Background
- Listing: Category A
- Date of building: 1769/1770
Web: www.hallofclestrain.org.uk
Built in 1769 in the classical tradition with pavilions an impressive drive and attractive front steps, this three-storey home is square in design whereas most Georgian houses were rectangular.
Today, although most of the floors are intact very little remains of the grand Georgian interiors. Many of the windows have been bricked up and the basement has been completely given over to keeping livestock following a storm in 1952, which ripped off the roof of the property.
The Hall of Clestrain enjoys particular affection in the hearts of islanders as the birthplace in 1813 of one of the most important figures in Artic exploration, Dr John Rae. The Hall is currently the subject of a number of restoration grant applications. Discussions are also taking place with Canada's Manitoba Museum about a possible link up.