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A Storied Past: The History of the Ipswich Inn

Welcome to the Ipswich Inn, nestled right in the heart of one of New England’s most charming towns. The property you’re staying on has a history as rich and layered as Ipswich itself—going all the way back to 1689.

Long before the inn existed, this land was home to several notable families. It originally belonged to Mr. Thomas Bracy, who sold it to Robert Paine, “Elder to ye church of Ipswich.” Mr. Paine was known for his commitment to education and community, and he passed the land along to his son in 1689. Over the next century, the property changed hands several times, each new owner adding a piece to its story.

In 1690, it became the home of the Wainwright family—well-known in the area. Francis Wainwright, the elder, fought in the Pequot War and went on to become a respected merchant and town leader. His son, also named Francis, was a Harvard grad, a Colonel, and even a Justice in the General Sessions Court.

By 1740, the land had passed to Capt. Thomas Staniford, whose will gives us a peek into life at the time—including the furniture and wardrobe of a gentleman in pre-Revolutionary America. His son, Capt. James Staniford, kept an inn here and expanded the property, purchasing nearby land in the early 1800s.

Over the years, the estate continued to evolve. It was home to the Manning family, followed by the Jewetts—who tore down the original structure and built a brick home in its place. That house eventually made way for something new again when, in 1862, Robert Jordan—a Civil War veteran and local merchant—purchased the land and built the stately Italianate Victorian house that still stands today.

Since then, the house has seen many lives: a residence, a doctor’s office, and eventually, a beloved bed and breakfast. In the winter of 2025, the property was lovingly refurbished, carefully honoring its historic character while updating the spaces for modern comfort. From the curved front staircase to the belvedere on the third-floor roof, many original details remain—and we’re proud to keep them shining.

The grounds still hint at Ipswich’s past, too. The terraced land in the back was once home to mulberry bushes that supported the region’s early silk industry. And if you venture behind the main house, you’ll see the original ice house and summer kitchen, along with the carriage house that once served the home.

Today, the Ipswich Inn continues to welcome travelers from near and far. Whether you’re here for a quiet retreat, a celebration, or just a delicious breakfast, we hope you feel the warmth, history, and hospitality that lives in every corner of this special place.

We’re so glad you’re here to be part of its next chapter.

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