The Fireplaces of the Elmwood

The eight original fireplaces of Elmwood were built and installed for heating this luxurious home. Now with hot water heat running through heavy and decorative cast iron radiators, these lovely fireplaces are welcome heat supplements but mostly provide atmosphere throughout the house. All of them work and three are available as private fireplaces in the suites. [In addition there are two Dimplex electric fireplaces which were added for atmosphere in Rosa’s Room and the Nurse’s Room during the 1997 renovations.] The first floor public rooms had four fireplaces, the second floor had three and the third floor for the servants had but one. Architect William Harris’ house design specified that there would be natural grained wood only in the vestibule and the first and second floor reception halls. These two rooms therefore have the oak mantles and surrounds for their fireplaces. The second floor reception hall is now the Inn’s Common Room for the guests. There are four (three shown here) black grained faux marble mantles found in the Library, Parlour (now our Family Room), Dining Room and the Premier’s Suite. The unique fireplace in the Cunard Suite has a shelf mantle and a plaster front with a tole painted tulip motif painted by Island artist, Lorraine Quinn. There is one painted wood surround, the only original fireplace on the third floor which had been the servants’ quarters. It is in the Peake Suite. We guess that the staff were expected to benefit from the rising heat from the family rooms below.