The Hygeia House History.

The Hygeia House is on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in the late 1800s, the house was named after the Greek Goddess of health, Hygeia. The building was acquired by Block Islands only physician, Dr. J. Champlin, in the 1890s. Originally located further down the hill, it was moved to its present location by Dr. Champlin using a team of oxen and turnstiles. It became the annex to the Hygeia Hotel, which later burned down. Since its days as a boarding house, Hygeia has had several identities, including hospital, inn, dance hall, and home. Abandoned in the 1960’s and neglected for three decades, The Hygeia House was almost condemned by the town when it was purchased in 1998 and renovated by the great-grandson of Doctor Champlin. Champ Starr ran the house as a bed and breakfast for over a decade. The Hygeia House can now be rented as a fully staffed luxury vacation home.