East Lake Shore Road

Begun in 1862 and completed in 1867, this fine house, constructed of locally quarried limestone, was then and still is one of the most impressive structures of the Lake Erie Islands.

Designed by J. B. Merrick of Sandusky for Addison Kelley, son of Datus, its interior features include carved woods of various kinds (cherry, butternut, chestnut, and black walnut), magnificent stained and etched glass, and a self-supporting oak spiral staircase, which is the centerpiece of the house.

The mansion remained in the Kelley family until 1928 when it was sold to the short-lived Cleveland Sportsman's Club. In 1933, it was acquired by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan, serving as a retirement home for nuns, and, later, as a summer camp for girls. It was during this period that a number of adjacent buildings were constructed. Since 1972 it has been operated as an hotel by its current owners. Public tours of the mansion are available during the summer season.

From Kelleys Island, A Tour Guide