Dalvay-by-the-sea
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Dalvay-by-the-Sea Hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island at the eastern end of Prince Edward Island National Park. It is a popular attraction for visitors to the province and has been featured in the Anne of Green Gables movies.
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[edit] History
In 1895, wealthy American industrialist Alexander Macdonald commissioned the house to be built as a summer home. While on vacation on Prince Edward Island, Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald became so enamored of the area he contracted George Longworth to act as his agent, buying 120 acres on the north shore. The house was completed in 1896, and he named it Dalvay By The Sea after his boyhood home in Scotland.
[edit] The House
Construction costs ran close to $50,000. The lower half of the house is built with Island Sandstone in its natural form. The huge fireplaces were also made with the sandstone. The furnishings were purchased from all over the world during family travels in England, France, Italy, and Egypt. Some pieces were purchased in Charlottetown as well. Water and power was supplied by a series of windmills.
[edit] Summer Home
The MacDonalds kept a number of servants, including grooms to look after the many horses and carriages owned by the family. It cost about $10,000 a year to operate the place. The family entertained frequently over the summer, and at the end of every summer gave a dance for the locals. It would be a lavish party, with a hired musicians.
[edit] Last Visit
The MacDonalds enjoyed the house for over a decade. In 1909, Alexander was not in good health. At the end of that summer, he stood at Long Pond gazing at his beloved house before quietly saying, "Good-bye Dalvay". He never returned, passing away in Long Beach, California in 1910.[1] The property was left to MacDonald's granddaughters. Since they were underage at the time, it was managed by their father, Edmund Stallo. Due to some bad investments, the $15 million dollar fortune dwindled to nothing, and the estate had to be sold.
[edit] Interim
The house had been looked after by William Hughes since the death of Alexander. When he contacted the family to ask what should be done with the place, they told him he could have it for the back taxes. Hughes bought the house and furnishings for $486.57. He had no interest in keeping it, so sold it to William O'Leary of Montreal. The O'Leary's took most of the furniture out of the house. Eventually it was sold to Captain Edward Dicks. He renovated the house, thinking to turn it into a hotel. He ran out of money, and lost the house to George DeBlois.
In 1938, DeBlois sold the house and land to the federal government.
[edit] Hotel
Dalvay by the Sea has been operated as a leased private concession from Parks Canada since then. There are 26 guest rooms, furnished in period antiques. There are private baths in each room. The hotel currently operates from June through October.
[edit] Expansion
In 1995, major expansion began. Eight 3-bedroom cottages were built on the site, a full service laundry, and the dining room was enlarged.
