and it overlooks the water as well. A true gem here on the island.
ReplyDeleteHey a lot of trees got blown down in hurricane dorian does anyone know the owner? i have a sawmill and would love to preserve these trees. call or text 902-213-0416 or email elliot.mallett8@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDid trees on this property (McNichol-Best) get blown down by Dorian? In particular the ones on the front lawn. Do you have any pictures? Thank you. I am very interested.
DeleteThis is my favorite mansion on PEI. The setting is truly spectacular with the ancient 250 year old Linden trees. The gingerbread mansion with the sandstone base is stunning from all angles and what a beautiful view of the saltwater.With all the land and water frontage this estate is worth a fortune today. I saw the property that sold for 4.7 million which is only 30 minutes from the Cardigan estate a few years ago and the property in Cardigan is more grand and unique!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful estate. I saw it several years ago when I visited PEI. I currently live in Toronto but would love to live in PEI. The grounds are very impressive especially with the old Linden trees by the water. I agree with the comment above that this estate would surely costs millions to buy today never mind the cost to rebuild it. My favorite spot on the island!
ReplyDeleteA very grand property with the chateau style gingerbread mansion, the ancient old linden trees and saltwater combine to make this a spectacular property. My favorite property on PEI and a true gem of perfection!
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous property with the mansion and stately linden trees and the saltwater. A TRUE PRIVATE ESTATE..I could see a very wealthy person or celebrity living here as it has everything they would want.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful mansion!
ReplyDeleteI have seen this mansion on tv and read about it in books. So beautiful and rare!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful chateau style mansion. I love all the history and the privacy it exudes.
ReplyDelete