Welcome!

Welcome to Churchill Mansion, built in the 1890's by Aaron Flint Churchill for his summer home. Born in Yarmouth in 1850, Aaron, better known as "Rudder," went to sea and became an International sea hero in 1866 at the age of 16 while serving as First Mate on a 1,459 ton ship "The Research," built in Yarmouth in 1861. Later, he became one of the most prominent and widely known Canadian businessmen in the United States. He owned the "Churchill Shipping Line" of Savannah, Georgia. Pictures and information available in living room, or ask Bob. He is in his glory talking about Aaron and the Mansion.

Most years the Mansion was only lived in for six weeks during summer months until 1920. After that it was unoccupied, and tied up in the Estate Settlement for nearly 40 years. An American couple bought the Mansion along with the caretakers property across the road, but later they sold both. We bought the Mansion in April 1981, for a Bed and Breakfast with shared baths. Our plans changed to a Country Inn with private baths. Aaron's original bathroom was outside Number Six ( the servants quarters ) The servants got to use a one-seater in the coach-house. The original sink and tub are still being used in Number Six.

We thought Number One must have been Aaron's so we began there by putting a private bath in the dressing-room and removing the closet ( now the bathroom in Number Two ). Bob built a bigger closet and we painted and papered; the original paper and carpeting were too worn to save. We later learned that this room belonged to Aaron's niece, Lottie. Her picture hangs in the front parlour. The Mansion was left to her when Aaron died. From this room you can see Darling's Lake on one side; on the other Allen's Lake and the Ocean beyond. Part of the original border is in the bathroom. The ceiling light fixtures are also original. We call it our blue room.

Some people think we should call our Number Two room "The Savannah Room," it belonging to another niece who spent a lot of her time with Aaron and Lois in Savannah; however as we don't know a great deal about her, we'll let you call it home during your stay. The wallpaper on the wall and ceiling in the bay window is original as are the ceiling light fixtures. The wall shelves are also original. We hope you find the room comfortable and you enjoy your stay.

Number Three is Aaron's Room, or better known as the Honeymoon Suite. There was a dumb waiter in this room and where the tub is, was once Aaron's man-servants room, with it's own door and a little closet ( the small door now leads to the washroom ).We've tried to keep some original paper in the bay window, also a little over the inside of the bathroom door; the shelves and light fixture are original. In the early spring, from the deck, you can hear the frogs and later on in the season you can hear and watch the loons on Darling Lake.

Number Five is the Nurses room with the original border and light fixture. Also a sample of the original wallpaper is in the picture frame. The Nurses room had two doors each leading into the hall; however, Bob took the clothes closet wall and turned it around so this room would also have it's own private bath. We sometimes refer to this as our Sunset Room. It may be the only upstairs room without a water view but the sunset makes up for it.

Number Six was the servants rooms, lower ceilings, and painted woodwork. Outside Six was the laundry room, now a private bathroom. We've yet to figure out why the windows swing open. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

The door by the top of the stairs leads to the Cupola, or as most people call it, "The Widow's Walk." Feel free to go up and enjoy the view.

We hope you will feel at home in Our Home.

May your stay be pleasant, and when you depart, may the warmth of our welcome remain in your heart.

Bob and Gertrude Benson