Blue Jay's Nest Bed and Breakfast

The house is valued for its architectural style; its association with early residents of Montague; and for its contribution to the streetscape.

The land on which the house was built was owned by William Emery. When he passed on in June 1857, he willed a large farm to his daughter, Victoria Jane Emery. She would later marry William C. White and sell part of her farm to Nathaniel MacLaren on April 3, 1901.

The current house was likely built by MacLaren around the turn of the 20th century. James G. MacLaren inherited the house on October 9, 1919. He was married to Ann H. Macdonald. They had no children of their own, but raised a four year old girl, Constance (Connie).

In 1959, Ann MacLaren willed the property to Constance and her second husband, William "Bill" Bears. By the mid 1960s, they left PEI for Maine, USA. They sold the property on November 21, 1966 to Allison and Anne Coneen. More recently, the property has been operated as a bed and breakfast, formerly The Pine's and currently as Blue Jay's Nest Bed and Breakfast.

The house has variously served as a residence, doctor's office, and antique shop over its long history. Today, it remains well preserved showing elements of the Island Ell style with Queen Anne Revival elements. These include the scalloped or fish scale shingles in the gable ends, as well as the beltcourse in the gables. The original design remains intact except for the removal of part of the verandah from the side of the house.

Source: Heritage Division, PEI Department of Tourism and Culture, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

File #: 4310-20/M26