Windswept ruins is an 1880s beachside estate built in 1895 by a rich family (Davis family). The estate which served as their homestead and later on a seafood restaurant is now serving as a tourist attraction site having been abandoned and deserted for more than 6 decades now.

The beginning of an era

The Davis family gained their riches from drug and medical supply selling. A major breakthrough came in the family when they came up with a chronic pain drug made from alcohol and opium. Edmund’s grandson would later sell the newly found drug making a fortune. With the fortune, Edmund and the family were able to build a state-of-the-art palatial home and estate at Scarborough Beach.  Construction was done using locally available stones and cement, there was nothing imported. The Davis family occupied the estate until in early 1900 when it was sold to the Castiglione brothers (local Rhodes Island investors). The new owners turned the estate into a seafood restaurant and used some of the rooms as hotels. The business did well for a period of time as many tourists liked the peace and quiet it offered.

Closure of the hotel

The hotel changed hands once again in 1952 when the Lowness family purchased the property. They continued with the business for a decade or so until they were struck by a tragedy of a fire outbreak leading to a decline in the business. This forced the family to close the business and the whole estate down. It soon attracted vandals and graffiti artists who not only cause destruction to the buildings but also looted all the valuables that they found on their way. With no one to maintain the buildings, the department of environmental management purchased the property with an aim of preserving the historic landmarks. This was never actualized due to some unclear reasons.

What remains of the ruins?

When the department of environmental management took over the management of the property, an evaluation revealed that the buildings were decrepit beyond repair or preservation. As a result, the buildings were entirely demolished, leaving only a few concrete walls. The department of environmental management is still in charge of the site.  Plans of building a museum at the site have been a common conversation by the management and the local governments. Whether it will be implemented is still not clear. Today the once busy estate is used by film production industries as shooting scenes. Windswept ruins are open to visitors to tour at any given time. Trails and sandy beaches are some of the fun attractions that are offered by the historic estate. Picnics and camping are allowed on the property.