Shamrock Suites

Standing on an elevated site at the rear of the former Village of Bristol, now Florenceville-Bristol, Shamrock Suites is a late-19th century two-storey clapboarded residence in the Queen Anne Revival style. It offers a panoramic view of Main Street and the Saint John River.

Shamrock Suites is designated a Local Historic Place because of its ties to several prominent local merchant families, the Phillips, the Mariches and the Findlays. The home was originally completed in 1895 as the residence of Winifred (A.W.) Phillips. Mr. Phillips was an enterprising citizen, operating at times a general store, a hardware store and the family’s hotel and livery stables. He also generated his own electricity prior to the era of electric lights in the city. By using a stationary gas engine and a belt-driven generator, he powered his store and his home, as well as the Baptist Church and Hall.

The residence later became known as the Marich House and stayed in the Marich family until 2007. E. R. Marich operated one of the best known businesses in the area in the early 20th century. He specialized in high-quality housewares such as furniture, china and gifts. His daughter, Mrs. Sid Findlay, would open her own store at her residence, calling it Marich II.

Source: Florenceville-Bristol Town Office, Historic Places file “Shamrock Suites”

The character-defining elements that describe Shamrock Suites include:

- two-story asymmetrical massing;

- clapboard siding;

- symmetrical fenestration;

- hipped roof;

- two-storey bay with pediment;

- dormer with pediment;

- wooden decorative elements.