During our last day on Cape Breton we came across this 1900s Historic Abandoned Mansion! It was pouring rain but that didn't stop us! Opie slept in the car while Zenning with Zay & I explored this beautiful old place!
The Grand Beginning: Early 1900s
Built in the early 1900s, The House was commissioned by the esteemed Hunt family, who were prominent figures in the local community. The mansion, with its imposing facade and intricate architectural details, quickly became an emblem of their wealth & influence. The construction of the house was overseen by Tom Burke, who painstakingly designed every aspect of the structure. He was given $500 to pay the wages of the tradesmen of the construction. Additionally, he was given $2,000.00 for the actually materials.
A Mansion of Extravagance & Parties
During its heyday, this mansion served as a vibrant hub of social activity. The family regularly hosted extravagant parties and gatherings, attracting the region's elite. Wealthy businessmen, politicians, and artists graced the halls of the mansion, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and music. Also to note, there were the two births of Hunt children however the eldest passed after six months. There were three wakes & a wedding held here.
An Uncertain Future
Over time, changes in ownership, economics, and living patterns altered the role of the house. After the passing of the final resident, the property became vacant and was no longer regularly maintained. While there were periods of interest in preservation, those efforts eventually stopped, and natural deterioration began to take hold. Its grandeur overshadowed by the passage of time. The once-manicured gardens grew wild, and the once-gleaming halls echoed with a haunting silence.
A Glimpse Into The Past
Today, this 1900s Historic Abandoned Mansion stands as a fascinating relic of the past, attracting curious visitors seeking to unravel its secrets. Despite the years of neglect, traces of its former grandeur can still be found. Weathered stone walls tell tales of joy and mirth, while faded tapestries whisper stories of the people who once called this place home. After the passing of the last owner, the house was left abandoned. Although there were some attempts at preservation, those efforts have stopped & decay slowly takes over.
Just beautiful! Thank you for the history on this once gorgeous home!
Where is this located
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
You have made it sound as though this home had been abandoned for decades, when in actuality it was only un-lived in for 2 or 3 years. I grew up down the road, and the people who lived there were lovely. They always had the best Christmas lights in the village!
this house was never abandoned and was owned for 58 years by my parents who passed at 88 and 94 years still living there .It is a personal insult to me and my family to not only not acknowledge my fathers efforts especially with advancing age and the length of time they owned it .My dad was born and raised in mabou and died there so do your damn research .
This house is the former home of Bernard and Jessie Cameron and was never abandoned. They owned this home for 58 . They are my mother and father and i like my siblings are insulted by the tone of this site . My parents lived to an advanced age ( 88 and 94) and my dad worked on the house annually. The fact that dad was born and raised and eventually passed away there and how quickly he and they have been forgotten.With a village so steeped in tradition and geneology i am very disappointed. frank cameron
Thank you for taking the time to share this and for adding personal history to the story of the house. I’m sorry if the wording came across as dismissive — that was never my intent. I’ve made a small edit to clarify that when I refer to the home as “abandoned,” I’m speaking only to its vacancy at the time of my visit, not the care or importance it held for your parents or family. I appreciate you speaking up.