~History of The Fairways Manor House~

The Fairways Manor House is a unique historic home set on grounds adjacent to the Fairmont Algonquin Golf Course and former summer home of Mary Emma Griffin Walker.  Mary Walker was married to Edward Chandler Walker, second son of Hiram Walker of Canadian Club fame.  Edward and Mary purchased the land from the Hatch family heirs (successively owned by Capt. Christopher Hatch and Harris Hatch) in 1912 and upon Edward's death was left a sum of money to build a 'seaside house'.  After Mary's death in 1937 the house was bequeathed to her Grand-nieces and in 1942 they sold the property to Ethel A. Murchie.

Ethel A. Murchie was the wife of Guy Murchie and they were listed as living in Nassau, Bahamas.  Guy and Ethel Murchie were the parents of Guy Murchie Jr., War Correspondent, Author and Aviator.  Unfortunately, Ethel died in Florida in 1943 and the house was left to her heirs, which obviously included her son Guy Murchie.  The Murchie family retained the house (from 1942 - 1955) and undoubtedly spent a great deal of time at the property taking a keen interest in local history. In 1947 the book the 'Saint Croix, the Sentinel River' was published by Guy Murchie and it is likely that this was written during time spent in St. Andrews at the house.

In 1955 the house was sold to C.D. Howe who became known as the 'Minister of Everything' and for 22 years was a Cabinet Minister.  He was particularly at the forefront of Canadian politics during the Second World War and was in charge of the Department of Munitions and Supply.  He retired from politics in 1957.  He considered the 'Fairways' or 'Collingwood' as it was then, to be his retreat, as he enjoyed being able to walk out of his front door straight onto the golf course.  The family also owned 'Tara Manor' which was formerly known as 'Penryn' which was Alice Howe's family name.  C.D. Howe died in 1960 and in 1962 the house was sold once again.

In 1962 the new owner was Jean Evelyn Craig and upon her death circa 1977 the house was left to her husband Robert H. Craig.  Affectionately known as the 'Senator' Robert Craig proved to be famous as a colorful character.  It is said he never recovered from Jean Craig's death and that her bedroom was left untouched from that moment on.  It also seems he was unable to maintain the house and it fell into a serious state of disrepair, overrun by Raccoons and Squirrels.

After Robert Craig's death his Trustees sold the Estate on to four US businessmen, Norman Langdon, A. David Rapaport, Kenneth Abbot Jr. and John Russell who planned to develop the house and the site.  Subsequently, for whatever reason, the interest and rights to the property where then released by Norman Langdon to A. David Rapaport and from Kenneth Abbot to John Russell.

In 2005 we purchased the house from Mr. Hoke primarily as a family home after moving from the UK.  As the house had been neglected and poorly maintained for the last couple of years, we undertook considerable repairs and renovations in an effort to return the house to its former glory.  We decided to run part of the house as a Bed & Breakfast establishment, with the emphasis on a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  For the first time the house openly welcomes children and offers a range of accommodations.  All our rooms are to the highest standard (Canada Select Four Star) with private baths, four with Jacuzzis.  There is also an outdoor pool and hot tub which can also be enjoyed by the guests.  Close to all amenities, we also have some splendid views of the Passamaquoddy Bay and the Fairmont Algonquin Golf Course.