Shipwright Inn, Charlottetown: A Bit Of PEI History In An Elegant Home

Home of a wealthy shipbuilder

1/2 Sitting area in The Navigator's room

2/2 shipwright inn, charlottetown: a bit of pei history in an elegant home | home of a wealthy shipbuilder

Built in 1865 by shipbuilder James Phillips Douse, the home speaks volumes of his wealth and ability to build a house fitting of his social status. All nine guest rooms in this historic home feature nautical names like Crow’s Nest, Navigator’s Retreat, Captain’s Quarters, Wheelhouse, and other sea faring monikers. Each room is decorated differently, except all have the same five star quality the Shipwright Inn is recognized for. Complimentary afternoon refreshments are served in the dining area, and the full breakfast is free and delicious. For those riding the Confederation Trail by bicycle, you will find storage for your bikes. Off-street parking is free and on-site. Each room is decorated in art and antiques from the 19th or early 20th century. Bedrooms are appointed in high quality linens and have comfortable beds. All guest rooms feature private bathrooms, some with Ultra Thermo-masseur baths.

A labor of love

1/2 front yard of Shipright Inn

2/2 shipwright inn, charlottetown: a bit of pei history in an elegant home | a labor of love

The painstaking restoration of this Maritime Vernacular Cottage by the current owners was a labor of love that spared no expense to present this wealthy shipbuilder’s home as it might have looked one hundred years ago. The caramel-colored wood floors tell many a story with scrapes and scratches accumulated from over 150 years of use and abuse. The gables and steep roof lines show pride in craftsmanship uncommon in the modern times we live in. You will feel as though a time machine has swept you back to 1890 walking these well-worn floors, and gazing at the antiques and artwork on display throughout this gem of a B&B. It is truly a privilege to stay at the Shipwright Inn.

In the middle of Charlottetown's attractions and restaurants

Most any attraction in Charlottetown is a short walk away. Peruse the dozens of shops selling modern treasures or buy local jams, jellies, or even canned lobster to take home. The nearby restaurants are of very high quality. Try the Gahan House brew pub for lunch of Brown Bag Fish and Chips with a blueberry ale to wash it down with. For dinner, try Terre Rouge Craft Kitchen turning out farm-to-table meals as good as it gets. The seafood chowder at Terre Rouge is one of the island’s best, or try the Mushrooms Toast for great sampling of garden produce on one plate. Wine and local beers are served at Terre Rouge to enhance your dining experience.

For ice cream lovers, one of many Cows Creamery shops is just a five minute walk from the inn. This is where each waffle-style cone is made fresh for your ice cream choice and you can smell the buttery-vanilla aroma of the cones cooking as you step inside. These are probably the best waffle cones I have ever tasted. Get the chocolate dipped cone with a scoop of Cowconut ice cream for a heavenly treat. Chances are you will be back for one more cone before you depart PEI.

Also close by the Shipwright Inn find the Beaconsfield House, one of Charlottetown’s finest examples of a Victorian mansion. For a small fee of 4.25 CAD/3.32 USD adults, 3.25 CAD/2.54 USD students or 11.75 CAD/9.18 USD for families, visitors can see what it was like to live in style back in 1877. A walk on the Boardwalk is a great way to view the waters that made Charlottetown an attractive place to found this city incorporated in 1855.