Beinn Bhreagh Hall, a national historic site located in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, was the summer home of inventor and scientist Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel Bell. Constructed in 1892-1893, the grand Queen Anne Revival/Shingle style residence was a hub of innovation, research, and experimentation, as well as a private home and estate. It was an inspiration to Bell during his late career, and he conducted research in many fields including sound transmission, medicine, aeronautics, marine engineering, and space-frame construction. The Bells were a prominent American family who began summering in Nova Scotia in 1885, and they loved it so much that they often lived there for much of the year.
The house is situated on the point of Red Head Peninsula between Beinn Bhreagh Mountain and Bras D’Or Lake, and it offers breathtaking views of the lake and the town of Baddeck. Designed by Arthur G. Everett with input from the Bells, Beinn Bhreagh Hall is one of the few surviving examples of an Atlantic Canadian ‘summer’ home built by a prominent American. It features original stone fireplaces and interior workmanship, and its lush gardens were created by Mabel Bell. Its 11.7 hectares (28.9 acres) of landscaped gardens benefit from an unusually warm microclimate and feature a number of rare plants, including Cypress trees and Japanese Barbery.
The two-storey residence has a massive central-tiered stone chimney, a large central sun porch with wood railing and large windows, and two large turrets which wrap around the corners of the house. Its design is a modified Queen Anne style and is an excellent example of its architectural style and construction technique. The gardens are a creative expression of Mabel Bell’s artistic abilities, and the interior reflects her personality, bright, casual and welcoming. The house also served as a welcoming center to scientists and local residents who often visited and partook of lively discussions. Bell often hired local townspeople to assist in his experiments, making it a hub of scientific and technical ‘laboratory’ created by Bell, his wife, and associates.
In 1907, Mabel and Alexander Bell founded the Aerial Experiment Association which developed four prototype airplanes, including the Silver Dart, which flew across Bras D’Or Lake in February 1909. The house and property also boast a three-tiered garden with annuals, perennials, and a magnolia tree planted in 1913, located to the north of the house. The spacious grounds and its setting on The Point offer views of Bras d’Or Lake and the garden features plants from around the world.
Beinn Bhreagh Hall is an outstanding example of the architectural style that was popular in New England and favoured on the American seaboard. The Rhodes Curry Company, a prominent Nova Scotia firm known for grand homes and businesses, completed the construction of the home in 1893. The architect, Arthur Everett, was renowned for his designs for Johns Hopkins Hospital, houses in Boston’s famous Back Bay, and rambling, elegant country homes for affluent Americans.
In recognition of the people and companies associated with it, the house’s architectural value, and the beauty of the grounds and gardens, Beinn Bhreagh Hall was added to Nova Scotia’s provincial registry of heritage properties. This ensures that the house’s exterior and grounds will be conserved in nearly their original state. The house and property are now managed by trustees, whose vision and stewardship have protected the property. Their decision to seek registration as a provincial heritage property ensures the exterior, gardens and setting will continue to look as they do now.
Mabel Bell’s contributions to Cape Breton were also a significant factor in the decision to register the property. She shared what she learned during her travels with the Baddeck community, where the Bell family summered for 30 years. Mabel Bell was a remarkable woman who accomplished a great deal during her time in Cape Breton. She created a public library, which still serves the community, and established a branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses. She also initiated a home industries centre that provided local craftswomen with the opportunity to earn their first income. But perhaps her most significant contributions were in empowering Canadian women and children, particularly in rural areas. Mabel Bell encouraged women to educate themselves and to make changes in various areas of society, including health, home industries, women’s suffrage, children’s labor, and children’s education. Her legacy continues to inspire and enrich the community today.
The designation of Beinn Bhreagh Hall as a Provincial Heritage Property also ensures that the historical and cultural significance of the property will be preserved for future generations. The inclusion of the Hall in the registry of heritage properties highlights the significance of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel Bell, in Canadian history and in the history of science and technology.
Alexander Graham Bell is known as the inventor of the telephone, but his contributions to science and technology extend far beyond that. During his time at Beinn Bhreagh Hall, he continued to work on a variety of inventions and experiments. His experiments with kites and tetrahedral construction led to the development of early aircraft, including the Silver Dart, which flew across Bras d’Or Lake in 1909. Bell’s research in medicine and aeronautics paved the way for many modern innovations, and his work in sound transmission laid the groundwork for modern telecommunications.
Mabel Bell’s contributions to the community of Baddeck and to the province of Nova Scotia were equally significant. Her efforts to establish a public library and a branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses had a lasting impact on the community, and her home industries centre provided opportunities for local women to earn a living. Mabel Bell was a trailblazer for women’s rights and education, and her legacy is an important part of the history of Beinn Bhreagh Hall.
The property’s gardens are a testament to Mabel Bell’s artistic abilities and her passion for horticulture. The gardens feature an array of plants from around the world, including cypress trees and Japanese barberry. The three-tiered garden located to the north of the house features annuals, perennials, and a magnolia tree that was planted in 1913.
The inclusion of Beinn Bhreagh Hall in the registry of heritage properties is a testament to the importance of preserving Canada’s cultural and historical heritage. The Hall is a unique and significant example of the Queen Anne Revival/Shingle style that was popular in New England and favored on the American seaboard. Its original stone fireplaces and interior workmanship, as well as its lush gardens, speak to its historical and cultural significance.
Today, Beinn Bhreagh Hall is managed by trustees who are committed to preserving its historical and cultural significance. Their vision and stewardship have ensured that the property continues to be a place of inspiration and innovation, just as it was during Alexander Graham Bell’s time. The Hall continues to welcome visitors from all over the world, who come to marvel at its grandeur and to learn about the history of its remarkable owners.
In conclusion, Beinn Bhreagh Hall is a unique and significant National Historic Site that speaks to the innovative spirit of its owners, Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel Bell. Its grandeur, lush gardens, and historical and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of science and technology, architecture, and horticulture. The inclusion of the Hall in the registry of heritage properties ensures that it will continue to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
References:
- https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/lieu-site/beinn-bhreagh-hall
- https://cch.novascotia.ca/stories/bells-baddeck-residence-now-provincial-heritage-property
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20150615_Beinn_Bhreagh_0035_(cropped).JPG
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Late_Dr_Bell_and_Mrs_Bell_on_Beinn_Bhreagh.jpg
- https://agbfoundation.ca/beinn-bhreagh/