History
Over 160 years of stories to tell
Atop a high bank overlooking the beautiful and mighty Bay of Fundy, a local ship captain named John Macomber build his home in 1859. As a bustling shipbuilding community, Maitland was home to some of the finest master craftsmen in Canada. In 1874, Canada’s largest fully rigged ship, the W.D. Lawrence, was built and launched just down the road from the Cresthaven house.
Today, the village of Maitland honours the long history of ship building each September with “Launch Day” celebrations and still proudly operates Canada’s oldest General Store, Frieze and Roy.
It was the master shipbuilding craftsmen who were commissioned to build the Cresthaven house as a prominent example of 19th-century architecture. Their talent and expertise remains indisputable as the house has stood the test of time ever since.
With its original plank floorboards, ornate fireplaces, decorative plaster ceilings, enormous mouldings and charming characteristics, the house has tales of years past emanating from every nook and cranny.
Each owner has fostered a deep respect for the long history of the property. Through extensive record-keeping, a complete timeline exists of all the families who have made Cresthaven by the Sea home.
In 2000, the charm of Cresthaven expanded with an addition to the main house. Maintaining the original style and architecture was imperative, and so the addition seamlessly blended new with old. Gaining three new bedrooms, bathrooms and a common space, new life was given to Cresthaven as it began operating as a B&B.
Current owners, Cathrine and Warren Yuill, purchased Cresthaven by the Sea in 2013 and took up the torch as welcoming B&B owners. They are proud to share the unique charm, historic features and beautiful views of Cresthaven by the Sea with guests from all around the world.
The Legend of Glooscap
By Tomah Joseph - The Algonquin Legends of New England by Charles Godfrey Leland, Public Domain
The village of Maitland is located in the unceded territory of Migmaki (referred to as the province of Nova Scotia today). The land was inhabited by the Indigenous Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaw) peoples before European colonialization.
Glooscap is the most notable figure in Mi’kmaw culture. A physically large man, he brought peace, respect and balance to the world. Born from one of seven lightning bolts sent to earth by the Creator, legends of Glooscap have been passed down from generations over thousands of years. He is credited with creating Migmaki’s Five Islands and controlling the world’s highest tides with his powers. He is said to have left this land once he felt everything was in order but promised to return if he was needed.
The Glooscap Walking Trail follows the spectacular shore of the Minas Basin. The basin’s nutrient-rich waters create an ecological diversity that makes it one of North America's great natural treasures. Here you can explore pristine beaches where agate and sparkling amethyst are the gifts of the waves. Hike a deep forest trail to a cascading waterfall, or enjoy the endless views from soaring sea cliffs. This is a land where eagles and osprey soar, and fall migrations bring hundreds of thousands of shorebirds.
Cresthaven by the Sea is proud to be located on the ancient land of Glooscap and the Mi’kmaq people.
Information source: CBC's Information Morning. Who is Glooscap? He's kind, respectful and big, says Mi'kmaw educator. 04 March 2020