Built as a rectory in 1884, "Claire House" once neighbored the original St. Mary's Cathedral and was home to the Rector and other priests for 76 years. When fire destroyed the cathedral in 1947, precious relics were saved from the flames and secretly stored in the basement of The Rectory (Claire House). One of these relics, containing the bones of two saints, was recently discovered in the basement and now holds a place of honor in the home.

In 1960, a new cathedral was completed on a larger plot of land to accommodate the growing parish population. Soon, a new rectory was also built. The priests moved into the new rectory, and for the next 45 years, the former rectory functioned as both convent and makeshift orphanage - lived in and cared for by the Grey Nuns of the Order of the Sacred Heart.

The Sisters remained at the former rectory until 2005. It was then sold to a succession of families who used it as their home. During this time, the house fell into serious disrepair.

In 2019, Hal and Rachel purchased the former rectory, gave her a new name...and Claire House was born!

During their stewardship, Hal and Rachel have painstakingly renovated and rehabilitated - bringing this beauty back to her former glory. During the process, they discovered relics, treasures, and a number of "otherworldly" friends. Claire House is alive and well, welcoming guests from near and far in the spirit of fellowship, community, adventure and fun. They offer luxury lodgings... with a few bumps in the night at their North Country mansion! 

The Claire House is not only rich in architectural detail and historical resonance, but it is also alive with stories of spectral presence. Guests and caretakers alike speak in hushed tones about its “otherworldly friends,” and these are some of its most prominent apparitions:

Bishop Joseph H. Conroy - The original Rector and later Bishop of Ogdensburg, who oversaw the building of the rectory. His presence is said to linger in the halls, especially in what is now called the Bishop Conroy Suite. At night, echoing footsteps—perhaps his—click and clack across the wood floors, as if the house remembers him still.

The Skeleton‑Faced Lady (Mrs. Gardner) - One of the more chilling presences. Mrs. Gardner, her face gaunt, her eyes hollow, is said to shake doorknobs, especially at night in Room #7.

Our Little Girl - Mischievous and bold, she is often seen peeking through stairwells, or as some guests say, gently reminding others that certain spaces—beds, rooms—“belong” to her.

Overnight Lodging
Book directly through The Claire House B&B website. All overnight guests are welcome to conduct paranormal investigations. 

45-Minute Ghost Tour
Meet the Spirits of The Claire House! Step into The Claire House, one of Ogdensburg’s most haunted locations, and uncover the chilling tales of its ghostly residents. 

4-Hour Paranormal Investigation Package
Dare to uncover the secrets of one of the Thousand Islands' most haunted properties? Join a night of mystery, history, and ghostly encounters at The Claire House in Ogdensburg, NY. Investigation Package includes: Full access to basement, 2nd floor and 3rd floor, with limited access to the 1st floor. Guided history and "hotspot" tour of Claire House. Time: 8pm-12am.

All activities are by appointment only, and can be booked at www.TheClaireHouse.com. 

Overnight lodging- $170-$225/room
Ghost Tour:- $15 donation to St. Mary's Cathedral
Paranormal Investigation (8pm-12am)- $40/person