The history of Stanhope Beach Resort & Conference Centre dates back more than two centuries. The property was first settled by Cornelius and Isabelle Higgins and their seven children. Together, they lived in a log cabin built in 1785.
In 1855, Angus MacMillan took over the land lease at the point and built his farm. The new building was built around an existing log cabin, which is speculated to be that of Cornelius and Isabelle Higgins. He called the farm "Pleasant View", and would often take in summer visitors. By 1860, Angus changed the name to "Pleasant Point Hotel" and in 1871 was charging rates at the grand sum of $1.50 per day or $5.00-$7.00 per week.
In June 1878, Angus advertised that the "Point Pleasant Hotel" had expanded to include accommodations for up to 25 people. Always recognizing the popularity of the beach, he wrote in the Patriot, "for surf bathing, fishing and shooting, the pleasure seeker will find it unequalled in the Dominion".
The hotel was sold in 1900 to John and Helen Davies, who changed the name to "The Cliff". The hotel is remembered as being largely self-sufficient through the 1920's. "The Cliff" continued to function as a dairy farm that also had hens, horses, machine shed and workshop. By using as many local products as possible when purchasing additional goods for the hotel, and by hiring many locals as serving staff, chamber staff, laundry staff, and kitchen helpers, the hotel kept much of the profit in the community.
Prohibition had been a decision of individual communities through the latter part of the 19th century, but was adopted as an Island-wide law in 1901. Prince Edward Island had a history that was filled with taverns and rum, making the new law an undesirable one for many Islanders. Prohibition lasted until 1948, providing ample time for illegal activities and much contraband to come to the Island. Acquiring alcohol never seemed to be a problem for the folks at "The Cliff". Whether it was from the connection that the caretaker, Dan Jarvis, had with the captain of the Bluenose, or by one of the many other rum-runners who were active around the Island, we cannot know. In spite of a close eye that the authorities kept on Covehead Bay, alcohol always managed to find its way to the hotel.
In 1930 the North Shore Hotel Company purchased the resort. Upon doing some renovations to the property, the three walls of the original log cabin were rediscovered. The resort was renamed "Stanhope Beach Inn" and advertised itself through the 1940's as "an up to date first class tourist hotel, with fifty rooms in the main building." It continued, "all beds equipped with newest and most comfortable mattresses - comfort being the watchword of the management." The hotel featured a dance hall, dining room, deep sea fishing, and running water.
The hotel then went back to its family of origin when it was taken over by Gerald and Murielle Auld, the great-great-grandson of Angus McMillan. The name was then changed to Stanhope Beach Lodge. But the coming full circle of the hotel is not the end of its history.
In 1987 the property was purchased as an anniversary present by Dr. Alfy Tadros for his wife Dr. Constance McAdams. Under their guidance, the resort was renovated and enlarged to 120 bedrooms, each with a private bath and the resort operated under the name of Stanhope By the Sea.
In October 2005, the property was purchased by the Murphy family and later renamed as Stanhope Beach Resort. The property has since undergone an extensive restoration and renovations. Victorian inspired design has spread through the property, restoring some of the resort’s history and providing guests with a relaxed and luxurious getaway with the most modern conveniences. The resort now has 83 rooms, ranging from traditional, to luxurious romantic hideaways to elegant multi-bedroom cottages.
Currently owned and operated by Danny Murphy, Stanhope Beach Resort & Conference Centre was welcomed into the DPM Inc Hotel Group in late November 2009 by her four sister properties: The Hampton Inn & Suites Moncton, New Brunswick, Holiday Inn Express, Charlottetown, PEI, Super 8, Charlottetown, PEI and Holiday Inn Express Saint John, New Brunswick.