Perkins House, Inns on Great George

The heritage value of the Perkins House lies in its association with local shoemaker, Hugh Perkins (1801- 1886), its Neo-classical/Adamesque influenced architecture and its importance to the streetscape of Great George Street.

Hugh Perkins bought the land on which Perkins House stands in 1843. He immediately began building his home, which was the second home to be built on the block. Hugh Perkins, a cordwainer (shoemaker) by trade, had immigrated to Charlottetown from England in 1834.

He chose the Neo-classical/Adamesque style for his home. The building remains a well preserved example of this style in the city, with its symmetrical facade, central doorway, simple trim detailing, and clapboard siding. Other details which show the particular influence of the Adamesque include: the use of pilasters on the corners of the building and the addition of a semi-elliptical fanlight above the doorway.

Perkins House has changed ownership several times throughout its history. It had been both a boarding house and private home throughout the years but in 1950, it became part of the hotel next door called the Regent- now the Pavilion. The Perkins House has been renovated in the past ten years and now serves as a historic inn. Part of a group of historic inns that line Great George Street, the Perkins House is a vital part of the Great George Street streetscape.

Sources: Heritage Office, City of Charlottetown Planning Department, PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2

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