In 1852, John Robinson Hamilton began building a manor in the English neoclassical style on a vast plot in the heart of the village of New Carlisle, in Gaspésie. The style was very rare in Québec.
Born in Québec, he studied at the Bar, became a lawyer, and practised in Québec before settling in Gaspé and then New Carlisle. After his father died when he was 11, his mother married a French-Canadian, which certainly contributed to his perfect bilingualism.
He served in the Assembly of Bas Canada as deputy for Bonaventure County (1841–1844), and was also appointed Queen’s Counsel. He was later re-elected and defeated on a few occasions, until 1851. He was finally elected to the Legislative Council in 1858.
He married an American in New-York in 1831 and had a family of four daughters and five sons, who lived and grew up in New Carlisle. One of them, too, was elected deputy for Bonaventure in Québec from 1867 to 1871.
A unique manor
The construction of the Manoir took four years. The building is of great heritage value. It also has four chimneys and eight fireplaces. All of its exterior walls are made of stone. The architecture of manoir Hamilton is unique in Gaspésie and was influenced by the Palladian style of Andrea Palladio, the Italian Renaissance architect.
The family lived there for a long time. It was then converted into a hotel and later into a summer residence. John Robinson Hamilton died there on Christmas Eve in 1870.
The manor tour is a must-see. Every room is furnished with period furniture, carpets, old books, paintings and tableware, and the visit undoubtedly transports us to the 19th-century atmosphere of the Loyalist era in Gaspésie.
The kitchen has a traditional bread oven and a hearth with a crane. The Manoir Hamilton offers five cosy and comfortable rooms furnished with period pieces. You are served a gourmet breakfast in the morning.
In 2004, Nicole Duguay acquired the Manoir and the neighbouring campground with her partner at the time. She saw herself as somewhat privileged to be able to live such a 'princess' dream. The manor had been abandoned for about forty years when they began converting it into a tourist guesthouse. Ms. Duguay reportedly invested nearly $300,000 to renovate the building’s interior.
A few years later, the building’s condition called for further major work. No funding was available from the Ministry of Culture, from either level of government, from the Municipality, or from Heritage New Carlisle, since the building was not owned by a non-profit organization. It was concluded that a buyer had to be found who could invest in the repairs and keep the accommodation running in a heritage setting.
In 2014, the Manoir was sold to Marcel Rancourt of Groupe GID, whose head office is in Québec. Rancourt is an entrepreneur who helps clients develop cultural projects and projects in social, community, or economic development. Nicole Duguay remained the manager, as well as the owner of the neighbouring campground, which she runs.
Nicole Duguay, manager of the Manoir
Since taking ownership, Mr. Rancourt has invested in restoration work on the exterior walls and the four chimneys, in the electrical system, and in converting the heating system to electric. Mr. Rancourt plans to continue over the coming years to maintain the Manoir in good condition.
An all-inclusive campground
Camping du Manoir is an oasis of tranquillity facing the baie des Chaleurs. Twelve sites offer three services, 30-amp electrical hookups, showers and a laundry room. Breakfast is available at the Manoir.
Well located in the heart of New Carlisle, it’s popular for short stays
Manoir Hamilton
manoirhamilton.com
115, boulevard Gérard-D.-Lévesque
New Carlisle (Qc) G0C 1Z0
418 752.6498
Camping du Manoir
113, boulevard Gérard-D.-Lévesque
New Carlisle (Qc) G0C 1Z0
418 622-4880