About the White Swan Tavern.
The White Swan Tavern has been a familiar landmark in Chestertown since pre-Revolutionary War days. Not far from many of the great East Coast cities, it is a quiet, elegant place nestled in the rich historical tapestry of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
The restoration of the White Swan Tavern began in 1978 with an archeological dig. Evidence uncovered indicated that the site was used prior to 1733 as a tannery, operated by the shoemaker of Chestertown, John Lovegrove. His one-room dwelling, now converted into one of our six, period guest rooms as the Lovegrove Kitchen, was the first building constructed on the lot.
Joseph Nicholson purchased the property from Lovegrove in 1733 and built his home on the location which comprises the front portion of the present structure. As a member of the Committee of Correspondence, Nicholson had a genuine role in the revolution and emergence of the young Republic. He was influential in founding Chestertown's Washington College in 1782, the tenth-oldest liberal arts college in the nation.
In 1793, the property passed to John Bordley, who enlarged the residence to accommodate the demands of tavern use. The charm of the present structure is due mainly to Bordley's efforts.
Between 1803 and 1853, the property was operated as a tavern by various owners and innkeepers, the most notable of whom was the Reverend William H. Wilmer, then pastor of St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, Virginia. The Reverend Wilmer was also the rector of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, and president of the College of William & Mary.
Our flag is in the process of being restored. It will return to the White Swan Tavern soon.
“The best tavern in town” was up for sale in 1853, and purchased by Thomas W. Eliason, a merchant in everything from clothing to lumber.”
In 1978, the property was impeccably restored to its 1793 appearance in Bordley's time, with one room devoted to the display of many artifacts found on the site. During the entire process of restoration, the owners acquired pieces of furniture, both antique and reproduction, which they thought appropriate to the building. The two front rooms were furnished using the two known historic inventories as guides. The remainder of the building was furnished with the ideals of simplicity and comfort in mind.
Through painstaking analysis, the original paint color was reproduced for the wall paneling and trim. Even the contemporary stoneware dishes were modeled on a set of early chargers recovered from the tavern site. The rooms are named after the various owners of this historic building.
In March of 1981, after three years and five months preparation, The White Swan Tavern opened its doors to the public again. The Havemeyer family were excellent custodians for 44 years.
The history of this property is filled with many owners, visions, and purposes so it is not surprising that in June of 2022, the White Swan changed hands. The new owners consulted with experts, craftsmen, and artists to create a plan to bring the inn into the next part of its history.
A renovation was planned for months and took from January to mid-April to execute with various team members from Chestertown and different parts of the country collaborating to ensure that The White Swan will last another 290 years. The renovation and "refresh" of the White Swan Tavern was inspired by combining old-world charm with up-to-date amenities that travelers want and need.
The architectural structure of the White Swan Tavern is very sound but systems needed an upgrade, bathrooms needed a lift, walls and floors needed a touch-up, and furniture needed to be recovered and rearranged. This was a loving and respectful update to the 1978 renovation, restoration, and remodeling that started it all. The White Swan definitely still feels like the White Swan – a cozy and welcoming place to unwind, relax and enjoy Chestertown. The T.W. Eliason Suite is still a tribute to its Victorian roots. The Thomas Peacock room, tucked into the eaves in the back of the building, is charming and an example of how talented the craftsmen were in their installation of the tile and glass that makes up the beautiful new shower enclosure. The Lovegrove Kitchen has been transformed while still keeping all of the elements that make it a guest favorite.
We thank Chris and the Hevemeyer family for starting this modern innkeeping journey and we can’t wait for everyone to rediscover The White Swan. We have renewed our commitment to a superior guest experience with a delicious breakfast, comfortable beds in a beautiful building, and a friendly knowledgeable staff that is ready to help you experience everything Chestertown has to offer.
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Our Rooms
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Local Events
Throughout the year there are also fun events, festivals, and classes you can attend to make your Maryland getaway even more transformative!