About the Prince Edward (History)

A romantic Queen Anne cottage by-the-sea, the Prince Edward was built for I. Leaming Sheppard in 1896. A Queen Anne is one of several styles of architecture that became popular and endured throughout the reign of Queen Victoria (the longest reigning monarch in British history).  A Queen Anne style cottage is noted for its complex roofline, asymmetrical design, large wrap around front port and elegant use of stained glass. Indeed this nineteen century airy seaside cottage is noted in Cape May for its variety of original stained glass windows including what is believed to be the largest working stained glass window in Cape May. The window is the highlight of an elegant entrance hall and can be seen from Jackson Street.  Cape May is also home to numerous styles of homes including Italianate, Second French Empire, Stick, Romanesque, Gothic Revival and Shingle Style. Each has its own quirks and characteristics and most can be found if you wander the streets of Cape May.

Prior to the construction of the Prince Edward, the site was occupied by a bowling alley which was destroyed in the Great Cape May Fire in 1878. Originally, the cottage was built as a single family home but over time, it was converted to a boarding house for visitors and fisherman stopping over in this quaint seaside town. 

Throughout the years, the Prince Edward has been beautifully restored and is now operated as an Inn offering one (1) and two (2) bedroom suites for weekly and nightly rental.  The intricate woodwork, sweeping main staircase and high ceilings add to the charm and elegance of this beautiful home.  Each suite is decorated with nineteenth century antiques as well as more modern and comfortable furniture which match the style and history of this home.  However, from crocheted spreads to antique quilts to lace curtains, the nineteenth century style is not forgotten at this seaside cottage.

The Prince Edward, purchased by the current owner in 1998, is the only Inn on historic Jackson Street which has off-street parking and which has not been redeveloped into separate condominiums. It is the owner’s intention to retain this property as a single structure with only one owner for the infinite future.  As previously mentioned, the Inn has been restored and with the help of her sons, continues to be restored in order to bring the modern comforts of home into your seaside vacation. Don’t be surprised if you see one her sons beautifying the Inn during your stay.

The Prince Edward typically begins its season around Easter and ends sometime in November.  Each suite has central heating and air conditioning so no matter the season, the Prince Edward is available.

Location

The Prince Edward is located on Historic Jackson Street right in the center of Cape May. Jackson Street is the major thruway between the historic walking mall and the beach.  Jackson Street is also home to Oktoberfest every fall, a yearly celebration featuring crafts, entertainment, and German fare.  Jackson Street is also unique in that it is the highest point on the island and sits roughly 13 feet above sea level. Many of the homes on Jackson Street, including the Prince Edward, have full basements since the location sits high above the water table.

The Inn sits half way between the walking mall and beach and because of its central location, guests park their car at the inn for the week and never use it again until departing. The majority of historic locations are within walking distance including Congress Hall, the Emily Physick Estate, and the numerous streets lined with Victorian Homes. It’s the perfect location for a summer getaway or long spring or fall weekend.

About Prince Edward

The eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Edward was related to royalty throughout Europe. Before his accession to the throne, he served as heir apparent and held the title of Prince of Wales for longer than any of his predecessors. During the long reign of his mother, he was largely excluded from political power, and came to personify the fashionable, leisured elite. He travelled throughout Britain performing ceremonial public duties, and represented Britain on visits abroad. His tours of North America in 1860 and the Indian subcontinent in 1875 were popular successes, but despite public approval his reputation as a playboy prince soured his relationship with his mother.

The Edwardian era, which covered Edward's reign and was named after him, coincided with the start of a new century and heralded significant changes in technology and society, including steam turbine propulsion and the rise of socialism. He died in 1910 in the midst of a constitutional crisis that was resolved the following year by the Parliament Act 1911, which restricted the power of the unelected House of Lords.

Before his accession to the throne, Edward was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. He was surpassed by his great-great-grandson Charles, Prince of Wales, on 22 April 2011.