Est. 1875

The House & Its History

The Duchess of Kent Inn is one of the most distinctive buildings on Kent Street, recognized as a heritage resource by the City of Charlottetown in 1979 and listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

The Duchess of Kent Inn in winter, showing the turret and mansard roof

Two eras, one home

The eastern portion of the home was built in 1875 by local carpenter Thomas Essery as a private residence for Mary Bryenton, widow of Charlottetown grocer Horace Bryenton. Its Mansard roof and hooded dormer mark the Second Empire style popular in Charlottetown at the time.

In 1914 the home was acquired by Charles Leonard T. MacKay, a businessman and Army Major. A year later he added the western section and the circular turret, designed by prominent Charlottetown architects Chappell and Hunter. A 1915 newspaper called it one of the principal building undertakings of the year in Charlottetown.

The Turret

The signature of the Duchess

The three-storey circular turret, with its conical roof, roundel windows and large bay windows, gives the inn its unmistakable silhouette. Inside, the round turret rooms are part of the guest suites, a sitting spot unlike any other in Charlottetown.

The home remained a private residence until 1981, when it was restored and opened as the Duchess of Kent Inn. Sharyn, the same owner and innkeeper since then, has been welcoming guests for more than 43 years.

Original fireplace with decorative mantel and rocking chair

Inside

Restored in the Victorian style

Original fireplaces, decorative trim, period wallpapers and antiques carry the home's character through every room. Guests often say staying here feels like stepping into another era, with the modern comforts of Wi-Fi, air conditioning and private baths built in.

See the rooms

Come stay in a piece of Charlottetown's history

Downtown on Kent Street, a short walk to Confederation Centre, Province House, Victoria Park and the waterfront.

Call (902) 566-5826