Le Manoir is a 1:12 scale replica of a famous gingerbread house in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was built in 1979 by artisan Paul Fair. According to the original owner, Paul was a retired architect from Annapolis Maryland. He built three of these houses - this one, one that was purchased by the orginal owner's sister, and one that was in a dollhouse museum - possibly in Washington, D.C. I am still trying to verify some of this information, as well as gather more information on Mr. Fair, who may be deceased. The original owner purchased Le Manoir from The Drop Stitch Studio on Cold Spring Lane in Baltimore, MD. If anyone has any information about this house, Mr. Fair, or The Drop Stitch Studio, which is now closed, please reach out to me via the "Get in Touch" page.
I have learned a lot about the original house in Haiti from publications and with the help of some online contacts. Le Manoir was built in 1903 by Eugene Maximillien for a Mr. Normil Sambourg. It is located at No. 146 Avenue John Brown in Port-au-Prince. Unfortunately, this house suffered major damage in the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. It is the subject of several articles that can be found online highlighting structural deficiencies with architecture in Haiti. There are efforts to restore the property, however, due to the civil unrest in Haiti, I am unsure of the status.
Le Manoir is featured in a book of pen and ink drawings by Anghelen Arrington Phillips, Gingerbread Houses: Haiti's Endangered Species. The book was published in 1975. I was able to purchase a copy of this book on eBay shortly after I acquired the dollhouse.
This front-opening dollhouse has nine rooms, shuttered doors and windows, and beautiful two-tiered porches that grace the front of the residence. Its Bishop Hat and square towers make this a very unique dollhouse.
I am enjoying filling the house with artisan items as I acquire them. Since Haiti had a strong influence from France in the early 1900s, I am trying to include some art nouveau elements in the home's decor, which is a bit challenging given their scarcity. Enjoy the photos below and check back often, as I will update images as I make progress.
Be sure to click "Show More" at the bottom of the page to see all the pictures.
P.S. Please consider supporting the people in Haiti, especially the children, who are suffering greatly due to internal strife in their country. Visit Cornerstone Haiti to see how you can help.
(Images updated 12/01/2023)
The original Le Manoir in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Le Manoir with shutter doors and windows fully opened.
Interior of Le Manoir.
Front porch with Miniatures by Libby custom-made sign, Vince Stapleton jardinere, and Lee McCurley wicker chair.
The kitchen holds two painted chairs by Mary Grady O'Brien, a refrigerator and gas range by Hammer N Smith (Mary Carson), copper pans and wrought iron stand by Jason Getzen, pottery items by Sam Dunlap, Stokesay ware, Jane Graber, and Terry Curran.
Ready for Christmas dinner! The dining room features chairs and a sideboard by Andrews Miniatures, Franciscan ware Desert Rose dishes by Snapdragon, and Sterling Silver candlesticks by Steve Acquisto. Some art nouveau dishes by Pat Venning are displayed in a Hannson art nouveau china cabinet.
The living room is decorated for the holidays in this photo. Items include a beautiful art nouveau fireplace by Sue Cook of the UK, Maxfield Parrish framed print from Miniatures by Libby, Peacock Light on the floor by the Kummerows, Betty Valentine sofa and matching chair, Charles Krug Mary Washington chair, Vince Stapleton pottery, West German Christmas tree, artisan packages and more.
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